Removalist insurance explained

The two covers that matter

Ours are $20M public liability and $250K goods in transit. Ask every removalist for their amounts, in writing.

• Public liability: damage to property or injury to people during the move, like a scraped wall, a damaged lift or a broken door frame.
• Goods in transit: loss or damage to your belongings while they’re on the truck.

What insurance usually doesn’t cover

• Things you packed yourself, if the box was packed poorly. The removalist can’t see inside a taped box.
• Fragile or valuable items you didn’t tell them about before the move.
• Items they don’t move at all, like pianos, pool tables and hazardous goods.
• Wear and tear, or damage that was already there.
• Damage reported long after the move, when the cause can’t be checked.

Protect yourself before moving day

• Take clear photos of your furniture, from angles that show its condition. We ask for this as a conditions report before every move.
• Tell the removalist about art, mirrors, glass, stone tops, safes and anything that took more than two people to deliver.
• Pack fragile things well, or have them packed for you.
• Check your home and contents policy: some cover your things while moving.
• Keep valuables, documents and jewellery with you.

If something gets damaged

• Tell the crew on the day if you see it, and photograph it straight away.
• Report it in writing as soon as you can, ideally within 24 hours.
• Keep the damaged item and its packaging until the claim is settled.