Most moves go smoothly, but when you are handing everything you own to a team of movers, it is natural to ask what happens if something is damaged. Removal insurance is the answer, yet many people book a mover without knowing what their cover actually includes. This guide explains the main types of insurance, the common gaps and the questions to ask before you book.
The Main Types of Removal Insurance
A professional removal company usually holds several types of insurance, each covering something different.
| Type of Cover | What It Generally Covers |
| Goods in transit | Your belongings while they are being loaded, transported and unloaded |
| Public liability | Damage to property, such as your home or a neighbour’s, and injury to other people during the move |
| Employers’ liability | Injury to the company’s own staff. Most employers are legally required to hold it |
| Storage cover | Belongings held in the company’s storage, where storage is part of the service |
Policies differ between companies, so treat this table as a general guide and always check the details of the cover you are being offered.
Common Gaps in Removal Cover
Problems usually arise from what is not covered rather than what is. Watch for these common limits:
- Items you pack yourself. Many policies treat boxes you pack differently from boxes packed by the removal team, especially for breakage inside the box.
- High-value items. There may be a limit per item, so jewellery, artwork and antiques may need to be declared in advance.
- Wear and tear. Existing damage, old repairs and gradual wear are usually excluded.
- Mechanical faults. Appliances and electronics that stop working without visible damage can be difficult to claim for.
- Claim deadlines. Policies often require damage to be reported within a set period after the move.
Insurance Cover vs Limited Liability
Some movers offer full insurance through a policy, while others accept only a limited amount of liability under their terms and conditions. The difference matters. Limited liability may cap what you can claim per item or per box, even if the item was worth far more. Read the terms before you book, and ask the company to explain in plain words what would happen if a valuable item were damaged.
Moving High-Value and Sentimental Items
Antiques, artwork, musical instruments and family heirlooms need extra thought. Make a list of anything valuable, photograph each item, and tell the removal company before moving day so they can plan the right packing and confirm how it is covered. Some items, such as jewellery, important documents and small valuables, are best kept with you throughout the move. No insurance policy can replace something with sentimental value, so careful packing and handling matter more than any claim.
Check Your Own Home Insurance Too
Your home contents insurance may already cover your belongings during a move, or your insurer may offer it as an add-on. Call your insurer before moving day and ask whether your policy covers belongings in transit, whether items in storage are covered and when cover moves to your new address. Knowing this helps you decide whether the removal company’s cover is enough on its own.
Questions to Ask Your Removal Company
- What insurance do you hold, and can you share the details or certificates?
- Are items I pack myself covered in the same way as items your team packs?
- Is there a limit per item, and do I need to declare anything valuable?
- How do I report damage, and is there a deadline?
- Are my belongings covered while in storage, if I need it?
A reputable company will answer clearly and put the details in writing. If a company is vague, refuses to share details or simply says “yes, we are insured” without explaining, treat it as a warning sign.
Our guide to avoiding rogue removal companies covers other warning signs to look for.
How to Reduce the Risk of Damage
Insurance is a safety net, but preventing damage is better than claiming for it. A few steps make a big difference:
- Book a proper survey so the right team, vehicle and materials are planned.
- Photograph valuable items before the move, including any existing marks.
- Point out fragile pieces to the team leader when they arrive.
- Consider professional packing for fragile and valuable items, which may also improve your cover.
- Keep jewellery, documents and small valuables with you rather than on the vehicle.
If Something Is Damaged
Check your belongings as they are unloaded, and raise anything you notice with the team leader before they leave. Take clear photographs of any damage, keep the packaging and report it to the removal company in writing as soon as possible, within any deadline in their terms. A good company will handle the claim professionally and keep you informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are removal companies insured?
Reputable companies hold insurance such as goods in transit and public liability, but the details vary. Always ask what is covered.
2. Does removal insurance cover items I pack myself?
Not always in the same way. Many policies treat items packed by the owner differently, especially for breakage inside the box.
3. Should I declare valuable items?
Yes. Tell your removal company about high-value items in advance, as there may be a limit per item.
4. Does my home insurance cover my move?
It might. Ask your insurer whether your contents policy covers belongings in transit and in storage.
5. What should I do if something is damaged?
Photograph it, keep the packaging and report it in writing to the removal company as soon as possible.
Move With Confidence With Shaheen Express Removals
Shaheen Express Removals has been moving homes and businesses across St Albans, Hertfordshire, Luton and London for more than 20 years. We are fully insured, including public liability cover, and every member of our DBS-checked team is trained to handle your belongings with care. We are happy to explain our cover before you book, and we are rated 5.0 from 444 Google reviews. Choose a house removal company that answers every question openly, and find out what to expect from a removal survey. Call +44 7903 494502 or email shaheenexpressremovals@gmail.com to talk through your move.