2021 experiencing 50% lift on 2020 figures
Demand for courier insurance shot up 85% from 2019 to 2020 as the pandemic took hold according to new figures from Quotezone.co.uk.
As lockdown restrictions started to ease in 2021, that surge continued with a further 50% increase from January to August 2021 compared to the same time period in 2020.
Courier deliveries for online purchases, parcels and takeaway foods jumped by a dramatic 347% from 2019 to 2020. 2021 then witnessed a further 49% increase in the first 8 months of the year, 91% of which is fast food and takeaway deliveries with the top three services noted as Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat, in that order.
The data, sampled from one of the UK’s leading courier insurance comparison websites, Quotezone.co.uk, noted courier insurance demand also experienced a seasonal spike this time last year, from October to December 2020, increasing 140% in those three months leading up to the Christmas holidays.
In the Lockdown 2 period (November 2020), online sales grew by as much as 80%. The online share of retail sales rose to 32.8%, compared to only 21.5% in Christmas 2019. Quotezone.co.uk is anticipating the trend will be repeated again this year to reflect changes in buying behaviour that were experienced over the pandemic, and with a predicted spike in covid cases in winter, online shopping and therefore home deliveries, are likely to remain in high demand.
Quotezone.co.uk’s Founder Greg Wilson comments: “With furlough due to end this week, demand for courier insurance has the potential to surge once again, as people look for new jobs that are in high demand and don’t necessarily require any additional training. Courier jobs also allow for flexibility so those on reduced hours may find it workable to pick up evening deliveries and weekend work.
“Given the incredible demand we witnessed last year across the festive period, it’s likely we’ll also see a similar pattern this year as many covid restrictions still remain in place and empty shop shelves force customers online once again. I would urge anyone who is new to couriering to make sure their policy covers them for ‘hire and reward’ or check with their employers to see if they provide this type of courier insurance for their drivers.”
Courier insurance is suitable for drivers making lots of drop-offs every day within a local area and offers additional protection compared to standard policies, most notably giving cover for the goods themselves when the policy includes ‘goods in transit’ cover.
Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products including courier insurance, van insurance and car insurance.
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