RHA vs All Risks Goods in Transit Insurance

Understanding the Difference Between RHA and All Risks Cover

If you carry goods belonging to other people, having the correct Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance is essential.

One of the most common misunderstandings in the haulage industry is the difference between:

  • RHA conditions cover
  • All Risks goods in transit insurance

Choosing the wrong type of cover could leave you significantly underinsured in the event of a claim.

At Avis Insurance, we help haulage operators, owner drivers and fleet businesses arrange goods in transit cover tailored to the type of work they carry out.


What is Goods in Transit Insurance?

Goods in Transit insurance protects against:

  • Loss of goods
  • Theft
  • Damage whilst goods are being transported

Cover can often be extended to include:

  • Loading and unloading
  • Temporary storage during transit
  • UK and European use

What is RHA Cover?

RHA cover refers to insurance arranged in line with the:
👉 Road Haulage Association Conditions of Carriage

Under RHA conditions, liability is limited to a set amount per tonne.

This type of cover is widely used within the haulage industry and is often suitable for:

  • General haulage work
  • Lower-value goods
  • Operators working under standard haulage contracts

Key features of RHA cover

  • Liability limited per tonne carried
  • Lower level of exposure for insurers
  • Often more cost-effective than All Risks cover
  • Suitable for many standard haulage operations

What is All Risks Goods in Transit Insurance?

All Risks cover provides a much broader level of protection.

Rather than covering liability under specific haulage conditions, All Risks insurance protects the full value of the goods being carried, subject to policy terms and limits.


Key features of All Risks cover

  • Covers the declared value of the goods
  • Broader protection against loss or damage
  • Often required by major logistics contracts
  • Higher indemnity limits available

Key Differences Between RHA and All Risks Cover

Level of Cover

RHA Cover

Liability limited under RHA Conditions of Carriage.


All Risks Cover

Covers the full value of goods carried (subject to limits and terms).


Type of Goods

RHA Cover

Often suitable for:

  • General freight
  • Lower-value goods
  • Standard haulage contracts

All Risks Cover

More suitable for:

  • High-value goods
  • Electronics
  • Retail distribution
  • Contract-specific logistics work

Contract Requirements

RHA Cover

Accepted for many standard haulage operations.


All Risks Cover

Often required by:

  • Amazon Relay
  • Large logistics providers
  • Higher-value contracts

Cost

RHA Cover

Usually lower premium due to reduced insurer exposure.


All Risks Cover

Typically higher premium due to broader protection.


Why the Difference Matters

Many operators believe they are fully insured, only to discover after a claim that their cover was restricted under RHA conditions.

For example:

  • A contract may require £100,000 All Risks cover
  • An operator may only hold standard RHA cover
  • The resulting shortfall could be significant

👉 Understanding your contractual obligations is essential.


Amazon and Major Logistics Contracts

Many major operators now require enhanced goods in transit protection.

For example:

  • Amazon often requires £100,000–£180,000 All Risks cover per vehicle
  • Maritime contracts may require enhanced RHA limits

Using the wrong type of policy could result in:

  • Contract breaches
  • Uninsured losses
  • Rejected claims

Which Type of Cover is Right for You?

The correct option depends on:

  • The type of goods you carry
  • Contractual requirements
  • Value of goods transported
  • Whether you operate domestically or internationally

At Avis Insurance, we can advise on the most suitable structure for your business.


Why Choose Avis Insurance?

  • Over 40 years’ experience in haulage insurance
  • Access to leading UK insurers and specialist underwriters
  • Expertise in goods in transit insurance
  • Tailored advice based on your contracts and operations

👉 Helping ensure your cover matches the work you actually do.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is RHA cover the same as All Risks insurance?

No. RHA cover limits liability under the Conditions of Carriage, whereas All Risks insurance provides broader protection for the value of goods carried.


Do Amazon Relay drivers need All Risks cover?

In most cases, yes. Amazon contracts commonly require All Risks goods in transit insurance with high indemnity limits.


Is All Risks insurance more expensive?

Usually yes, because it provides a broader level of protection and higher exposure for insurers.


Can I combine goods in transit cover with liability insurance?

Yes. Public Liability and Employers’ Liability cover can often be arranged alongside Goods in Transit insurance.


Get Expert Advice on Goods in Transit Insurance

Not sure whether RHA or All Risks cover is right for your business?

👉 Call 01628 662666
👉 Speak directly to a specialist today

What our clients say

Very helpful, nothing is too much trouble.  MJB Transport Services Ltd

Kevin is an absolute gentleman to work with. I have started recommending him already. Baileys Haulage Ltd.

I recently started up my new company and had no hesitation at all to call Avis for my insurance.  Michael Ward, Bridge Transport

Great to deal with. McGill Transport Ltd

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Speak to our friendly, knowledgeable team today and let us find you the most competitive Lorry insurance, Truck Fleet insurance, road haulage insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, Goods-in-Transit and Public & Employers’ Liability available anywhere on the market! Enter your number, and one of our friendly team will give you a call.

Name Phone Product How did you hear about us?

Thank you

We’ll be in touch soon

A few of our insurance providers