| Getting started in you own courier business | | | | some form of vehicle insurance. This is a |
| is simple, and you will have the advantage of | | | | requirement of which many people are not |
| a quick profit since there are no overheads. | | | | aware. When you talk to your insurance |
| Nevertheless, there are a few things to know | | | | provider, you will be tempted to tell them |
| before you get started. You will need to know | | | | that you are going to use your vehicle for a |
| pitfalls to avoid when you decide to become | | | | business; however, you need to specify to |
| your own boss in a courier business. | | | | them that you plan to use it for a courier |
| | | | business. The difference being that you will |
| First things first, you need a vehicle. The | | | | be responsible for transporting goods that |
| vehicle you designate for your courier | | | | belong to other people for a profit. This |
| business should be no older than six years, | | | | will have an affect on both your initial |
| but can really be any size you choose. | | | | cover quote as well as any claims you make on |
| However, if you are serious in your ventures | | | | the policy. |
| as a courier business owner you may be better | | | | |
| off to invest in something a little bigger | | | | It will be worth it to pay the extra money |
| than a hatchback car, so you will be able to | | | | for goods in transit insurance. This will |
| transport bigger loads and charge more for | | | | cover everything you carry against damage and |
| doing so. | | | | loss for goods valued at £10,000 or |
| | | | less. Your usual insurance provider may |
| Next, you will need to invest in cellular | | | | include this, but if they do not, you should |
| phone service, especially for new courier | | | | have no problem obtaining such cover from |
| business owners. Now-a-days, people without | | | | providers specialising in courier insurance. |
| mobile phones are somewhat of a rarity, so | | | | This is important for new owners because you |
| this should not be much of a problem. It is | | | | will appear more legit and people will be |
| important to keep in touch with your | | | | more likely to be willing to do business with |
| employees when they are one the road. | | | | you. |
| | | | |
| One of the most important things you need to | | | | Public liability may not be as important as |
| know about starting your own courier business | | | | vehicle insurance and goods in transit cover, |
| is what type of courier insurance you need to | | | | but you should still consider it. This cover |
| protect your courier vehicles. With all of | | | | will protect you against issues with your |
| the options that are available, it can get | | | | customers in case of accidents. |
| quite confusing. | | | | |
| | | | Although this cover is not strictly insurance |
| There are three main types of courier | | | | as such, it is also important to mention |
| insurance with which you should become | | | | since you will technically be self-employed. |
| familiar: vehicle insurance, goods in transit | | | | New courier business owners will need to get |
| insurance, and public liability. Courier | | | | their taxes and arrange any credits to which |
| insurance is of great importance to anyone | | | | they may be entitled. It may be in your best |
| new to owning their own courier business. | | | | interest to employ an accountant, which will |
| | | | save you money and have an understanding of |
| Any vehicle driven on the roadways must have | | | | which expenses you are able to claim. |