ICBy the ICExpress logistics team · Reviewed 7 July 2026 · 5 min read

What goods in transit insurance is

Goods in transit (GIT) insurance covers your shipment for its full declared value against loss, damage or theft — from the moment ICExpress collects it until it is delivered and signed for. Unlike standard carrier liability, which is capped and heavily excluded, GIT cover reimburses what your goods are actually worth, up to the value you declare when you book.

On this page
  1. What GIT insurance covers
  2. Carrier liability vs GIT
  3. What it costs
  4. How to activate cover
  5. Key terms & conditions
  6. What's not covered
  7. FAQs

What GIT insurance covers

ICExpress GIT insurance covers your shipment against accidental loss, damage and theft from the moment our driver collects the parcel until it is delivered and signed for at the destination. Cover applies across all ICExpress service levels — overnight express, economy road freight, cross-border and international airfreight — up to the value you declare when you activate it.

Carrier liability vs GIT insurance

Every transporter carries a baseline liability, but it is capped — typically a fixed rand-per-kilogram amount with a long list of exclusions. On anything valuable, that cap sits far below the real replacement cost. Goods in transit insurance closes that gap.

On a shipment worth R20,000Standard carrier liabilityGoods in Transit insurance
Basis of coverCapped rand-per-kg, many exclusionsFull value you declare
Typical payout if lost or stolenOften a small fraction of the valueUp to R20,000, less the excess
You choose the cover amountNoYes — set it at booking
Suited to high-value goodsLimitedComprehensive
Important: Without Goods in Transit insurance, all goods travel at the owner's risk. Standard carrier liability under South African law and international conventions is severely limited and may not come close to the replacement value of your goods. If a shipment is lost, damaged or stolen without GIT cover, your claim is limited to the carrier's standard liability — often just a fraction of what the goods are worth.

What it costs

The GIT insurance premium is a small percentage of the declared value of your shipment. The exact rate depends on the nature of the goods, the destination and the service level you choose, and it is shown clearly during booking — you see the exact insurance cost before you confirm, with no surprises. A claims excess also applies: the higher of R500 or 10% of the value of the goods is borne by the shipper on any claim.

How to activate cover

At the time of booking

GIT insurance must be requested and activated when you book — it cannot be added after collection. When you create your shipment on our online courier quote calculator (or on the waybill), select "insurance required" and enter the full declared value of your goods. The premium is calculated automatically and added to your shipment cost, so cover is in force the moment you confirm.

Key terms & conditions

Excess

An excess of the higher of R500 or 10% of the declared value applies to every claim.

Claims period

Claims must be submitted within 7 days of delivery (or expected delivery for a lost shipment).

Proof of Delivery

For damage claims, the POD must show the shipment was received damaged or incomplete — have the receiver note it on delivery.

Undervaluation

If the declared value is less than the actual value, the payout is proportionally reduced. Declare the true replacement value.

What's not covered

Cash, jewellery, precious metals, artworks, antiques, collectables and securities are excluded and are not carried under any ICExpress service. Cover also excludes:

Goods in transit insurance FAQs

How do I get a goods in transit insurance quote?

Cover is opt-in per shipment, so it is quoted with your booking. On our online courier quote calculator (or the waybill), select "insurance required" and enter the full declared value. The premium is calculated automatically and shown on your quote before you confirm.

Is courier insurance worth it?

If the replacement value of your goods is more than you could comfortably absorb, yes. Without GIT cover, goods travel at the owner's risk and carrier liability is severely limited — often a small fraction of the value. The premium is only a small percentage of the declared value, so for valuable or hard-to-replace shipments it is usually well worth it.

How much does GIT insurance cost?

The premium is a small percentage of the declared value. The exact rate depends on the goods, the destination and the service level, and it is shown on your quote before you confirm. A claims excess also applies: the higher of R500 or 10% of the value of the goods.

Do you offer goods in transit insurance in South Africa?

Yes. ICExpress offers Goods in Transit cover on domestic, cross-border and international shipments collected in South Africa, activated at booking against your declared value.

How do I claim on goods in transit insurance?

Lodge your claim within 7 days of delivery (or expected delivery for a lost shipment). For damage or shortage claims the Proof of Delivery must state the shipment was received damaged or incomplete, so have the receiver note it on delivery. ICExpress places its cover through a brokerage, which handles the claim. The excess — the higher of R500 or 10% of the value — applies to every claim, and undervaluing goods can reduce or void a claim.

When does cover start and end?

Cover runs from the moment ICExpress collects your shipment until it is delivered and signed for at the destination — the full door-to-door journey.

What is not covered by goods in transit insurance?

Cash, jewellery, precious metals, artworks, antiques, collectables and securities are excluded and not carried. Cover also excludes damage from inadequate packaging, inherent vice, prohibited items, undeclared or misdeclared goods, consequential losses, and force majeure such as war or civil unrest.

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