IT Equipment Transport Insurance: Server & Computer Delivery

Introduction

Moving IT equipment isn’t like moving office stationery. A single server, storage array or high-end workstation can cost thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) of pounds, and the real value often goes beyond the hardware: downtime, data exposure, missed SLAs, and reputational damage can dwarf the replacement cost.

Whether you’re a managed service provider (MSP), IT reseller, data centre contractor, courier, or an in-house IT team relocating equipment between sites, IT equipment transport insurance (sometimes arranged as goods in transit cover) is designed to protect you financially when things go wrong on the road.

This guide explains how server and computer delivery risks happen, what a good policy should include, and how to set up your transport process to keep premiums and claims under control.

What is IT equipment transport insurance?

IT equipment transport insurance is a type of commercial insurance that covers loss of, or damage to, IT hardware while it is being transported.

Depending on your setup, this cover may be arranged as:

• Goods in Transit insurance for your business vehicles and drivers

• Courier insurance if you deliver on behalf of clients

• Haulage insurance for larger operations

• All Risks transit cover for high-value, fragile items

• Occasional transit / specified journeys cover for one-off moves

It can apply to deliveries and collections made by:

• Your own employees using company vans

• Employees using their own vehicles (if declared and accepted)

• Subcontracted drivers (if permitted)

• Specialist logistics providers (with your interest noted)

The key point: if the equipment is your responsibility while it’s in transit, you should assume you need insurance that specifically covers that exposure.

Who needs server and computer delivery cover?

IT equipment transport insurance is relevant for a wide range of UK businesses, including:

• IT resellers and VARs delivering new equipment to customers

• MSPs and IT support companies moving kit for installs, upgrades and break/fix

• Data centre contractors transporting racks, PDUs, switches and spares

• Office relocation firms handling IT moves (often alongside general removals)

• Repair centres collecting and returning laptops, desktops and peripherals

• AV and events suppliers transporting servers, streaming kit and networking gear

• E-commerce sellers shipping high-value electronics (where you retain risk)

If you’re FCA-regulated or operate in a regulated environment (for example, handling health data), the insurance conversation should also include data protection and cyber exposures.

Why IT equipment is high-risk in transit

Insurers treat IT equipment as higher risk than many other goods because:

• It’s attractive to thieves (easy to sell, high value, portable)

• It’s fragile and sensitive (shock, vibration, moisture, static)

• Packaging quality varies (especially for refurbished or mixed loads)

• Proof of condition can be disputed (was it damaged before collection?)

• Loss can trigger knock-on costs (urgent replacement, overtime, penalties)

For servers in particular, damage isn’t always visible. A unit can look fine externally but suffer internal component damage from impact or poor handling.

What does IT equipment transport insurance typically cover?

Cover varies by insurer and wording, but a strong policy for server and computer delivery may include:

1) Accidental damage in transit

Protection if equipment is damaged due to an insured event, such as:

• Collision or overturning of the vehicle

• Sudden braking causing load shift

• Dropping during loading/unloading

• Impact damage from poor securing

2) Theft

Theft is one of the most common (and most contested) claims areas. Policies may cover:

• Theft from a locked vehicle

• Theft following forcible and violent entry

• Theft from a secure depot (if included)

Many wordings require evidence of forced entry and may exclude unattended vehicles unless strict security conditions are met.

3) Fire and explosion

Cover for equipment damaged by fire in the vehicle or at a temporary storage point (if included).

4) Water damage (limited)

Some policies may cover water damage from an insured event, but many exclude:

• Rain ingress due to doors left open

• Condensation or gradual damp

• Flood unless specifically insured

5) Loading and unloading

This is critical for IT moves. A lot of losses happen at the kerbside, on tail lifts, or while manoeuvring racks through doorways.

6) Worldwide or UK-only transit

If you ship equipment abroad (for example, to EU sites), you may need:

• Territorial extensions

• Cover for air/sea freight

• Customs and storage exposures

Common exclusions and limitations to watch

This is where many businesses get caught out. Typical exclusions include:

• Unattended vehicle theft (or strict conditions such as locked, alarmed, in a secure compound)

• Theft without forced entry

• Wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, electrical failure

• Inadequate packaging

• Gradual deterioration, rust, corrosion, moisture

• Consequential loss (downtime, lost profits, SLA penalties) unless separately insured

• High-value single items above a specified limit unless declared

• Employee dishonesty unless fidelity/employee dishonesty cover is added

• Unspecified subcontractors

Also watch for:

• Single item limits (e.g., £5,000 per item)

• Vehicle limits (e.g., £25,000 per vehicle)

• Any one loss limits (e.g., £50,000 per incident)

• Excesses that make small claims uneconomical

Servers vs laptops: why the risk profile differs

A “computer delivery” can mean anything from a single laptop to a full rack build. Insurers often underwrite these differently.

Server deliveries

• Higher unit value and higher claim severity

• More sensitive to shock and vibration

• Often requires two-person handling or specialist equipment

• Greater likelihood of business interruption if delayed

Laptop and desktop deliveries

• Higher theft frequency (portable)

• Higher volume shipments (multiple devices)

• Increased exposure to unattended vehicle theft

If you do both, you may need a policy that can flex between high-value single items and bulk shipments.

How insurers assess your risk (and what they’ll ask)

When arranging IT equipment transport insurance, expect questions such as:

• What goods do you carry (servers, laptops, networking kit, components)?

• Maximum value per item and per load

• Typical routes and delivery areas (local vs nationwide)

• Overnight storage: do you ever leave goods in vehicles?

• Vehicle types, security, alarms, immobilisers, trackers

• Driver experience, licence checks, claims history

• Packaging standards and loading procedures

• Use of subcontractors and how they’re vetted

• Whether you provide “white glove” installation services

Clear answers and documented procedures can improve terms.

Packaging and handling: the fastest way to reduce claims

Insurance is your backstop. Your day-to-day process is what prevents losses.

Best practice for servers and racks

• Use manufacturer packaging where possible

• For rack moves, use proper rack transport frames and straps

• Fit shock indicators and tilt indicators for high-value shipments

• Avoid stacking heavy units on top of lighter items

• Use anti-static materials for components

Loading and unloading controls

• Use tail lifts rated for the load

• Two-person lift for awkward/heavy items

• Use stair climbers or dollies for internal moves

• Photograph equipment condition at collection and delivery

Vehicle setup

• Load bars, straps and anchor points

• Non-slip flooring

• Temperature and moisture control where relevant

• Keep goods out of sight (no branding that advertises electronics)

Insurers love evidence. A simple SOP and training record can make a real difference.

Security requirements: what “reasonable precautions” really means

Most policies include a condition requiring you to take reasonable precautions. In practice, that can mean:

• Vehicles locked when unattended

• Keys removed and kept secure

• Alarm/immobiliser activated

• No overnight storage in vehicles (or only in locked compounds)

• Secure parking: CCTV, gated yards, well-lit areas

• Never leaving goods visible through windows

If you regularly do late-night installs or early-morning deliveries, be upfront about it so the policy matches reality.

Do you need additional covers alongside transit insurance?

Often, yes. Transit cover protects the goods, but IT delivery businesses have other exposures.

Public liability

If you’re delivering servers into customer premises, you can accidentally:

• Damage floors, lifts, walls or doors

• Cause injury to staff or visitors

• Trip hazards from packaging and cables

Public liability helps cover third-party injury and property damage claims.

Employers’ liability

A legal requirement in most cases if you employ staff. Manual handling injuries are a real risk in IT moves.

Professional indemnity (PI)

If you provide advice, design, configuration, or installation services, PI can respond to claims alleging negligence, errors or omissions.

Cyber insurance

If you handle customer data, credentials, backups, or have remote access tools, cyber cover can help with:

• Data breach response

• Ransomware and business interruption

• Liability claims

Commercial vehicle insurance

Your motor policy covers the vehicle and third-party road risks, but it does not automatically cover the goods you carry.

Contract terms: who is responsible for the equipment?

A common problem is assuming “the courier is liable” or “the customer’s insurance will cover it.” Liability depends on:

• Your contract terms

• Incoterms (for international shipments)

• Whether you’re acting as carrier, subcontractor, or agent

• Limits under carriage conventions (which can be far below the equipment value)

If your contract says you’re responsible until signed delivery, you need insurance that matches that responsibility.

Claims examples (realistic scenarios)

Here are common claim scenarios in server and computer delivery:

• A van is broken into at a service station; laptops are stolen overnight.

• A rack is not properly strapped; it tips during braking and damages multiple servers.

• A server is dropped during unloading; internal components fail later.

• A vehicle catches fire; the entire load is written off.

• Equipment is damaged by water after being left near an open loading bay door.

The difference between a smooth claim and a rejected claim often comes down to documentation and compliance with policy conditions.

What to do after an incident (to protect your claim)

If loss or damage occurs:

1. Make the scene safe and prevent further damage.

2. Notify the police immediately for theft and obtain a crime reference number.

3. Take photos of the vehicle, locks, forced entry, packaging, and the goods.

4. Keep damaged packaging (insurers may want to inspect it).

5. Record timelines: where the vehicle was parked, when it was last checked.

6. Notify your broker/insurer quickly and follow their claims process.

Avoid disposing of items until you have insurer approval.

How to choose the right policy: a practical checklist

When comparing IT equipment transport insurance, look for:

• “All risks” wording for accidental damage (not just fire/theft)

• Adequate single item and vehicle limits for servers

• Clear cover for loading/unloading

• Theft cover that matches your real-world working pattern

• Cover for temporary storage if you use depots or staging areas

• Permission for subcontractors if you use them

• Territorial limits that match your routes

• A sensible excess and clear claims process

If you’re unsure, provide your broker with a sample week of deliveries and maximum values—this helps avoid underinsurance.

FAQs: IT Equipment Transport Insurance

Is goods in transit insurance the same as courier insurance?

They’re closely related. Goods in transit is often used for businesses carrying their own goods or customers’ goods in their vehicles. Courier insurance is usually tailored for delivery businesses and may include additional liability covers.

Does my commercial vehicle policy cover the servers I’m carrying?

Usually not. Motor insurance covers road risks (damage you cause to others, and sometimes damage to your vehicle). The goods you carry typically need separate goods in transit cover.

Can I cover equipment carried in employees’ own cars?

Sometimes, but it must be declared and accepted by the insurer. You’ll also need to ensure the driver has appropriate business-use motor cover.

Are high-value servers covered if the van is unattended?

It depends on the policy conditions. Many insurers restrict unattended vehicle theft unless the vehicle is locked, alarmed, and parked in a secure location, and theft involves forcible entry.

What if the equipment is damaged but still powers on?

Hidden damage is common with IT hardware. Document the incident, keep packaging, and report it promptly. Some policies may require inspection or evidence that damage occurred during transit.

Do I need cover for installation and commissioning?

Transit insurance covers the goods while being transported (and sometimes during loading/unloading). If you also install or configure equipment, you may need public liability and professional indemnity.

Does transit insurance cover data loss?

Typically no. Transit policies cover physical loss or damage to hardware. Data loss is usually addressed via cyber insurance, backups, and robust operational controls.

How can I reduce my premium?

Insurers often reward:

• Better vehicle security (alarms, immobilisers, trackers)

• No overnight storage in vehicles

• Lower unattended theft exposure

• Documented packaging and handling procedures

• Experienced drivers and good claims history

Conclusion

Server and computer deliveries carry a unique mix of high value, high theft risk, and high sensitivity to handling. IT equipment transport insurance helps protect your balance sheet when the unexpected happens—but the best outcomes come from matching the policy to your real working practices.

If you regularly transport servers, laptops, networking kit or high-value components, it’s worth reviewing your limits, theft conditions, and loading/unloading cover. A small wording detail can be the difference between a paid claim and an expensive lesson.

Need a quote or want to sanity-check your current cover? Speak to a specialist commercial insurance broker who understands high-value goods in transit and the realities of IT delivery work.