The Importance of Insurance in Moving: What Coverage Should You Have?

Moving can be one of the most exciting yet stressful transitions, whether you're relocating your home or shifting your business operations. While packing boxes and coordinating logistics are at the forefront of many minds, many overlook one critical component—insurance. When engaging moving services in Forster, you must protect your belongings from unexpected damage, loss or delays during the move.

No matter how professional or experienced your removalist is, accidents happen. From heavy rainfall and bumpy regional roads to fragile items slipping during a rush unload, the reality is that not everything always goes to plan. The good news? With the right insurance coverage in place, you won’t be left footing the bill if something goes wrong.

In this blog, we’ll explore the types of insurance you should look for when hiring a removalist, how they work, and why reviewing your coverage options is vital before moving day.

Why Every Move Needs a Safety Net: Understanding Moving Insurance Basics

While removalists take every precaution to safely move your belongings, many external factors are out of their control. Insurance is your backup plan, designed to give you financial protection and peace of mind.

A few key risks covered by moving insurance include:

• Accidental damage to furniture, appliances, or electronics during transit
• Loss or theft of items while in transport or storage
• Water- or weather-related damage
• Delays resulting in extra accommodation or storage costs

Without the right insurance, replacing or repairing damaged items comes out of your pocket—something few homeowners or businesses are prepared for during a move.

Understanding the distinction between core insurance types helps you identify where potential gaps might exist.

Public liability insurance protects against damage caused to property or injury to third parties during the move. For example:

• Scratches or dents on flooring or walls
• Damage to a neighbour’s property during loading
• A visitor tripping over packing materials left unattended

Goods in Transit Insurance, on the other hand, is specific to your items being moved:

• Covers breakages & damages during transport
• Applies to theft while items are in the moving truck
• May cover losses due to vehicle accidents or overturning

When hiring removals in Forster, confirm that both types of coverage are included.

What If It Breaks? Coverage for Damaged Furniture & Appliances

Even with the most careful movers, bulky items like lounges, fridges, and entertainment units are at higher risk of accidental damage. This is where having transit insurance becomes critical.

Common damage scenarios include:

• Dropping a washing machine while carrying it upstairs
• Scratched timber furniture from improper strapping in transit
• Cracked TV screens due to shifting during sudden stops

Insurance will typically cover:

• Repair costs for partially damaged items
• Replacement value for items deemed irreparable
• Coverage for items damaged during both loading & unloading

Don’t assume your home contents insurance will protect you here—it often doesn’t apply when items are being transported.

Do Removalists Include Insurance in Their Services? Here’s What to Ask

Insurance coverage varies widely between removal companies. Some include it as part of their service, while others offer it as an add-on. Before signing any contract, ask your removalist:

• Do you carry both public liability and goods-in-transit insurance?
• What’s the maximum coverage amount per item and per move?
• Is insurance automatically included in the quoted cost?
• Can I get a copy of your certificate of currency for insurance?

A reputable mover will be transparent and happy to provide these details.

Valuables, Heirlooms & Antiques: When Additional Insurance is Essential

Standard insurance coverage may not be sufficient for items of exceptional monetary or sentimental value. If you're moving fragile or irreplaceable belongings, taking additional steps is wise.

Items that may require extra protection:

• Antique furniture or artwork
• Heirlooms, jewellery, or collectibles
• High-end electronics or bespoke furniture

What you can do:

• Declare high-value items before the move.
• Check if these items are covered by standard insurance.
• Explore options for specific item insurance or a temporary rider under your home contents policy.

This is especially important for long-distance moves or when items will be placed in storage.