When you hire a removal company, they should have Goods in Transit insurance for removals to cover you and your belongings from any damage or loss that might happen throughout the move. While researching companies, it’s also worth checking removal costs so you can budget for everything, including insurance, before booking.
It's not worth the risk to hire a removal company that doesn't have Goods in Transit insurance. Whilst they may seem cheaper than other removal companies, it's worth paying extra for the peace of mind that your belongings are fully protected.
What is Goods in Transit Insurance?
What is Goods in Transit Insurance?
Goods in Transit insurance is an insurance policy that all removals companies should have. It will cover you from any damage or losses to your personal belongings during the move. Therefore, damages by movers and packers outside of transit (vehicle) will not be covered.
You don't need to buy Goods in Transit insurance, any reputable removal company will be insured and it will always be included within your removal company costs. This is espeically true for long distance removals such as moving form England to Northern Ireland or Scotland.
Goods in Transit insurance will protect your belongings from:
- Theft while in transit.
- Damage caused by accidents during transit.
- Loss during transit.
- Damage caused during transit.
It does not cover:
- Storage of goods.
- Damage or confiscation by the government.
- Issues beyond the stated policy limits.
- Certain items may be excluded but this should be stated in the policy.
- Theft from an unattended vehicle or if the vehicle was not secure
If you are moving abroad, you can get a international removals insurance which will mean you will not need to get a separate goods in transit insurance.
Goods in Transit insurance protects your belongings while they’re being transported from one location to another, covering losses caused by theft, damage, or misplacement during the move.
It only applies while your items are in the vehicle, so any damage that happens before loading or after unloading won’t be covered.
You don’t need to buy this separately as reputable removal companies include it in their costs, especially for long-distance moves such as from England to Northern Ireland or Scotland.
Goods in Transit insurance typically covers:
- Theft while in transit
- Damage caused by accidents
- Loss during transportation
What Does Goods in Transit Not Cover?
Storage of goods.
Damage or confiscation by the Government.
Issues beyond the stated policy limits.
Certain items may be excluded but this should be stated in the policy.
Theft from an unattended vehicle or if the vehicle was not secure
Reduce Your Removal Costs by £600
Insured, professional companies
Used by over 1.8m UK movers
Goods in Transit Insurance for Removals
In most scenarios, you will not need to sort out your own Goods in Transit Insurance. All Compare My Move removal companies will be insured with Goods in Transit insurance, usually covering you up to as much as £50,000 for damages, making them top UK removal companies. However, this can vary depending on which removal company you work with.
For added protection and peace and mind, you do also have the option of taking out removals insurance or international moving insurance with an independent insurer. Whilst this will come with an additional cost as it will be up to you to organise not the moving company, it does result in an added layer of security during the house move. If you currently have contents insurance, however, read through your policy first to determine whether your goods are already insured whilst in transit.
Before choosing your moving company, check their insurance policies to find out how you will be covered for any damages during your house move. You should find out how much their policy will cover to give you further peace of mind - these should all be questions to ask your removal company when requesting removal quotes.
Goods in Transit Insurance for Removals
In most cases, you won’t need to arrange your own Goods in Transit insurance. All Compare My Move removal companies are insured, often covering up to £50,000 for damages, although the exact amount can vary between movers.
For extra peace of mind, you can take out removals insurance or international moving insurance through an independent provider. This will be at your own cost and must be arranged separately, but it adds an additional layer of protection.
If you already have contents insurance, check whether it covers goods in transit. Before booking, review your chosen mover’s insurance policy to confirm:
- What’s included in the cover
- The maximum payout limit
- Any exclusions or conditions
These are key questions to ask when requesting a removal quote to ensure you’re fully protected throughout your move.
What is Covered Under Goods in Transit Insurance?
Goods in Transit Insurance can protect against a variety of issues, including damage, theft, delayed delivery and loss. In the unfortunate circumstance that you face financial loss when using a removal company, such as damaged furniture during a house move, you can try to claim back those losses through the insurance.
Many of our removal companies offer varying levels of cover. While we require removal companies to offer Goods in Transit insurance, it's always good to check the level of cover with your moving company when receiving a quote. It should be noted that you will not be covered for Goods in Transit Insurance if you pack your belongings yourself. Your removal company must have packed your belongings in order to be covered.
Our partner’s insurance policy will also have a limit on the value of goods they cover. The majority of our partners have a maximum cover of £10,000 per vehicle, while others may offer coverage of up to £50,000. Although your mover’s insurance should easily cover you in case of damages, it's worth checking policies beforehand if you are transporting valuable goods.
What is Covered Under Goods in Transit Insurance?
Goods in Transit Insurance can protect against a variety of issues, including damage, theft, delayed delivery and loss. In many cases, accidental damage caused during loading or unloading is also covered.
In the unfortunate circumstance that you face financial loss when using a removal company, such as damaged furniture during a house move, you can try to claim back those losses through the insurance.
Many of our removal companies offer varying levels of cover. While we require removal companies to offer Goods in Transit insurance, it's always good to check the level of cover with your moving company when receiving a quote. It should be noted that you will not be covered for Goods in Transit Insurance if you pack your belongings yourself. Your removal company must have packed your belongings in order to be covered.
Your mover’s insurance should easily cover you in case of damages, it's worth checking policies beforehand if you are transporting valuable goods.
Goods in Transit and Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability insurance is what your removal company should have to cover you and your personal belongings for the duration of the move. Whilst it's not a legal requirement, any reputable removal company will be insured with both Public Liability and Goods in Transit insurance.
Public liability insurance is a policy that covers the costs of injury to any member of the public, including yourself and friends or family helping you move house. It also covers the cost of any damaged or lost items. Having public liability insurance in place ensures you should be compensated in the event of injury or property damage up to the cost of £3 million. The value of this does differ from company to company but you can expect a figure of roughly £1-£3 million pounds. You can ask your removal company about this if you want more information or if you're concerned about injury and property damage.
Public Liability insurance will cover:
- Compensation due to injury or even death of a member of the public. It's unlikely that you will have to make a claim, but this type of insurance will cover the cost of hospital treatment for anyone injured.
- Compensation due to damage of a property or possessions. This covers the cost of repairing the damage caused.
Not only will it give you complete peace of mind, but it will also show that the removal company will treat your personal belongings with great care and consideration. It should be noted, at Compare My Move, it's part of our verification process that every partner must have Public Liability insurance along with Goods in Transit.
Reduce Your Removal Costs by £600
Insured, professional companies
Used by over 1.8m UK movers
Goods in Transit and Public Liability Insurance
Any reputable removal company should have both Public Liability insurance and Goods in Transit insurance to protect you, your belongings, and anyone involved in your move. While Public Liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it’s a strong sign of professionalism and reliability.
Public Liability insurance covers:
- Injury or death of a member of the public, including you or friends and family helping on moving day
- Damage to property or possessions, including the cost of repairs or replacement
Cover limits vary, but most removal companies offer between £1 million and £3 million. This ensures you can be compensated if an accident or damage occurs. If you’re concerned about cover levels or exclusions, ask your mover for details before booking.
Not only does this insurance provide peace of mind, it also shows the company values care and responsibility when handling your belongings.
Reduce Your Removal Costs by £600
Insured, professional companies
Used by over 1.8m UK movers
How to Dispute Damages
If you find any damages from your move, get in contact with your chosen removal company as soon as possible. Remember to take pictures of the belongings as evidence.
Once your company has been informed of any breakages, they will report the incident to their insurance company. The insurance company will then decide whether the damages fall in line with the company’s policy and provide a verdict. This is usually done within 30 days of the claim.
How to Dispute Damages
If you find any damages from your move, get in contact with your chosen removal company as soon as possible. Remember to take pictures of the belongings as evidence.
Once your company has been informed of any breakages, they will report the incident to their insurance company. The insurance company will then decide whether the damages fall in line with the company’s policy and provide a verdict. This is usually done within 30 days of the claim.
Using Movers Without Goods in Transit Insurance
Working with an uninsured removal company will mean that none of your belongings will be covered while they are in transit. Some home contents insurance policies may cover moving house, but this is by no means standard.
Using a company with the required insurance means that your belongings are all covered, from losing items to damaging furniture during transit.
Using Movers Without Goods in Transit Insurance
Working with an uninsured removal company will mean that none of your belongings will be covered while they are in transit. Some home contents insurance policies may cover moving house, but this is by no means standard.
Using a company with the required insurance means that your belongings are all covered, from losing items to damaging furniture during transit.
Save on Your House Removals
To make sure you're choosing the best removal company, get connected with Compare My Move and we'll put you in touch with up to 6 verified and trusted removal companies in your area.
Compare Removal Company Quotes
We know how important it is to use a verified and insured removal company. That's why we only take on the best companies in the business. All of our removal partners are fully covered with Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance and have passed our strict verification process.
Simply fill out our removals form and we'll put you in touch with up to 6 verified and trusted removal companies in your area.
FAQs
What is the difference between carrier liability and goods in transit insurance?
Carrier liability insurance protects the transporter from legal claims if they are found negligent for damage to goods. Goods in Transit insurance, however, covers the actual value of your belongings if they are lost or damaged, including issues that may not involve negligence. For anyone using a removal company, having Goods in Transit insurance means covered protection if items get lost or damaged on the way.
