Removals Insurance Guide

Key Points

All reputable removal companies carry goods-in-transit insurance — but coverage levels vary significantly
Standard goods-in-transit cover is often based on weight, not value (e.g. £40 per item)
Your home contents insurance may provide removal cover — check your policy before moving
Specialist all-risks removals insurance provides full replacement value — recommended for high-value items
Items packed by the customer (not the removal firm) may be excluded from the firm's claim
Always declare high-value items to the removal company before the move date

Types of Removals Insurance

Goods-in-Transit Insurance

Standard cover carried by the removal company for damage or loss while goods are being moved. Coverage is typically based on weight (e.g. £40-£60 per item) rather than replacement value.

Usually included in the removal quote.

Full Value/All-Risks Cover

Enhanced cover that pays out the full replacement value of any item lost or damaged. Offered as an upgrade by many removal companies, or available as a standalone policy from specialist insurers.

Usually an optional extra — cost varies by declared value.

Home Contents Insurance

Some home insurance policies extend to cover your belongings while in transit during a house move. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm coverage and any exclusions.

Check before assuming — many policies don't include this.

Standalone Removals Insurance

Specialist policies available from companies like Surewise, MoversCover, or directly via BAR. Cover items from the moment they're packed to the moment they're unpacked, including storage periods.

Best option for high-value moves or international removals.

What Is and Isn't Covered

Item/Situation	Standard GiT	All-Risks	Home Insurance
Furniture damaged by removal firm	⚠ Weight-based	✓ Full value	⚠ Check policy
Items lost during transit	⚠ Weight-based	✓ Full value	⚠ Check policy
Breakage of fragile items (professionally packed)	⚠ Often limited	✓ Covered	⚠ Check policy
Breakage of items packed by owner	✗ Usually excluded	⚠ Check terms	⚠ Check policy
Jewellery, cash, documents	✗ Excluded	✗ Often excluded	⚠ Check policy
Items in storage	⚠ Sometimes	✓ Usually covered	✗ Often excluded
International/European moves	✗ Not typically	✓ With specialists	✗ Excluded

How to Make a Removals Insurance Claim

Document damage immediately

Photograph all damaged items before unpacking or moving them. Note the damage on the removal company's delivery sheet before signing it — once signed without notation, claims are much harder to pursue.

Notify the removal company in writing

Send a written claim (email is acceptable) within the company's stated claim period — typically 7-14 days. Most BAR members have a formal complaint procedure you must follow before escalating.

Provide evidence of value

Obtain repair or replacement quotes from independent traders. Keep receipts, photos, and any original purchase documentation. The insurer will request evidence before settling a claim.

Escalate if needed

If the company disputes or ignores your claim, and they're a BAR member, use the BAR's approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. Non-BAR members can be pursued via the Financial Ombudsman or small claims court.

High-Value Items: Special Precautions

Declare all high-value items (over £500) to the removal company before the move — failure to declare may void a claim
Jewellery, cash, and important documents should travel with you personally — most policies exclude these
Fine art and antiques may need specialist removers and specialist insurance
Electronics should be photographed and serial numbers noted before the move
Consider a standalone removals insurance policy if your contents are high value

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my belongings automatically insured when I use a removal company?

Most reputable removal companies carry goods-in-transit insurance, but coverage levels and exclusions vary. Always ask the firm what their insurance covers before booking — don't assume full replacement value is included.

Does my home insurance cover me during a house move?

Some home contents insurance policies include removal cover. Check your policy documents or call your insurer — you're looking for clauses about "temporary removal" or "contents in transit". If not covered, consider purchasing a standalone removals policy.

What if I pack my own boxes and something breaks?

If you packed the boxes yourself, most removal companies will not accept liability for breakage inside them — they can't verify how the items were packed. This is a standard exclusion. If you pack your own boxes, consider taking out a standalone removals insurance policy that covers customer-packed items.

How much does removals insurance cost?

Standalone removals insurance typically costs 0.5-1% of the declared value of your goods. For a move with £20,000 of contents, expect to pay £100-£200 for a comprehensive policy. Many removal companies also offer this as an add-on for a fixed fee.