Last updated: July 2025
Goods insurance is one of the most frequently asked topics by our customers and Driver Partners. This page answers common questions about insurance coverage, liability, and what to do if something goes wrong during a delivery.
For Customers — Goods in Transit
Are my goods insured when I book a delivery with BharatGati?
No. BharatGati's delivery fares cover the cost of transportation only — they do not include any goods-in-transit insurance premium. The goods you send are not automatically insured by BharatGati.
If your consignment has significant monetary value, we strongly recommend obtaining a goods-in-transit insurance policy before shipping. This is available from most general insurance companies in India as well as online aggregators.
Does BharatGati offer in-app insurance for my goods?
Currently, BharatGati does not offer an integrated goods insurance purchase option within the app or website. You will need to arrange insurance independently with a third-party insurer of your choice before handing over the consignment.
What is BharatGati's liability if my goods are damaged or lost during delivery?
BharatGati (and our Driver Partners) accept goods on a "said-to-contain" basis — we do not inspect the contents of a consignment before transport.
BharatGati's liability for loss or damage is limited and applies only where it is conclusively established that the damage or loss was directly caused by the reckless or negligent act of the Driver Partner. In such cases, our liability is restricted to the lower of:
- The declared value of the damaged or lost goods; OR
- Ten times (10×) the freight amount paid for that delivery
Our delivery fares are purely calculated on the basis of vehicle utilisation (distance + time). We do not charge any risk rate or factor in the value of goods being transported. Accordingly, BharatGati does not assume liability for the insurable value of goods beyond the limit stated above.
For what types of damage is BharatGati NOT liable?
- Damage due to inadequate or improper packaging by the customer
- Damage to inherently fragile or delicate goods (glassware, electronics, antiques) where the customer has not declared the fragile nature and ensured appropriate packaging
- Loss or damage due to acts of God, floods, fire, civil disturbance, or other circumstances outside our control
- Theft or damage where the customer cannot provide conclusive evidence linking the cause to Driver Partner negligence
- Goods that were already damaged before handover to the Driver Partner
- Indirect, consequential, or economic losses (e.g., loss of business, lost revenue)
How do I file a claim for damaged or lost goods?
If your goods are damaged or lost during a BharatGati delivery, follow these steps:
- Step 1 — Report immediately: Contact BharatGati support at support@bharatgati.com within 24 hours of delivery. Claims reported after 24 hours may not be processed.
- Step 2 — Document the damage: Take clear photographs of the damaged goods and packaging immediately upon receipt, before moving or disposing of any items.
- Step 3 — Submit claim details: Provide your booking ID, description of the damage, photographs, and declared value of goods.
- Step 4 — Identity verification: We may ask you to verify your identity as the original consignor to process the claim.
- Step 5 — Resolution: Eligible claims are reviewed and refunds processed within 7–10 working days of claim acceptance, subject to submission of complete documentation.
Claims where required information or photographs are not provided within 2 working days of our request may be closed without resolution.
What documents do I need for an insurance claim with my insurer?
If you have independently purchased goods-in-transit insurance and wish to file a claim with your insurer, BharatGati can assist by providing a Certificate of Facts — an official document confirming the trip details, delivery date, route, and any relevant incident information. This is typically required by insurers as part of the claims survey process.
To request a Certificate of Facts, contact support@bharatgati.com with your booking ID and your insurer's requirements.
Should I declare the value of my goods at the time of booking?
Yes, always. Accurately declaring the value and nature of your goods at booking is your responsibility and forms part of the consignment declaration. The declared value affects the liability calculation in the event of a claim. BharatGati shall not be liable for any value beyond what was declared at the time of booking.
For goods exceeding ₹5,000 in value, we strongly recommend obtaining independent transit insurance coverage before shipping.
What precautions should I take when shipping fragile or high-value goods?
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and cushion all sides — ensure there is no movement inside the box
- Clearly label the package as "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" where appropriate
- Use a sturdy, sealed outer box with strong packing tape — do not use string
- Declare the fragile nature of the goods at the time of booking
- Obtain goods-in-transit insurance for any item of significant value
- Avoid sending irreplaceable items (heirlooms, original documents, jewellery) via standard delivery — use specialised couriers with insurance for such items
Can I send high-value goods such as jewellery, cash, or important documents?
BharatGati does not recommend shipping the following via our standard delivery service:
- Cash, currency notes, or coins exceeding ₹50,000
- Jewellery, precious stones, or gemstones
- Original passports, educational certificates, or government-issued identity documents
- Signed cheques, demand drafts, or financial instruments
- Artwork, antiques, or collectibles of significant value
BharatGati accepts no liability for such items. Please use insured, specialist courier services for high-value or irreplaceable goods.
For Driver Partners — Vehicle Insurance
Do I need commercial vehicle insurance to drive on BharatGati?
Yes, mandatory. All Driver Partners must hold a valid commercial vehicle insurance policy for their vehicle at all times. A standard private vehicle policy does NOT cover commercial goods transport and will be invalid in the event of an accident while carrying a customer's consignment.
Driving without valid commercial insurance is a legal violation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and grounds for immediate account deactivation.
What type of vehicle insurance do I need?
- Third-Party Liability Insurance: Minimum mandatory requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Covers damage or injury to third parties.
- Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance: Recommended — covers third-party liability plus damage to your own vehicle. Ensure the policy explicitly covers "goods carriage" use.
Policies written for private use or passenger vehicles are not valid for goods transport. Verify with your insurer before driving on our platform.
What should I do if I am involved in an accident during a delivery?
- Safety first: Move to a safe location if possible. Attend to any injuries and call emergency services (112) if needed.
- Do not move goods: Leave the consignment undisturbed until assessed, if it is safe to do so.
- Report to BharatGati immediately: Contact support via the Driver app. We will guide you through the next steps.
- File an FIR if required: For accidents involving injury, property damage, or theft, file a First Information Report with the nearest police station.
- Inform your insurer: Report the accident to your vehicle insurer promptly as per your policy terms.
- Preserve evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and the state of the goods.
Is my personal health covered if I am injured during a delivery?
BharatGati does not provide personal accident or health insurance to Driver Partners. As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own insurance. We strongly recommend:
- A personal accident insurance policy (available from approximately ₹300–₹1,000/year)
- A health insurance policy covering hospitalisation costs
- Enrolling in government schemes such as PM Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat) and PM Shram Yogi Maandhan if you are eligible
My vehicle insurance is expiring soon — what should I do?
Renew your vehicle insurance before the expiry date. Driving with a lapsed policy is illegal and will result in suspension of your BharatGati account. After renewal, upload the new insurance certificate through the Driver app under your Documents section. Your account will remain active as long as all documents are valid and current.
Still Have Questions?
If your query is not covered above, please reach out to our support team:
Email: support@bharatgati.com
Phone: +91 12345 67890
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM IST