Removals Insurance & Goods-in-Transit Cover
A mover's standard liability can be limited; ask for the limits in writing before you book
Pros
- Extra cover, where a firm offers it, can raise the limits for a higher-value move
- A clear quote shows any extra cover as its own line, with the limit and excess stated
Cons
- Standard liability can be lower than people assume, so check the limits rather than the word “insured”
- Extra cover adds to the quote, which makes it tempting to skip for a lower headline price
About Removals Insurance & Goods-in-Transit Cover
Short answer: before booking, get the mover's liability terms and any insurance wording in writing, and check the limits, exclusions, excess and how owner-packed boxes are treated. Two things are easily confused. Liability is what the mover accepts responsibility for under its contract. Insurance is a separate contract with its own wording, whether it is the mover's policy, extra cover the mover sells, or your own home insurance. Terms differ between firms, so one firm's limits tell you nothing about another's.
“Fully insured” on a website does not tell you the limit per item, whether you need to declare values in advance, or what happens to items while they are in storage. If you own higher-value items such as electronics, antiques or artwork, ask for the per-item limit in writing and decide whether extra cover is worth the cost before moving day, not after something is broken. Our guides explain removal insurance and liability, common exclusions and what in-transit cover on a home insurance policy means.
Questions to ask before you book
- What is the limit per item and for the whole move, and on what basis is a loss valued: repair, replacement or a capped amount?
- Do I need to declare values for the whole move or for named items, and how is that recorded?
- What excess applies, and is it per claim or per item?
- How are boxes I pack myself treated?
- If my goods go into storage, which terms apply at collection, in the warehouse and at redelivery?
- For a hypothetical large TV: is it within the per-item limit, and is a cracked screen treated differently from a fault found later?
- For a hypothetical stone table top with an earlier repair: would damage along the old repair be treated as pre-existing?
- What is the deadline for reporting damage, and what evidence will you need?
These are questions to ask, not a guide to what any firm would pay. If something is damaged, see how to document a removal complaint.
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Frequently asked questions
What does ‘goods in transit’ insurance actually mean?
Broadly, it is insurance for goods while they are being moved: loaded, transported and unloaded. Exactly what it covers depends on the policy wording. It is not the same as your home contents insurance; some home policies include cover during a move and others do not, so ask your insurer. Ask any firm you are considering for its standard liability limit per item, and what any extra cover would cost and include.
Are you a removals company yourselves?
No. Compare House Movers is an independent comparison and information service, and being put in touch with a firm through this site is not an endorsement. If a firm says it is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), check with BAR directly. BAR says its members must follow its code of practice, and that its Advanced Payment Guarantee means your move is carried out by another member if a member you have paid in advance stops trading. That matters because deposits are often paid upfront for removals.
Is all the pricing on this site guaranteed?
No. Any costs mentioned are general guidance, not fixed quotes. Always get itemised quotes from more than one removal firm before committing, and check exactly what’s included.
What happens after I request a quote?
We look for a removal firm that covers your area to arrange a proper survey (in person or by video). There is no obligation to proceed with any quote.
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