Removals Insurance Cover: The Complete Guide
When you’re planning a move, insurance may not be the first thing on your mind — but it is one of the most important. Whether you’re relocating locally, moving across the UK, or heading overseas, having the right removals insurance ensures that your belongings are protected if something goes wrong.
As an AIM-certified removals company with decades of experience, Central Moves Ltd believes in complete transparency. This guide explains what removals insurance really covers, when you might need additional protection, and how to make informed decisions during your move.
Contents
- What Is Removals Insurance?
- What Does ‘Limited Liability’ Mean?
- What Am I Covered For If Damage Occurs?
- How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
- Does Home Insurance Cover My Move?
- How Much Does Removals Insurance Cost?
- Is Removals Insurance Worth It?
- Do I Need Storage Insurance?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Removals Insurance?
Removals insurance is specialised cover that protects your belongings while they’re being packed, handled, transported, or stored by a professional removals company. Even with highly trained teams, modern vehicles, and careful planning, unexpected issues can still occur — from accidental damage to unforeseen road incidents.
At Central Moves, our standard liability is set out clearly in our Terms & Conditions, and customers can also choose additional insurance for extra peace of mind. This ensures that your belongings are covered to their full value if the unexpected happens.
What Does a Removal Company Mean by ‘Limited Liability’?
Almost every removals company operates with a “limited liability” structure. This does not mean your goods are unprotected. It simply reflects the reality that a mover cannot precisely know the value of each item being transported unless you declare it.
Limited liability typically covers:
- Damage caused by proven negligence
- Loss of items while under the mover’s care
- Breakages directly caused by handling errors
You will usually be required to:
- Declare the value of your belongings (known as the “value inventory”)
- Confirm any high-value items such as artwork, antiques, or specialist equipment
- Review and agree to the liability terms before moving day
Once you know the limits of the mover’s liability, you can decide whether to increase cover through additional removals insurance.
Walk through your home with a notepad or phone and list any items that exceed the average household value — such as designer furniture, artwork, or musical instruments. This helps you make an informed decision about additional cover.
If There Is Damage or Negligence, What Am I Covered For?
Professional movers like Central Moves offer clear protection for damage resulting from negligence or breach of contract. However, every company’s terms are different, so always read them carefully before signing.
Typical coverage includes:
- Breakage during handling
- Damage caused during loading or unloading
- Loss of items in transit
- Damage made to the property itself (subject to specific conditions)
Property damage is a grey area across the removals industry, as multiple parties may be present on the day. Insurers often limit this cover to repairing the affected area (e.g. repainting a scratched wall).
What You Should Do if Damage Happens
- Take clear photos of the damage immediately
- Notify your removals team before the crew leave the property
- Record the item, room, and condition
Reporting promptly protects your ability to make a valid claim.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
Every removals company sets its own reporting timeframe. These deadlines exist to prevent claims for items damaged long after a move has been completed.
At Central Moves, we aim to be fair and reasonable. We ask customers to:
- Report any noticeable damage on delivery, or
- Provide written notice within 7 days for anything discovered during unpacking.
If you need additional time — for example, if you’re unable to unpack immediately — we can discuss an extension, provided the request is made within the initial 7-day window.
Tip:
Try not to leave boxes unopened for weeks. The sooner you check your items, the easier it is to resolve any issues.
Does Home Insurance Cover Removals?
Some home insurance policies include limited cover during a move — but this is far from guaranteed.
According to MoneySuperMarket, around 42% of insurers provide no cover at all for removals. Others only cover belongings if:
- You use a professional, accredited removals company
- You choose a full professional packing service
- High-value items are declared in advance
Important limitations
- Many insurers exclude “DIY moves” or man-and-van services
- Payouts may be refused if the insurer believes items were poorly packed
- Cover is usually valid for transport only — not long-term storage
Always check your policy wording or speak to your insurer for confirmation. For UK insurance guidance, you can also refer to GOV.UK consumer protection rules.
If you rely on home insurance during a move, ensure you update your address details immediately afterwards. Claims may be rejected if your insurer still holds your old address.
How Much Does Removals Insurance Cost?
As a general guideline across the UK removals industry, additional removals insurance typically costs around 10% of your total removal fee.
For example:
- If your removal cost is £2,500, insurance is usually around £250
- If your removal cost is £4,500, insurance is usually around £450
This gives you full-value cover rather than relying solely on the mover’s limited liability.
Tip:
When budgeting for your move, set aside an extra 10% to cover enhanced insurance options.
Is Removals Insurance Worth It?
For most customers, yes — removals insurance is overwhelmingly worthwhile.
Even with expert movers, factors beyond anyone’s control can occur during transport, storage, or handling. Additional insurance means:
- Your belongings are covered for their full value
- You avoid unexpected costs in rare but unfortunate situations
- You move with complete peace of mind
If your home insurance does not provide suitable cover, we strongly recommend taking out the optional removals insurance for your move with Central Moves.
Do I Need Storage Insurance?
If your belongings will go into storage (short-term or long-term), you will need specialist storage insurance.
Why? Because standard contents insurance rarely covers goods stored outside the home, and removals insurance only applies while goods are being handled or transported.
Storage insurance protects against:
- Fire
- Theft
- Flooding
- Vermin damage
- Environmental damage
When using our secure storage facilities, we’ll explain the exact level of cover available and help you choose the right protection for the duration of your storage period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take removals insurance?
No — but it is strongly recommended. Without insurance, you may not be covered for the full value of your belongings if an incident occurs.
Are antiques and high-value items covered automatically?
Not always. You should declare antiques, jewellery, artwork, or any high-value goods before your move. These items may need individually listed cover.
Does Central Moves provide packing services?
Yes. Our professional packing service ensures items are fully protected and improves the outcome of any insurance claim.
Does insurance cover delays?
Insurance typically protects goods, not schedules. However, our team will always keep you updated if travel or access issues arise.
Request Advice or a Free Quotation.
If you’re unsure about the right level of insurance for your move, the Central Moves team is here to help. We can provide guidance tailored to your belongings, destination, and budget.
Please note: information correct at time of publishing, please contact us for an accurate insurance quotation.