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General Liability Insurance for Couriers and Delivery Services in Texas: Coverage, Costs, and Requirements
General liability insurance for couriers and delivery services in Texas: what GL covers, what it excludes, auto vs GL, and average premiums for Texas couriers.
Written by
Editorial Team
Reviewed by
Patricia Nguyen
General liability insurance protects Texas couriers and delivery services from third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage arising from their delivery operations. GL is a secondary coverage alongside commercial auto for couriers -- the vehicle is covered by commercial auto, while GL covers the non-auto exposures: injuries at delivery locations, property damage caused by delivery operations, and defense costs for covered third-party claims.
Quick Answer
Estimated general liability premiums for Texas couriers and delivery services:
| Business Size | Estimated Annual GL Premium |
|---|---|
| Solo courier or small service | $425 to $850 per year |
| Larger delivery service (multiple drivers) | $800 to $1,600 per year |
Texas courier and delivery service GL premiums are near the national average.
What GL Covers for Texas Couriers and Delivery Services
Bodily Injury at Delivery Locations
If a third party is injured as a result of your delivery operations -- a recipient who trips over a package you left, or a person injured at a delivery site by your actions -- GL covers the resulting bodily injury claim.
Property Damage to Third Parties
If you or your drivers damage a third party's property during a delivery -- a doorframe, fence, or other property at the delivery address -- GL covers the resulting property damage claim.
Defense Costs
GL covers attorney fees, court costs, and settlement amounts for covered claims, even when the claim is ultimately unfounded.
What GL Does Not Cover for Texas Couriers and Delivery Services
Auto Liability
GL does not cover auto liability from your delivery vehicle on public roads. Commercial auto insurance covers the vehicle. Texas requires minimum auto liability limits for commercial vehicles.
The Packages or Goods Being Delivered
GL does not cover loss, damage, or theft of the packages or goods in transit. Inland marine or cargo insurance covers goods you are delivering. Contracts with business clients often require cargo coverage.
Employee Injuries
Texas does not require private employers to carry workers compensation, but GL does not cover employee injuries regardless. Delivery services with drivers should evaluate workers comp coverage given the physical nature of delivery work.
Gig App Platform Gaps
Couriers working through platforms like DoorDash, Amazon Flex, or Instacart receive limited liability coverage through those platforms during active deliveries. That platform coverage does not cover your independent business operations, does not satisfy contract requirements for independent business clients, and does not cover incidents outside active app deliveries. Standalone GL covers your business regardless of which client or platform you are delivering for.
Texas-Specific Considerations
Texas Workers Compensation
Texas is the only state that does not require private employers to carry workers compensation. Courier and delivery services with drivers may choose to carry workers comp voluntarily. GL does not cover employee injuries regardless.
Texas Commercial Vehicle Requirements
Texas requires minimum auto liability limits for vehicles used in commercial delivery operations. GL does not satisfy commercial auto requirements. Confirm your delivery vehicles carry appropriate commercial auto coverage.
Texas Delivery Market
Texas's large geographic area, dense metro areas, and significant ecommerce activity support a large courier and delivery market. Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio each have active last-mile delivery ecosystems. Independent couriers and small delivery services serving business clients in these markets are routinely asked to provide GL certificates of insurance.
Contract Requirements
Most Texas businesses that use independent couriers -- medical facilities, law firms, real estate companies, and retailers -- require GL certificates as a condition of engagement. A $1 million per occurrence GL policy satisfies most client contract requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does GL cover auto liability while I'm making a delivery in Texas?
No. GL does not cover auto liability. Commercial auto insurance covers the delivery vehicle on public roads.
What does GL cover for a Texas courier or delivery service?
GL covers bodily injury at delivery locations, property damage to third parties during delivery operations, and defense costs.
Does GL cover packages I damage or lose during delivery?
No. GL covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Inland marine or cargo insurance covers goods in transit.
How much does GL cost for a Texas courier?
Texas solo couriers typically pay $425 to $850 per year for GL coverage.
Does my DoorDash or Amazon Flex coverage replace standalone GL?
No. Platform coverage applies only during active platform deliveries and does not satisfy independent business contract requirements. Standalone GL covers your business across all clients and delivery types.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent and attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage, requirements, and costs vary by state, carrier, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation.
About the author
Commercial Insurance Editorial Team
The Dareable editorial team covers commercial insurance for small business owners. Every guide is fact-checked by a licensed CIC or CPCU before publication.
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