INSURANCE GUIDE
Removals Insurance UK
Transit cover for your belongings during a house move - what removal company liability covers and what you need yourself.
TL;DR
- Most removal companies carry goods in transit insurance but limits and conditions vary significantly - do not assume full cover.
- Your home contents policy may suspend cover during a move - check with your insurer before moving day.
- Specialist removals insurance provides higher limits and broader cover for valuable items.
- Self-move using a hired van leaves your belongings uncovered unless you arrange specialist goods in transit insurance.
What Removal Company Insurance Covers
Professional removal companies typically carry goods in transit insurance covering damage or loss to clients belongings during loading, transit, and unloading. However, the level of cover varies significantly between firms. Some provide standard industry liability at a fixed amount per kilogram of goods - which can significantly undervalue high-quality or specialist items. Others offer full replacement value cover or allow you to insure for a declared value. Ask for the specific terms of the removals company's transit cover before signing any contract.
Home Contents Insurance During a Move
Standard home contents insurance typically covers belongings at your home address. During a house move, belongings are in transit and temporarily at neither the old nor the new address. Some contents policies include a removal extension that covers belongings during the move for a limited period; others suspend cover entirely during transit. Contact your contents insurer before your moving date to confirm the position and whether any notification or extension is required.
Specialist Removals Insurance
Specialist removals or goods in transit insurance provides defined cover for your belongings during a specific move. It covers accidental damage, loss, and theft during loading, transit, and unloading. Higher-value items - antiques, artwork, musical instruments, electronics - may require individual specification on the policy schedule. If your removal company's transit cover is limited or you have high-value items, a standalone removals policy provides an additional layer of protection.
Self-Move and Van Hire
If you hire a van and move yourself, your belongings have no transit cover from any removal company. Your home contents policy is unlikely to cover goods in a hired vehicle. Specialist goods in transit insurance for a single move is available from specialist insurers and some van hire companies offer cover as an add-on. The cost is typically modest relative to the value of household contents being transported.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Kaeltripton.com is not regulated by the FCA. Always read policy documents in full before purchasing cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is removal company insurance sufficient for a house move?
It depends on the value of your belongings and the terms of the removal company's cover. Standard goods in transit policies held by removal companies often use per-kilogram liability limits that significantly undervalue modern electronics, antiques, or specialist equipment. If your household contents are worth more than the removal company's per-kilogram liability would pay, specialist removals insurance at declared value is worth arranging in addition to or instead of relying on the company's policy alone.
Does removals insurance cover fragile items?
Most goods in transit and specialist removals policies cover fragile items, but packing conditions often apply. Fragile items must typically be professionally packed - either by the removal company or using appropriate specialist packing materials - to remain covered. Items packed by the owner in inadequate materials that break in transit may not be covered. Check the packing conditions in the policy before moving day.
