Most moves go without a hitch, but if something is damaged you'll want to know who pays. Removal insurance is less complicated than it sounds once you know the three types of cover involved.

Goods in Transit insurance

This covers your belongings while they're in the removal company's care: being loaded, driven and unloaded. Every professional removal company should have it. Check:

  • The limit: is it per item, per load, or a total? A limit per item may not cover a piano, artwork or an expensive TV.
  • The excess: how much you'd pay towards any claim.
  • Exclusions: cash, jewellery and documents are almost always excluded.

Public Liability insurance

This covers damage the crew causes to property, such as scraping a wall or breaking a banister, and injury to people. It protects you and the owners of both properties.

Owner-packed items

This is where most disputes start. Many policies only cover boxes you packed yourself against external damage, such as a box being dropped. If something breaks inside a box that wasn't dropped, it may not be covered. If you have lots of fragile items, ask the removal company to pack them, or check what cover applies.

Check your home insurance

Some home contents policies cover your belongings during a move, especially if a professional removal company is used. Others exclude it, or only cover items in your own car. Call your insurer before moving day to check.

Questions to ask before you book

  • What is your Goods in Transit limit, and is it per item?
  • Are owner-packed boxes covered, and for what?
  • Can I increase cover for specific high-value items?
  • How do I make a claim, and how long do I have?
  • Are you a member of a trade body with a dispute resolution scheme?

If something is damaged

Note any damage on the paperwork before the crew leaves, and take photos. Report it in writing to the removal company as soon as possible, as most policies set a time limit for claims.

All the removal companies who quote through us carry Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance. Compare removal quotes and ask each one about their cover levels.