What Does Goods-in-Transit Insurance Cover?

Goods-in-transit (GIT) is short-term cover for cargo while it moves — and sometimes while it is loaded, unloaded or briefly held, depending on the policy wording.

In South Africa, hauliers and traders often assume the truck policy “includes the load.” It usually does not. That gap is why GIT sits beside truck insurance and fleet insurance in a proper transport programme.

This article explains the idea in plain language. Exact cover always depends on the insurer wording and your declarations. It is not a quotation or FAIS advice.

Pillar pages: Goods in transit · Transport insurance · Heavy haulage

GIT in one sentence

GIT helps protect the value of the goods against insured perils during transit, subject to limits, excesses and exclusions.

What GIT often addresses

Every wording differs, but programmes commonly consider:

• Loss of or damage to declared cargo in transit
• Specified perils (for example accident, fire, theft — as listed)
• Own-goods or carrier / haulage exposures
• Geographical scope (RSA only vs wider territories)

Your broker should match limits to real load values and customer contracts — not a round number that feels convenient.

What GIT usually does not replace

• The truck or trailer itself (that is motor / HCV cover)
• Business interruption unless separately arranged
• Every contractual indemnity a customer writes into a service level agreement

If a customer demands “full GIT to X value,” bring that clause to the broker before you sign.

Common information insurers ask for

• Cargo types (general, refrigerated, high-value, hazardous)
• Average and maximum load values
• Routes and overnight practices
• Security and sealing procedures
• Claims history on transit losses

GIT vs truck insurance

Question	Truck / HCV cover	Goods-in-transit
Protects	Vehicle and often related motor sections	The cargo / freight value
Trigger	Damage or loss to the unit	Damage or loss to the load (per wording)
Typical buyer	Owner-operator or fleet	Haulier, trader, or both

Many operators need both. See our goods-in-transit page for how Rand-Pro structures the conversation.

South African practical notes

• Inland road transit is usually GIT / inland transit — not the same as marine cargo for sea imports
• Cross-border loads need territorial clarity — see cross-border transport insurance
• East Rand and national corridor operators should declare depot and route patterns honestly

When to speak to a broker

Talk to Rand-Pro if you:

• Moved from own goods to hire and reward
• Increased average load values
• Added new cargo types
• Started regular SADC trips

Request a haulage quote or read the transport insurance hub. Offices in Springs and Brackenfell · FSP 5024.

Bottom line

GIT answers: If the freight is damaged or stolen in transit, is there a policy section that responds for the cargo?
Truck cover answers: Is the vehicle protected?
Strong transport programmes answer both — clearly, and in writing.