Removals insurance, sometimes called mover’s insurance, moving insurance or moving house insurance, protects your belongings while they are being packed, loaded, transported, unloaded and unpacked during a home move. When you hand everything you own to a removals company, the right cover can give you peace of mind if something goes wrong.
Some home contents insurance policies already include cover for your possessions while they are in transit, but many do not, or only provide limited protection. Others only cover you if you use a professional removals company and have fragile items professionally packed. That is why it is important to check your existing policy first, then look at the insurance held by your chosen removals company.
In this guide, we explain what removals insurance covers, how it sits alongside your home and contents insurance, how much it typically costs, and when it may be worth paying for extra moving house insurance. We will also show you how choosing an insured, professional removals company can help protect your belongings on moving day.
Key Points
- Many contents insurance policies include some cover for your belongings when you are moving house, but the level of protection and conditions vary.
- Policies often only cover you if you use a professional removals company, not a DIY move or informal “man with a van”.
- Removals insurance or moving house insurance can top up your cover if your home policy is limited or you want extra protection for higher-value items.
What is Removals Insurance and What Does it Cover?
Removals insurance protects your furniture, furnishings and some valuables from loss or damage whilst moving house or during an office relocation. It usually covers the period when items are being packed, carried to the removals vehicle, transported between properties, unloaded and unpacked. You can purchase a removals insurance policy from an insurance provider, or you may be able to arrange additional cover through your moving company. If you are moving abroad there is a separate international removals insurance.
Whilst each policy is different, removals insurance and moving house insurance may cover loss or damage during the move, for example caused by:
Vandalism or malicious acts
Theft or attempted theft
Storms, flooding or other severe weather
A crash or collision with another vehicle
Fire, explosion, or escape of water or oil (where included by the policy wording)
Some policies may also include cover if your belongings are kept in short-term storage by the removals firm, often for a limited number of days. Always check the policy limits, exclusions and conditions.
Save an Average of £600 on Removals
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How Much Does Removals Insurance Cost?
On average, removals insurance arranged through a removals company is often around 10% of the removal cost. This means if your move works out as £2,000, you might expect to add roughly £200 for the insurance.
We previously calculated the average removal cost in the UK as £1,044, meaning the additional insurance price of a move of this size would be £104.40.
However, this price can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The provider or removals company you use
- The volume and total value of goods being moved
- Accessibility to the property at both ends
- The distance travelled between your old and new home
- Whether you add extra cover for fragile or high-value items such as antiques and family heirlooms
The moving date does not affect cost which is why we recommend moving on a Friday or Saturday as our research shows that these are the best days to move house.
If you choose to upgrade your insurance policy to include items that might otherwise be excluded, your insurance may be capped at a percentage of the total value insured. For example, if your goods have a total value of £50,000 and the policy limit is 10%, the maximum claim would be £5,000. Always check your insurer’s limits and how they apply.
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
How Much Cover do you Need?
The cost of removals insurance or moving insurance is based on the value of what you are moving. It can help to:
- Walk through your home and list everything you are taking, from furniture and soft furnishings to clothes, gadgets and items in sheds or garages.
- Estimate the cost of replacing each item as new, rather than what you originally paid.
- Check your policy’s total sum insured and any single-item limits to make sure the cover is high enough for your belongings.
Some policies will refer to a Maximum Replacement Value for your belongings. This is the maximum amount the insurer will pay to replace items as new, so make sure it matches the true value of what you are moving.
If you are using a removals company, ask what their Goods in Transit limit is per item and per load, and whether this matches the value of your goods. If there is a gap, you may want to explore additional moving house insurance or higher limits.
Is Removals Insurance Worth the Cost?
Whether removals insurance is worth the cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you already have cover in place through your contents insurance, the value of your possessions and how far and complex your move is.
Whilst reliable removal companies will always aim to complete a job without problems, some things are out of their control. There is no guarantee that issues will not occur, accidents and unexpected events can happen during a move. If you would find it difficult to replace your belongings out of your own pocket, paying for extra moving house insurance or using a well-insured removals company can provide useful peace of mind.
Save an Average of £600 on Removals
Insured, professional companies
Used by over 1.8m UK movers
What Insurance is Needed When Moving House?
When people search for moving insurance or moving house insurance, they are usually trying to work out which policies need to be in place on moving day. In most cases, you will need to think about three main areas of cover:
- Buildings insurance on your new property from the point you become legally responsible for it, so the structure of your home is protected if something happens before you move in. This can be especially important if there is property damage to the home between exchange and completion, as responsibility can depend on your contract and policy terms.
- Contents insurance that either includes “contents in transit”, “household removals cover” or similar, or a separate removals insurance policy that covers your belongings while they are being moved.
- Adequate cover from your removals company, usually through Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance, if you are using professional movers.
Your home insurer or a regulated adviser can explain the options for buildings and contents insurance. This guide focuses on how removals insurance and movers’ cover work in practice, and how to choose an insured removals company to protect your belongings on the day.
You should also check what cover is included when hiring a moving company and which of your items will be protected whilst in their care. You will need to confirm whether the moving company’s cover will be included in your contract, or whether there’ll be an additional fee. It’s important to note that insuring independently can sometimes be a cheaper option so it’s important you shop around before choosing. Also make sure you know what a removal company should do as part of their service before hiring them.
If you're moving abroad, you will also need to compare international removals insurance to protect your items.
If you’re using self-storage when moving, you may want to also consider taking out a specialist policy. Most storage companies will have insurance already in place to protect your belongings whilst they’re stored in their facilities. However, different companies will offer different cover. For example, some removal or storage providers do not offer cover for fire damage.
Are DIY Moves and “Man with a Van” Services Covered?
Many contents insurance policies only cover your belongings during a move if a professional removals company is used. DIY moves with friends and family, or informal “man with a van” services, are often excluded from standard home insurance and may not meet the conditions for removals cover.
Always check your policy wording for requirements such as “licensed removals contractor” or similar. If you are not using a professional removals company, you may need a specialist moving insurance policy that is specifically designed to cover DIY moves.
Most contents insurance won’t cover DIY moves
Most home insurance policies only protect your belongings during a move if you use a licensed removals company. DIY moves, friends with a van, or informal services are often excluded entirely. When you compare removal companies, check:
They carry Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance
Their cover limits match the value of what you're moving
What's excluded (loading, unloading, and storage often aren't covered)
What is Storage Insurance?
If your items are not covered whilst in storage, you may want to upgrade your insurance policy or take out storage insurance. Storage insurance is a specialist insurance product that should cover your possessions, domestic or business, against risks associated with storing them away from your property, such as fire, flooding or vandalism at the storage facility.
However, you will likely only be covered whilst your goods are stored in approved storage locations. Some policies will also ensure your goods are protected whilst in transit to and from the storage facility, but often only for a limited period, so it is important to check the small print.
Do You Need Removals Insurance if You Have Contents Insurance?
Some contents insurance will already include cover for moving house so don’t forget to check your existing policy and to speak with your provider. Some policies allow cover for ‘contents to be temporarily removed from the home’, including a cap on the value of your items. This cover is typically called ‘contents in transit’.
Look out for phrases such as “household removals cover”, “contents cover when you are moving home” or “goods in transit” in your documents. These sections should explain whether your belongings are covered while they are being moved, whether you must use a professional removals company and what limits or exclusions apply.
If this is not currently included, you can ask your provider to add it to your existing policy. If your contents insurance includes enough protection for your move, you may decide you do not need separate removals insurance. If cover is missing or limited, a dedicated moving house insurance policy or additional cover from your removals company could help fill the gap.
Does Home Insurance Cover Removals?
This will entirely depend on your specific home insurance policy.
There are two main types of home insurance: buildings insurance and contents insurance. These can either be bought individually or combined into one home insurance product.
Whilst some companies will cover your contents whilst in transit, it will not be a definite addition and so you must read your policy thoroughly.
It’s important to note that some insurance companies will not make a pay-out on a claim if they believe your items were not professionally packed. This is why many companies will insist you use an experienced removal company. However, ‘man and van’ operations may not be covered.
If you are unsure, speak to your insurer well before your moving date so you have time to arrange additional removals insurance or adjust your cover if needed.
Ask Your Removal Company About Their Policies and Cover
When comparing removal companies, don’t forget to check that they are fully insured before accepting the quote. Rest assured, every removal partner that enters the Compare My Move network must show proof of Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance to ensure you and your possessions are fully covered.
When asking questions, don’t forget to read through their insurance policies to know exactly what is and isn’t covered. You should also check the time limit you will have to make a claim, any excess you would need to pay and whether there are different limits for individual items. Ask them to talk you through the claims process step by step, including what evidence they need (for example photos), where to send it, and how long decisions typically take.
It’s important to note that most home insurance policies, however, will include cover for accidental damage or loss if you use a professional removals company for the move.
What Insurance Does a Removals Company Need?
As a minimum, a professional removals company should have:
- Goods in Transit insurance – to cover your belongings while they are being moved.
- Public Liability insurance – to cover injury to third parties or damage to property during the move.
Some companies may also offer higher Goods in Transit limits or additional cover for particularly valuable items, often for an extra charge. Ask for copies of their policy documents or written confirmation of what is included, how claims are handled and whether compensation is by repair, replacement or cash.
You may also want to choose a company that is a member of the British Association of Removers, as membership can be a useful trust signal when comparing firms.
What Does Limited Liability Mean?
Removal companies will not always know the exact value of the items they are moving. Whilst reputable movers will always aim to handle your items with care and respect, accidents can occur and events can happen out of their control. Due to this risk, removal companies will seek to limit their liability.
Every removal company will have their own levels of liability which can usually be found in the Terms and Conditions. Before deciding on the level of cover you require, you should check the company’s level of liability.
If the standard liability limits are lower than the value of what you are moving, you may want to ask about increasing the cover or taking out additional removals insurance, particularly for high-value or irreplaceable items.
Will a Removal Company’s Insurance Policy Cover Your Possessions?
As part of their contract with you, most removal companies will have insurance cover. The most common and vital cover required is Goods in Transit Insurance, which covers your possessions whilst they’re being moved.
It’s advised you get your goods valued before the move. This will help you determine whether you require additional insurance cover as Goods in Transit Insurance is typically only covered for around £40-£50. If you discuss your insurance options with your chosen moving company, they may be able to increase this amount.
When comparing insurance policies, check to see if any require you to take an inventory of the items being moved and their individual values.
You should also confirm whether the limits quoted are per item or per load, what excess applies to any claim and whether there are exclusions for certain types of goods, such as cash, documents or jewellery. Getting these details in writing can help avoid misunderstandings later on.
What Does Goods in Transit Insurance Cover?
All removal companies should be covered by Goods in Transit Insurance. It covers clients from any loss or damage to their items while they are being moved. It should be included in the final removal cost and should not result in an additional fee.
Goods in Transit insurance will usually cover:
- Theft of goods whilst in transit
- Damage caused during transit
- Loss of items during transit
- Damage resulting from a collision or bad weather during the journey, within the limits of the policy**
Goods in Transit Will Not Cover:
- Storage of goods
- Theft from an unattended or insecure vehicle
- Damage or confiscation of goods by the government
- Issues beyond the stated policy limits
Some policies will also exclude items that were not properly packed or labelled, or pre-existing damage to goods. Always check the wording so you know what is and is not included.
Industry Insight: Cover limits
"When I was running my removal company, the claims that caused the most friction weren't actually breakages during the move - they were items damaged during loading or unloading. What a lot of people don't realise is that Goods in Transit insurance only covers items while they're physically inside the vehicle. So if a wardrobe gets scratched carrying it down the front steps before it's loaded onto the van, that's technically not covered. I'd always recommend customers check whether their home contents policy bridges that gap."
Dave Sayce, Founder, Compare My Move
How Long Do You Have to Claim?
There will often be time limits on claims when dealing with removal companies and their insurers. The reason for this is to stop clients from falsifying claims by returning to the company at a later date with items that may have been damaged elsewhere.
The length of time you will have to make a claim against a removal company will depend on their policy and specific insurer. It is advised that you inspect your possessions immediately after the house move is complete to help you raise any potential issues before the deadline is over.
When you receive your quote or booking confirmation, make a note of the claims time limit, how to report any damage and what evidence you may need to provide. Taking photos of any issues as soon as you notice them can help support your claim.
If you need to make a complaint against a removal company, you will also have the option of taking it further by contacting their appropriate regulatory body.
Finding the Right Removal Company
To ensure you choose one of the best removal companies in the business, complete Compare My Move’s simple online form to get matched with up to 6 verified and experienced moving companies in your local area.
All of our partners are insured with both Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance. They must also be put through our strict verification process to ensure they can work to our high standards. This not only ensures both you and your possessions are protected throughout the process, but also that every partner can and will deliver quality services.
Removals Insurance FAQs
Is removals insurance worth it?
Removals insurance or moving house insurance can be worth it if you would struggle to replace your belongings out of your own pocket. Some contents policies include limited “contents in transit” cover, but there may be low limits, exclusions for fragile items, or conditions such as using a professional removals company. Extra cover can provide added protection if your existing policy is restricted.
How much does removals insurance cost?
As a rough guide, removals insurance arranged through a removals company is often around 10% of the total removal cost. So if your move costs £2,000, the insurance might be around £200. The actual price depends on the value of your belongings, the distance travelled, how easy the properties are to access and whether you add cover for high-value or fragile items.
Do you need removals insurance if you have contents insurance?
Many contents insurance policies include some cover for belongings while you are moving house, but not all do, and cover can be limited. Check your documents for phrases like “contents in transit” or “household removals cover”, and pay attention to any conditions or exclusions. If the cover is missing or too low, separate removals insurance or moving insurance may help fill the gap.
What insurance do you need when moving house?
Most movers will need buildings insurance on the new property from the point they are legally responsible for it, contents insurance that covers belongings while they are moved, and adequate cover from a professional removals company through Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance. Your insurer can confirm what is included in your home policy, while a removals company can explain what their own insurance will cover on moving day.
Do removal companies have insurance?
Yes, professional removal companies should have their own insurance. Many will have Goods in Transit and Public Liability cover as part of their contract with you, but limits and exclusions can vary. Always ask what is included, what the maximum claim limits are and whether you can increase the cover if needed.
What is storage insurance when moving house?
Storage insurance is a type of contents cover that protects your belongings while they are kept in a storage facility. It usually covers risks such as fire, water damage, vandalism and structural problems at the storage site. If your move involves storing items for more than a short period, you may need standalone storage insurance, as standard contents or removals cover often has strict time limits.
