Removals Insurance Guide

Having removal insurance is the most important as it covers your possessions against damage or loss during transit. Additionally, updating your home insurance to include the new property is necessary to ensure coverage from the day you move in. Finally, it’s wise to check if your current contents insurance covers items in transit, or if you need a separate policy for complete protection during the move.

Yes, there is a significant difference between content insurance and goods in transit cover. Content insurance typically refers to a policy that covers the contents of your home or business against risks like theft, fire, and water damage while they remain within the property.

Goods in transit cover, on the other hand, is specifically designed to protect items while they are being moved from one location to another, covering risks associated with transportation such as damage or loss during transit. This means that ”Goods in transit” cover is particularly relevant during your move using a moving company, whereas content insurance is more about protecting your possessions in their usual premises. It’s important to have both types of insurance for comprehensive protection, as each covers different scenarios and risks.

UK removals insurance typically covers loss or damage to your personal belongings while they are being transported to your new home. This includes protection against accidents, handling damages, and unforeseen events like theft or environmental damage during transit. Some policies may also offer coverage for delays in transit, additional storage costs, and replacement of locks and keys if necessary.

Can all my contents be covered for damage?

Most removals insurance policies cover a wide range of contents for damage during the moving process, but there are often exceptions and limitations. High-value items like jewelry, antiques, or fine art may require additional coverage or specific clauses in the policy. It’s important to thoroughly review the terms of your insurance and declare any valuable or unusual items to ensure they are fully covered.

What will the insurance cover?

Removals insurance generally covers the following:

• Loss of items during transit.
• Damage to belongings caused by accidents or mishandling.
• Theft of items while in transit.
• Environmental damages, such as those caused by weather conditions.
• Breakage of fragile items, if properly packed and declared.
• Delays in transit leading to additional costs.
• Temporary storage, if part of the transit process.
• Coverage for specific high-value items, if declared and agreed upon.
• Replacement of locks and keys, if necessary.
• Personal liability coverage for any damage caused by your belongings during the move.

The cost of removals insurance typically depends on several factors, including the total value of the items being moved, the distance of the move, and the specific coverage options chosen. On average, removal insurance can cost about 10% of the total moving costs. For instance, if your moving expenses are around £2,000, you can expect to pay about £180-£200 for a comprehensive removals insurance policy.

This percentage can vary based on the level of coverage you choose, with more extensive policies costing slightly more. Factors like the inclusion of high-value items, international moves, or additional services like temporary storage can also influence the final insurance cost. Ultimately, obtaining a personalized quote from insurance providers, considering your specific moving details, is the best way to estimate the precise cost for your situation.

Home insurance typically does not automatically cover the process of moving or the removals itself. While your home insurance may protect your belongings in your current and new residence, it often doesn’t extend to covering these items while in transit. For protection during the move, you would need to specifically check if your policy includes coverage for items being moved or consider purchasing a separate removals insurance. It’s always advisable to consult with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage and any additional policies needed for a home move.

Goods in Transit Insurance for removals is a specific type of insurance policy designed to protect your personal belongings while they are being transported from one location to another. This coverage ensures that your items are protected against loss, damage, or theft during the moving process. It’s particularly important for businesses or individuals who frequently transport goods or have high-value items, providing peace of mind during the relocation.

Limited liability cover

Limited liability insurance, often a default option in many removals services, provides minimal coverage for your belongings during the move. Under this option, the removals company is only liable for a small, fixed amount per item or per pound of weight, regardless of the item’s actual value. This means in the event of damage or loss, you might receive compensation far below the true worth of the affected items.

Full liability cover

Full liability insurance offers more comprehensive protection. It covers the full value of any items lost or damaged during the move, subject to the terms of the policy. This type of coverage is typically more expensive but ensures that you’re fully compensated for the actual value of your belongings in case of any mishaps during transit.

The timeframe for filing a claim on removals insurance varies depending on the policy and the insurance provider. Generally, you are required to report any loss or damage as soon as possible, typically within a few days of the move. Most insurance policies specify a maximum period for claims, which can range from 7 to 30 days after the move. It’s crucial to review your insurance policy’s terms and conditions to understand the specific time limits and requirements for making a claim.

When using removal services, certain items or contents typically aren’t covered under standard policies or service agreements. These typically include:

• Hazardous Materials: Items like paint, chemicals, or flammable substances are usually not moved due to safety risks.

• Perishable Food Items: Because of spoilage concerns, movers often won’t transport perishable foods.

• Plants and Animals: Living things, such as houseplants and pets, are usually not covered due to the specialized care they need.

• Valuables and Personal Documents: High-value items like jewelry, cash, or personal documents may be excluded for liability reasons.

• Illegal Items: Any illegal substances or items are not covered by removal services.

• Extremely Fragile or Specialty Items: Some items that require specialized handling (like pianos or fine art) might not be covered under standard policies.

• Electronics: Depending on the policy, some movers might not cover electronics due to their fragility and value.

It’s important to check with the specific removals company for their terms and conditions, as these exclusions can vary. Additionally, purchasing additional insurance or making alternative arrangements for these types of items is advisable.

Removals insurance typically covers your items during the process of moving, but it often does not extend to cover the period when your belongings are stored in a storage facility. If you plan to move items into storage, it’s important to check with your removals company or insurance provider about the specific terms of your policy. In many cases, you may need to obtain separate storage insurance to ensure your items are protected while in the storage facility. This storage insurance is specifically designed to cover risks like theft, damage, or environmental factors while your belongings are in the storage unit.

Many man and van services may not provide comprehensive coverage, making it important to inquire directly about their insurance provisions. For full protection, consider purchasing additional insurance for your items, especially if they are valuable or fragile.