On time, on cover.
Commercial auto, hired and non-owned auto, cargo, general liability and workers' comp for same-day, medical and last-mile courier services.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Vans, packages and who's driving
A courier business is mostly an auto risk. The questions start with the vehicles (company vans, box trucks, or drivers' own cars) and the drivers' records. The packages come next: legal documents, lab specimens, parts and retail orders each carry different cargo questions.
I place commercial auto for vehicles you own, hired and non-owned auto when drivers use their own cars, cargo for goods in transit, general liability for docks and drop-offs, and workers' comp. How your drivers are classified matters here, because California applies a strict test to independent contractor status.
- Commercial autoLiability and physical damage for your vans.
- Hired and non-owned autoDrivers delivering in their own cars.
- CargoPackages and goods while in your care.
- Workers' compLifting, loading and driving injuries.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Vehicles: type, year and who owns them.
- Drivers: names, license states and how they're paid.
- Cargo: what you carry and top value per load.
- Area: cities and routes, local or regional.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policies and claims.
Courier insurance, answered
My drivers use their own cars. What do I need?
Hired and non-owned auto can protect your business when a driver in a personal car causes a crash on your work. Their personal policies often exclude delivery for pay, so they need their own coverage too.
Are the packages covered?
Cargo coverage can pay for goods damaged or stolen while in your care, subject to limits and exclusions. Cash, jewelry and some medical items are often excluded or limited, so tell me what you carry.
Can my drivers be 1099 contractors?
California uses a strict test for contractor status, and many delivery drivers end up treated as employees. If they're employees, workers' comp is required.
Do I need a Motor Carrier Permit?
Box trucks and other heavier vehicles used in business may need a California Motor Carrier Permit from the DMV. I'll check your vehicles against the rules.
Do you offer courier insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see truck insurance by state or insurance requirements by state.
Quote your courier service
Tell me about your vehicles, drivers and what you carry. I'll place auto, cargo and liability that fit your routes.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.