What is goods in transit insurance?

Goods in transit insurance is a specialist policy that covers household belongings while they are being loaded, transported, and unloaded during a house move. It protects against damage caused by accidents, collisions, fire, theft, and handling errors during the removal process.

How much removals insurance cover do I need?

Standard goods-in-transit cover typically provides £10,000 to £50,000 of coverage depending on the company. You should ensure the total policy limit covers the replacement value of all your belongings. For high-value items like jewellery, artwork, or antiques, you may need additional declared value cover.

Does my home insurance cover items during a move?

Standard home insurance usually does not cover belongings during transit. Some policies offer limited cover for items in transit, but this is typically capped at a low amount. You should rely on your removal company's goods-in-transit insurance and consider additional coverage for valuable items.

What is not covered by removals insurance?

Standard removals insurance typically excludes wear and tear, pre-existing damage, items packed by the customer (unless inspected by the removal team), perishable goods, plants, cash, and documents. Always read the policy terms carefully and declare any high-value items in advance.

Removals Insurance UK | Goods-in-Transit Cover

Q: Are removal companies insured?

Yes, reputable removal companies carry goods-in-transit insurance which covers your belongings against damage or loss during the move. They also have public liability insurance to cover accidents or damage to your property. Always verify insurance details with your chosen removal company before moving day.

Are Removal Companies Insured?

Yes — all reputable removal companies carry insurance to protect your belongings during a move. The two main types of cover are:

Goods-in-transit insurance — Covers your belongings against damage, loss, or theft while being loaded, transported, and unloaded by the removal company.
Public liability insurance — Covers accidents or damage that occur to your property (or a third party's property) during the moving process, such as a scratched wall or broken fixture.

All vetted removal companies on MoveFindr carry appropriate insurance. When comparing quotes, always ask for details of their insurance coverage to make sure you're fully protected.

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Insurance documents and a pen with a moving truck in the background

Types of Removals Insurance Cover

Standard Goods-in-Transit

Included by most removal companies. Covers your belongings during loading, transport, and unloading against common risks like collision, fire, and theft. Typically provides £10,000-£50,000 total cover.

Additional Valuables Cover

For high-value items like jewellery, artwork, antiques, and electronics. You declare the item's value and pay an additional premium for full replacement cover. Requires photographic evidence and written valuation.

Public Liability Insurance

Covers accidental damage to the property itself — for example, a scratched floor, damaged door frame, or broken banister during the move. Also covers injury to third parties. Usually £1 million-£5 million cover.

What Removals Insurance Covers

Accidental damage — Items damaged through handling errors, drops, or impacts during loading and unloading.
Transit accidents — Damage caused by road traffic accidents while your belongings are in transit.
Theft — Your belongings are covered if stolen during the move (subject to policy terms).
Fire and flood — Damage caused by fire or flooding during transit or storage.
Loss of items — Items that go missing during the moving process.
Property damage — Damage to walls, floors, and fixtures during the moving process (public liability).

What Is Not Covered

Wear and tear — Existing damage or gradual deterioration of items.
Customer-packed items — Items packed by you may not be covered if damaged, unless the removal team has inspected and accepted the packing.
Perishable goods — Food, plants, and flowers are typically excluded.
Cash and documents — Money, legal documents, passports, and stamps are usually excluded from cover.
Hazardous materials — Paints, chemicals, and flammable goods.
Pets and animals — Living creatures are not covered under removals insurance.

How to Check Your Removal Company's Insurance

Follow these steps to make sure you're fully protected on moving day:

1

Ask for Details

Request the insurance policy document and check the level of cover provided.

2

Check the Limit

Ensure the total cover limit is enough to replace all your belongings.

3

Declare Valuables

List any high-value items separately and confirm they're covered.

4

Read the Exclusions

Understand what's not covered so you can make alternative arrangements.

Do I Need Extra Insurance for My Move?

For most standard household moves, the goods-in-transit insurance provided by your removal company is sufficient. However, you should consider additional cover if:

You own high-value items (jewellery, art, antiques, musical instruments) worth more than the standard policy limit per item.
You're moving internationally — standard policies may not cover overseas transit.
You have expensive electronics that would be costly to replace.
You're packing yourself — customer-packed items may not be covered under standard policies.

All removal companies on MoveFindr are vetted for proper insurance. Get free quotes from insured removal companies in your area.

Types of Removals Insurance

Understanding the different types of removals insurance helps you choose the right level of protection for your move.

Goods-in-Transit Insurance

Most Common — Usually Included

Covers your household belongings while they are being loaded, transported, and unloaded by your removal company. Protects against collision, fire, theft, and accidental damage during transit. Typically provides £10,000-£50,000 total cover.

Public Liability Insurance

Property Protection — Essential

Covers accidental damage to your property during the move — such as scratched floors, damaged door frames, or broken fixtures. Also covers injury to third parties. Usually provides £1 million-£5 million of cover.

Storage Insurance

If Using Storage — Add-On

If your belongings will be stored before or after the move, storage insurance covers items against fire, flood, theft, and damage while in a storage facility. Not all goods-in-transit policies extend to storage — always check.

All-Risk Insurance

Comprehensive Cover — Premium

The most comprehensive removals insurance option. Covers accidental damage, theft, fire, flood, and loss with fewer exclusions than standard policies. Ideal for high-value moves or if you want maximum peace of mind.

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

Choosing the right level of removals insurance depends on the total value of your belongings and the complexity of your move. Here's how to work out the cover you need:

Create a home inventory — List every item you're moving and assign a replacement value. This gives you a clear total figure to work from.
Check the per-item limit — Standard policies often cap individual items at £1,000-£5,000. If you own items above this threshold, you'll need declared value cover.
Declare high-value items — Jewellery, artwork, antiques, and musical instruments should be declared separately. Provide photographic evidence and receipts where possible.
Factor in storage — If items will be in storage at any point, confirm that your policy extends to cover the storage period or arrange separate storage insurance.
Consider your packing method — Items packed by the customer may not be covered unless inspected and accepted by the removal team. Professional packing services reduce this risk.
Compare excess amounts — A lower premium often comes with a higher excess. Choose a policy where the excess is manageable if you need to make a claim.

When you request quotes through MoveFindr, every removal company provides details of their insurance cover so you can compare levels of protection alongside price.

Making an Insurance Claim

If your belongings are damaged or lost during a move, follow these steps to make a claim quickly and efficiently.

1

Document the Damage

Take clear photographs of any damage before moving the item. Note the condition on the inventory if one was used.

2

Notify Your Mover

Contact your removal company immediately. Most require claims to be filed within 24-48 hours of the move.

3

Get a Repair or Replacement Quote

Obtain a written estimate for repair or the cost of buying a replacement item at current market value.

4

Submit Your Claim

Send all evidence — photos, receipts, repair quotes — to the insurance provider. Keep copies of everything you submit.

5

Follow Up

If you haven't heard back within two weeks, follow up in writing. Reputable removal companies process claims promptly.

Calculator, pen, and paperwork for an insurance claim on a desk

Protecting Your Move the Smart Way

The right removals insurance gives you confidence that your belongings are protected from the moment they leave your old home to the moment they're placed in your new one. Don't assume your removal company's basic cover is enough — always check the policy details.

If you're unsure about the level of cover you need, ask your removal company directly. All vetted companies on MoveFindr provide clear insurance documentation before your moving day.

For high-value items, it's worth taking out additional cover or a specialist policy. A few extra pounds of premium could save you thousands if something goes wrong.

Compare insured removal companies on MoveFindr and move with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removals Insurance

Removals insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but it is considered an industry standard for professional removal companies. The British Association of Removals (BAR) requires members to carry adequate goods-in-transit and public liability insurance.

Yes, you can purchase separate removals insurance from specialist providers. This can be useful if you want additional cover on top of what your removal company offers, or if you're doing a DIY move and hiring a van.

If your belongings are damaged, document the damage with photos and notify your removal company immediately. You'll need to submit a claim under their goods-in-transit insurance policy with evidence of the damage and an estimate of the value. Most reputable companies handle claims promptly.

Valuation is typically based on the replacement value — what it would cost to buy the item new today. For high-value items, you may need a professional valuation or receipt. Keep an inventory with estimated values before moving day to make claiming easier if needed.

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Removals Insurance — What You Need to Know

Are Removal Companies Insured?

Types of Removals Insurance Cover

Standard Goods-in-Transit

Additional Valuables Cover

Public Liability Insurance

What Removals Insurance Covers

What Is Not Covered

How to Check Your Removal Company's Insurance

Ask for Details

Check the Limit

Declare Valuables

Read the Exclusions

Do I Need Extra Insurance for My Move?

Types of Removals Insurance

Goods-in-Transit Insurance

Public Liability Insurance

Storage Insurance

All-Risk Insurance

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

Making an Insurance Claim

Document the Damage

Notify Your Mover

Get a Repair or Replacement Quote

Submit Your Claim

Follow Up

Protecting Your Move the Smart Way

Compare insured removal companies

Frequently Asked Questions About Removals Insurance

Get Your Free Removal Quote