Understanding removals insurance

Key takeaways

• Removal cover can protect your belongings against loss or damage while they are in the care of a removal company.
• Goods in transit insurance mainly protects your belongings while they are being moved from one place to another. Some policies also cover loading and unloading.
• Your home insurance may provide some protection during a move, but the level of cover and exclusions vary between providers.
• Many removal contracts require loss or damage to be reported quickly, with some BAR model terms specifying a seven-day deadline.

Moving house involves trusting a removal company with many of your most valuable and sentimental possessions. Even with experienced professionals, accidents can happen while furniture is being carried, loaded or transported.

Having the right protection in place can help ensure you are not left facing the full cost if something is lost or damaged during the move.

What is removal insurance?

Removal insurance is a general term for financial protection for your belongings when you move house.

The protection from a removal company is not always a separate insurance policy in your name. Often, the company provides liability cover through its own insurance.

Members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) must have protection in place for customers’ goods during removal or storage. However, the amount and type of cover can vary.

When you compare removal quotes, check what protection is included, any limits, and if you need to declare your belongings’ value before moving day.

The different types of removal cover

Removal companies offer different levels of liability protection, so make sure to read the terms that come with your quote. Our guide to choosing the right removal company explains some of the other checks worth making before you book.

Standard liability

Under BAR model terms, Standard Liability generally applies when you declare the value of your belongings before the move.

If the removal company is at fault for loss or damage, compensation is usually based on the reasonable cost to repair or replace the item, considering its age and condition, and within the agreed limit.

This does not always mean you will get enough to buy a brand-new replacement.

Limited liability

If you don’t declare the value of your belongings, the liability limit may be much lower.

Some removal contracts set a fixed maximum amount per item under Limited Liability, which might be much less than the item’s real value.

For this reason, it is important to understand the liability limits before booking, particularly if you are moving expensive electronics, furniture, antiques or other high-value possessions.

Pro tip: Make a detailed list of your belongings before moving day. Take clear photos of expensive items and write down serial numbers if you can. This can help if you need to prove something was damaged during the move.

What is goods in transit insurance for removals?

Goods in transit insurance mainly protects your belongings while they are being moved from one property to another.

Depending on the policy, it may cover risks like theft, fire, or damage from a road accident. Some policies also cover loading and unloading, but others are more limited. So, don’t assume goods in transit insurance covers your belongings for the whole removal process.

Ask your removal company when their cover starts and ends, and whether it applies while items are being carried in or out of your home. A removals survey is also a good opportunity to discuss what you are moving, highlight any valuable or fragile belongings, and identify items that may need special handling.

Does standard home insurance cover moving house?

Some UK contents insurance policies protect your belongings during a move, especially if you use a professional removal company.

However, the level of cover varies considerably.

Some policies may limit cover for things you pack yourself, set limits on single items, or require you to use professional movers.

Before paying for additional protection through your removal company, contact your home insurer and ask whether your existing contents insurance covers your move.

Check if your policy covers belongings outside your home and during loading and unloading. Also, find out if it covers boxes you pack yourself, if there are item limits, and if you need to use a professional removal company for the cover to stay valid.

Pros and cons of removal company cover

Using your removal company’s protection has some advantages, but it’s important to know the limits too.

How do you make a claim on removal insurance?

If you find something lost or damaged after your move, let the removal company know in writing as soon as you can. Some contracts, including BAR model terms, ask you to give details of any loss or damage within seven days of delivery, but the exact terms can vary.

Include as much evidence as possible, such as:

• photographs of the damaged item
• photographs taken before the move
• purchase receipts where available
• serial numbers
• a description of what happened

Don’t throw away damaged items or packaging right away, since the removal company or insurer might want to inspect them.

If you’re not happy with how a BAR member handles your complaint and can’t sort it out directly, you might be able to take the dispute to the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman for independent review.

Common exclusions you need to know

Every policy and removal contract is different, but some exclusions are common.

Removal companies may limit cover for things you pack yourself because they can’t check how well you packed them.

Some removal contracts set lower liability limits for items you pack yourself, especially if there’s no visible damage to the box or container. Other commonly restricted or excluded items can include:

• cash
• jewellery
• important documents
• hazardous materials
• perishable food
• particularly valuable or unusual items

Exact exclusions can vary, so always check the removal company’s terms before moving day.

If you’re moving valuable items, let the removal company know in advance so they can tell you if extra arrangements are needed.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about fragile or valuable items, consider using the removal company’s professional packing service. Our guide to professional packing services explains how they work, what they can include and what they typically add to your moving costs. Professional packing can also give better protection and reduce the risk of damage from poor packing.

Summary

Having the right protection can give you peace of mind when you move home. Depending on your situation, protection might come from your home insurance, your removal company’s liability cover, or separate goods in transit insurance.

Before you book a removal company, check what protection is included, any exclusions or item limits, and if you need to declare the total value of your belongings. You may also want to look at our guide to how much it costs to hire a removals company so you can budget for insurance, packing and other services alongside the basic removal fee.

Also, check how soon you need to report any loss or damage after your move.

Ready to find a reliable team for your move? Compare removal company quotes from trusted companies in your area with Moving Compared.