Transporting Bricks - Do You Need Goods in Transit Insurance?

Transporting Bricks – Do You Need Goods in Transit Insurance?

Introduction

If you transport bricks for a living—whether you’re a builder collecting from a merchant, a haulage firm delivering to sites, or a manufacturer moving stock between yards—you’re carrying a product that’s deceptively “simple” but surprisingly risky.

Bricks are heavy, brittle, often moved by forklift or crane, and commonly delivered to busy, changeable environments like construction sites. One cracked pack can trigger arguments over who’s responsible. One theft from a curtain-sider can wipe out your profit on the job. And one load shift can damage your vehicle, other road users, and the goods themselves.

That’s where Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance comes in. It’s designed to protect the value of goods while they’re being carried—by road, and sometimes by other methods—subject to the policy terms.

This guide explains when you may need GIT insurance for bricks, what it typically covers, what it often doesn’t, and how to set up your cover so it actually responds when you need it.

Why transporting bricks is a higher-risk job than it looks

Bricks and blocks create a unique mix of hazards:

• High weight, high momentum: A load shift is more likely to cause damage.
• Fragility and breakage: Even small impacts can chip faces or crack corners.
• Handling risk: Forklift tines, grab attachments, and crane lifts can damage packs.
• Weather exposure: Wet straps, torn sheeting, or uncovered loads can lead to water damage and staining.
• Theft risk: Bricks can be stolen from vehicles, lay-bys, sites, and yards—especially where access control is weak.
• Disputes at delivery: “It was fine when it left” vs “it arrived damaged” is a common argument.

Because of this, relying on “we’re careful” isn’t enough. You need a clear insurance position and clear contract terms.

What is Goods in Transit insurance?

Goods in Transit insurance is a policy that can cover loss of or damage to goods while they are being transported.

It’s commonly used by:

• Haulage contractors and courier firms
• Builders and trades who carry materials to site
• Manufacturers and wholesalers delivering their own goods
• Merchants using their own vehicles for deliveries

Depending on the policy, GIT can cover goods:

• Owned by you (your stock/materials)
• Owned by customers or suppliers but in your custody
• Carried under a contract where you’re responsible for the goods

The key point: motor insurance is not the same thing as Goods in Transit. Your commercial vehicle policy primarily covers your vehicle and your liability to others on the road. It does not automatically cover the bricks on the back.

Do you legally need Goods in Transit insurance to transport bricks?

In the UK, there isn’t a single law that says “you must have GIT insurance” in all cases. But in practice, you may still need it because:

• Your contract may require it. Many clients and principal contractors will ask for proof of GIT cover.
• You may be liable under contract or common law. If you damage goods you’re carrying, you may be expected to pay.
• You may be operating under specific carriage conditions. Some hauliers work under RHA Conditions of Carriage; others agree bespoke terms.

So the real question is: if the load is damaged, stolen, or lost, who pays? If the answer could be “you”, GIT becomes a sensible (and often essential) protection.

Who should consider GIT insurance for brick transport?

1) Haulage and HIAB operators

If you transport bricks for clients—especially if you’re doing site deliveries with a HIAB—your exposure can be significant. Damage can happen during:

• Loading at the yard
• Strapping and securing
• Transit
• Offloading to site

A good GIT policy can be the difference between a manageable claim and a major cashflow hit.

2) Builders and groundworkers moving materials to site

If you’re collecting bricks from a merchant and delivering to your own job, you might assume the risk is “yours anyway”. But that doesn’t make it cheap.

If a pack falls, gets damaged, or is stolen from the vehicle overnight, you may have to buy again—plus delays, labour downtime, and potential penalties.

3) Brick manufacturers and merchants delivering their own stock

If you’re delivering your own goods, you still face loss and damage while they’re in transit. Even if you can absorb the cost of the bricks themselves, you may also face:

• Customer disputes and refunds
• Redelivery costs
• Reputational damage
• Knock-on project delays

4) Fleet operators moving stock between depots

Internal movements can be overlooked. But if you’re shifting bricks between yards, the risk is still there—and claims can still happen.

What does Goods in Transit insurance typically cover for bricks?

Cover varies by insurer and wording, but many GIT policies can include:

• Accidental damage to goods during transit (e.g., load shift, impact)
• Theft from a vehicle (often with security conditions)
• Fire
• Collision or overturning
• Loading and unloading (sometimes included, sometimes optional)
• Loss (e.g., goods missing following a covered event)

Some policies are written on an “all risks” basis (with exclusions), while others cover named perils only.

Typical claim examples (brick transport)

• A strapped load shifts during heavy braking and several packs crack.
• Bricks are stolen from a parked vehicle overnight.
• A vehicle is involved in a collision and the load is damaged.
• A pack is damaged by forklift impact during loading.
• Rainwater enters due to torn sheeting and causes staining or packaging damage.

What GIT often does NOT cover (common exclusions)

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

• Poor packing or inadequate securing (e.g., insufficient straps, unsuitable restraints)
• Wear and tear / gradual deterioration
• Inherent vice (damage due to the nature of the goods)
• Unattended vehicle theft unless strict security conditions are met
• Theft from open vehicles or where there’s no evidence of forcible entry
• Damage during loading/unloading if not included
• Consequential loss (e.g., project delay penalties) unless specifically covered elsewhere
• Faulty workmanship (e.g., damage caused by incorrect handling)

Bricks are also prone to “cosmetic” damage disputes—chips, scuffs, corner breaks. Some policies may have special terms around fragile goods, breakage, or “scratching and denting”.

Goods in Transit vs Public Liability vs Employers’ Liability

It’s worth separating what each policy is for:

• Goods in Transit: covers the bricks (the property) while being carried.
• Public Liability: covers injury or property damage to third parties (e.g., a falling pack damages a client’s wall or injures a bystander).
• Employers’ Liability: covers injury/illness claims from employees.

You may need all three. They solve different problems.

Goods in Transit vs Marine Cargo insurance

You may hear “marine cargo” used even when goods travel by road. In insurance terms, “marine” can refer to cargo cover more broadly.

If you’re transporting bricks:

• Road-only local deliveries are often handled under a standard GIT policy.
• Imports/exports or multimodal transport may need a cargo/marine policy.

If you’re moving bricks internationally (or via ports), it’s important to tell your broker—terms, limits and exclusions can change.

How much cover do you need for transporting bricks?

The right limit depends on your maximum exposure at any one time. Consider:

• Maximum value per load: what’s the highest value of bricks/blocks you carry in a single trip?
• Multiple drops: do you carry mixed loads for multiple customers?
• Peak season: do values rise in summer building months?
• Special bricks: engineering bricks, facing bricks, reclaimed bricks and imported products can be much higher value.

A common mistake is insuring “average load value” rather than worst-case load value. If you underinsure, you may face reduced claim payments.

Key policy details to get right

1) Basis of cover: “all risks” vs named perils

“All risks” is often broader, but still has exclusions. Named perils can be cheaper but may leave gaps.

2) Territorial limits

Make sure the policy territory matches your work:

• UK only
• UK + Ireland
• Europe
• Worldwide (rare for bricks, but possible)

3) Loading and unloading

If you use a HIAB or you regularly handle goods yourself, confirm whether loading/unloading is included.

4) Overnight parking and security conditions

Insurers may require:

• Vehicles locked and alarmed
• Parking in a secure compound
• No overnight parking in certain areas
• Evidence of forcible entry for theft claims

If your real-world operations don’t match the conditions, you can end up uninsured.

5) Vehicle types and methods of carriage

Curtain-siders, flatbeds, tippers, and rigid lorries can attract different terms. Bricks on open vehicles may face stricter theft conditions.

6) Single article limits and fragile goods terms

Some policies have a “single item” or “single package” limit. For bricks, clarify how “a pack” is treated.

7) Excess (deductible)

A higher excess can reduce premium, but make sure it’s affordable if you have a few smaller breakage claims.

What affects the cost of Goods in Transit insurance?

Insurers typically look at:

• Type of goods (bricks/blocks can be classed as heavy/fragile)
• Annual turnover and estimated carried value
• Maximum value any one vehicle
• Claims history
• Security and parking arrangements
• Driver experience and fleet size
• Routes and delivery locations (e.g., high-theft areas)
• Whether you do loading/unloading and what equipment you use

If you’re being quoted high premiums, it’s often because the insurer thinks the theft or damage frequency will be high—or because the policy limit doesn’t match your controls.

Practical risk reduction tips (that also help with insurance)

Insurers like businesses that can show control. For brick transport, that can include:

• Load securing procedures: clear rules on straps, edge protectors, and checks.
• Driver training: especially for heavy loads and site deliveries.
• Vehicle security: immobilisers, trackers, alarms.
• Parking policy: secure yards, CCTV, well-lit compounds.
• Proof at collection and delivery: photos of packs, condition notes, signed PODs.
• Site delivery process: agreed drop zones, safe access, and clear responsibility for offload.

These steps reduce claims and can make your insurance easier to place.

Contract terms: who is responsible for the bricks?

Insurance is only half the story. Your liability depends on what you’ve agreed.

Questions to ask:

• Are you carrying under your own terms, RHA Conditions, or the client’s terms?
• Do your delivery notes limit liability?
• Are you responsible once the goods are “on site” or only until kerbside?
• Who is responsible for offloading and where is the risk transferred?

If you’re not sure, it’s worth getting your broker to review your typical contracts and delivery notes so your insurance matches your real obligations.

Frequently asked questions

Is Goods in Transit insurance the same as courier insurance?

Courier insurance often includes GIT, but it’s usually designed for parcels and general carriage. Brick transport may need a policy that specifically accepts heavy building materials.

Does my motor insurance cover the bricks?

Usually not. Motor insurance covers the vehicle and third-party road risks. The goods you carry typically need separate GIT cover.

What if the bricks are damaged during unloading with my HIAB?

Some policies include loading/unloading; others exclude it or require an extension. Always confirm in writing.

Are bricks classed as “fragile goods”?

They can be treated as breakable, especially facing bricks and reclaimed bricks. This can affect terms, excesses, and exclusions.

What if the client says the bricks arrived damaged but I disagree?

Good documentation helps: photos at collection, photos at delivery, and clear notes on the POD. Insurance may still respond to covered damage, but disputes often come down to evidence.

Can I insure customer goods even if I don’t own them?

Often yes, as long as you have an insurable interest (you’re responsible for them under contract or in your custody). Policies vary.

Quick checklist: do you need Goods in Transit insurance for bricks?

You should strongly consider GIT if any of the following are true:

• You carry bricks/blocks for customers or suppliers
• Your contracts make you responsible for loss/damage
• You park loaded vehicles overnight
• You do site deliveries where damage disputes are common
• A theft or damaged load would hurt your cashflow
• Your clients ask for proof of cover

Conclusion: protect your loads, protect your margin

Transporting bricks is a core part of many construction supply chains—but it’s also a common source of loss, damage and disputes. Goods in Transit insurance helps protect the value of the goods you carry and can be a requirement for winning and keeping contracts.

The right cover depends on your load values, vehicle types, routes, security, and whether you handle loading and unloading. If you want your policy to pay out when something goes wrong, it needs to match how you actually work—not how an insurer assumes you work.

Call to action

If you transport bricks, blocks or other building materials and want to check your current cover, we can help you review your risks and arrange Goods in Transit insurance that fits your operation.

Speak to Insure24 today on 0330 127 2333 or visit https://www.insure24.co.uk/ to request a quote.