Types of Insurance When Moving House
When you move house, three types of insurance are relevant:
Goods in Transit Insurance
Carried by your removal company — covers your belongings while they're being transported in the removal van. This is mandatory for reputable removal firms.
Public Liability Insurance
Also carried by your removal company — covers damage to third-party property (e.g., if the movers damage your walls, floors, or a neighbour's garden).
Home Contents Insurance
Your own insurance policy — covers your belongings at your current and new home. Check whether it covers transit periods.
Goods in Transit Insurance — What's Covered?
All reputable UK removal companies carry Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance, which covers your belongings against loss or damage while they're in the removal vehicle. However, there are important limitations to be aware of:
⚠️ GIT insurance limitations:
- Most policies have a per-item limit (typically £500–£1,500 per item)
- Electrical items not packed by the removal company may be excluded
- Self-packed boxes may not be covered if damage is due to inadequate packing
- High-value items (antiques, artwork, jewellery) may require separate cover
- Items not declared on an inventory may be harder to claim for
How to Check Your Removal Company's Insurance
Before booking any removal company, ask:
- What is the total value of Goods in Transit cover? (Should be at least £50,000)
- What is the per-item limit?
- Are self-packed boxes covered?
- What is excluded from cover?
- How do I make a claim if something is damaged?
Does My Home Contents Insurance Cover Moving?
Many home contents insurance policies include limited coverage during house moves, but the extent varies widely:
| Coverage Type | Typically Included? |
|---|---|
| Items at your old home (before move) | ✅ Yes |
| Items at your new home (after move) | ✅ Yes (after policy updated) |
| Items in transit | ⚠️ Sometimes — check your policy |
| Items in storage | ❌ Often excluded |
| High-value items (over policy limits) | ❌ Usually excluded without declaration |
💡 Action required: Contact your contents insurer before moving day to confirm coverage during transit and update your address. Failure to notify your insurer of a change of address can invalidate your policy.
Do I Need Additional Removal Insurance?
In most cases, the combination of your removal company's Goods in Transit insurance and your own contents policy provides adequate protection. However, consider additional cover if you have:
- High-value art or antiques worth more than £1,500 per item
- Grand pianos or specialist musical instruments
- Jewellery being transported on the removal vehicle
- Rare collections (wine, books, coins, stamps)
- Fragile artworks or one-of-a-kind items that cannot be replaced
What to Do if Your Items Are Damaged
If something is damaged during your move:
- Document damage immediately — photograph everything before the removal company leaves. Do not discard damaged packaging.
- Note on the inventory/delivery receipt — write "item damaged" next to any affected items before signing.
- Contact the removal company within 24 hours — most policies require prompt notification.
- Get a written repair estimate — from a qualified repairman for damaged items.
- Submit a formal claim — to the removal company's insurer if the company doesn't resolve the matter directly.
British Association of Removers (BAR) Scheme
If your removal company is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), they operate under the BAR's code of practice and you have access to BAR's Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme if your claim is disputed. Always ask if your remover is BAR-registered.