Moving abroad is exciting — but your belongings face significantly more risks than on a domestic move. Here's everything you need to know about insuring your possessions for an international removal.
Key Points
International removals involve greater risks than domestic moves — shipping, port handling, customs, longer transit times
Standard goods-in-transit cover from a domestic removal company rarely covers international moves
Specialist marine cargo insurance is the correct cover for container and sea freight shipments
Use a FIDI or BAR Overseas accredited company for maximum protection and experience
Create a detailed inventory with values for all items — this is essential for insuring and claiming
Items excluded from UK policies include: cash, jewellery, documents, and live plants/animals
Why Standard Removals Insurance Is Not Enough for International Moves
A domestic removal typically takes a few hours to a couple of days. An international shipment can take 4-12 weeks, with your belongings passing through multiple hands — UK collection crew, port warehousing, vessel loading, sea transit, destination port, customs clearance, and local delivery. Each of these stages introduces additional risk.
Standard domestic goods-in-transit (GiT) insurance policies are not designed for this level of complexity. For international moves, the correct insurance product is marine cargo insurance — which covers goods transported by sea, air, or road across international borders.
Types of International Removals Insurance
All-Risks Marine Cargo Insurance
The gold standard for international moves. Covers loss or damage from all causes except specifically excluded perils (e.g. inherent vice, delay, or deliberate damage). Covers loading, transit, storage at port, and delivery. Recommended for all international household moves.
Named Perils Insurance
A cheaper option that only covers specific listed risks (fire, sinking, collision, etc.). Does not cover accidental breakage or theft. Generally not recommended for household removals — all-risks cover is preferable for personal effects.
Removal Company's Policy (Included)
Many specialist international removal companies include a level of marine cargo insurance in their quote. Check the coverage level carefully — the included cover may be limited (e.g. weight-based) and you may want to upgrade to a full all-risks policy.
Standalone Policy (Third Party)
You can arrange marine cargo insurance independently through specialist brokers (e.g. Doris Insurance, MoversCover, or Letton Percival). This gives you control over coverage level and claims process, independent of the removal company.
What Is and Isn't Covered
Usually Covered (All-Risks)
Accidental breakage during transit
Water damage (sea transit)
Theft during transit or at port
Fire or explosion
Vessel sinking or collision
Container damage
Loading/unloading accidents
Usually Excluded
Jewellery, cash, and documents
Motor vehicles (separate cover needed)
Live animals and plants
Perishable items
Inherent vice (items deteriorating naturally)
Delay or consequential loss
War and political risk (usually)
Items packed by owner (check policy)
How Much Does International Removals Insurance Cost?
Declared Value
Typical Premium (All-Risks)
Notes
£10,000
£100-£200
1-2% of declared value
£20,000
£200-£400
Rate varies by destination and route
£50,000
£500-£1,000
High-risk destinations (e.g. Africa, SE Asia) attract higher premiums
£100,000+
£1,000-£2,500+
Fine art, antiques, and high-value items may need specialist underwriting
Premiums vary by destination, route, container type, and the specific items being shipped. Always obtain quotes from at least two specialist insurers.
Creating Your Insurance Inventory
Before an international move, you must create a detailed inventory — this is required by customs in most countries and essential for any insurance claim. Your inventory should include:
Full description of each item (make, model, dimensions)
Declared value (replacement cost in destination currency)
Age and condition of each item
Serial numbers for electronics and appliances
Photographs of all items before packing — especially high-value pieces
Keep receipts, valuations, and appraisals for high-value items
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate insurance for an international move?
Yes. Standard UK home contents insurance and standard domestic goods-in-transit policies do not cover international shipments. You need specialist marine cargo insurance — either through your removal company's policy or a standalone policy from a specialist insurer.
What is FIDI accreditation?
FIDI is the Federation of International Furniture Removers — the global equivalent of BAR. FIDI-accredited companies (called FIDI Affiliates) must meet rigorous quality standards and carry appropriate insurance. Using a FIDI Affiliate is strongly recommended for international moves.
What if my goods are damaged during customs inspection?
Most all-risks marine cargo policies cover damage caused during customs inspection. However, you will need photographic evidence and a report from the customs authority or removal agent. Keep copies of all customs documentation.
How long does insurance cover last for an international move?
Most international removals insurance policies cover the period from collection at your UK home to delivery at your destination, including port storage (typically up to 60 days). Extended storage cover is usually available at additional cost. Check your policy's duration carefully.