What the cover is for
Goods-in-transit insurance is intended to protect eligible belongings while they are being transported under the agreed removal service. The exact cover, limits and exclusions depend on the policy and contract.
It should not be confused with home insurance or public liability cover.
- Policy limit
- Covered journey
- Eligible belongings
- Excess and exclusions
Customer responsibilities
The removal company needs accurate information about unusually valuable, fragile or specialist items. Some belongings may require declaration, professional packing or separate cover.
Items packed by the customer may be treated differently under the terms, especially where damage results from inadequate packing.
- Declare high-value items
- Use suitable packing
- Keep an inventory
- Read the terms before booking
Common exclusions
Policies often exclude cash, jewellery, important documents, hazardous goods, live plants or damage caused by natural deterioration. The actual policy wording controls.
Do not assume every item is covered simply because it is inside the vehicle.
- Restricted items
- Pre-existing damage
- Owner-packed fragiles
- Unreported high values
If something goes wrong
Record the issue promptly, keep packaging and take photographs. Follow the reporting period and evidence requirements in the removal company’s terms.
Raise concerns as soon as possible rather than waiting until long after the move.
Information that may affect cover
Insurance terms can depend on how items are packed, whether high-value belongings were declared, who performed the packing and how quickly loss or damage is reported. Read the applicable policy or booking terms rather than assuming every item has unlimited cover.
Photograph valuable furniture and electronics before the move and retain purchase or valuation evidence where appropriate. Tell the mover about unusually valuable, fragile or irreplaceable items before accepting the quotation.
- Declare high-value belongings
- Check limits and excesses
- Understand packing requirements
- Keep supporting documents
What to do if something goes wrong
Inspect belongings as soon as reasonably possible and report concerns promptly in writing. Include the booking details, item description, photographs and any relevant packaging. Do not dispose of damaged items before the claim process is explained.
Goods-in-transit insurance is separate from careful planning. Suitable packing, honest inventories and clear identification of fragile items remain the most effective way to reduce risk.
- Record the issue promptly
- Take clear photographs
- Retain packaging and the item
- Follow the stated claims procedure
Questions to ask before booking
Ask for the applicable insurance summary and booking terms, then check the declared-value requirements, exclusions, excess and reporting period. The answer should relate to the actual service being booked rather than a general marketing statement.
Where the move includes storage, subcontracted transport or an international stage, ask which policy applies during each part. Different providers may be responsible at different points, so the written quotation should identify the service arrangement clearly.
- Check the cover limit
- Declare high-value items
- Read packing exclusions
- Keep the claims contact details
Related services: Learn how our professional house removals and packing services help protect belongings throughout a move.