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Is Moving Insurance Necessary Before Moving?

A guide to moving insurance, with coverage options, costs, and tips to ensure your belongings are protected during your move.
By · Updated January 1, 2025
Is Moving Insurance Necessary Before Moving?

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Moving house is usually exciting but also pretty stressful. From organising your belongings to finding the right removalists, every step comes with its challenges. One of the biggest concerns during a move is ensuring your items arrive safely at their destination. Accidental damage, theft, or unforeseen mishaps can turn the experience into a headache. That’s where moving insurance comes in—a practical safety net designed to protect your valuables and offer peace of mind.

Whether you’re relocating down the street or interstate, understanding how removalists insurance works can save you from unnecessary stress and expenses if things don’t go as planned. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from coverage options and costs to practical tips for choosing the right policy. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make your move smoother, safer, and less stressful.

What is removalists insurance?

Removalists insurance is a specialised type of insurance designed to protect your belongings during a move. Unlike standard home and contents insurance, it focuses specifically on the risks of transit and storage. This means your furniture, electronics, and other valuables are safeguarded against damage, loss, or theft throughout the moving process.

Why is removalists insurance important?

Moving involves several risks. Even the most reputable removalists can’t control every variable, such as unexpected accidents or extreme weather events. Removalists insurance ensures that you’re not left footing the bill for damaged or missing items. It’s especially vital for long-distance moves, where the duration and complexity of transit increase the chances of something going wrong.

The peace of mind removalists insurance offers is invaluable. Instead of worrying about potential mishaps, you can focus on settling into your new home.

Types of coverage

Removalists insurance offers a range of coverage options tailored to different needs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included:

  • Accidental damage: Protects against breakage or damage to items during loading, transit, or unloading.
  • Loss or theft: Covers items that go missing or are stolen during the move.
  • Natural disasters: Safeguards your belongings from damage caused by events like floods, storms, or fires.
  • Liability insurance: Covers third-party property damage or personal injury caused during the move, such as damage to a neighbour’s fence.

What’s typically covered?

Most policies cover everyday items like furniture, appliances, and electronics. However, there are often conditions for coverage. For example, some insurers require that professional moving companies handle the packing to ensure items are properly secured.

Watch out for exclusions as well. Items with pre-existing damage, valuables not declared in advance, or poorly packed items may not be covered. Always check the specifics of your policy to avoid surprises.

Cost of removalists insurance

The cost of removalists insurance can vary based on several factors:

  • Value of your items: Higher-value items mean higher premiums.
  • Distance: Long-distance moves typically cost more to insure due to increased risk.
  • Type of policy: Comprehensive policies are more expensive than basic transit insurance.

Insuring a local move may cost $100–$200, while an interstate move could exceed $500, depending on the value of your belongings. While it’s an additional expense, the potential savings in case of damage or loss far outweigh the cost.

How to choose the right insurance

Choosing the right removalists insurance starts with understanding your needs. Here are some key steps:

  1. Assess your belongings: Take an inventory of your items and their approximate value. This will help determine the level of coverage you require.

  2. Compare policies: Research policies from reputable providers and removalist companies. Look for transparency about what’s included and excluded.

  3. Read the fine print: Understand the terms of coverage, including any conditions or limitations. This is particularly important for high-value or fragile items.

Do you always need removalist insurance?

While removalists insurance is highly recommended, it may not be necessary for every move. For example, small, local moves with low-value items might not justify the cost. On the other hand, interstate or international relocations, as well as moves involving expensive or sentimental items, make insurance a must-have.

How to make a claim

If you need to make a claim, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

  1. Document everything: Take photos of your belongings before the move, focusing on high-value or fragile items.

  2. Report promptly: Notify your insurer and removalist immediately if an issue arises.

  3. Provide evidence: Submit your inventory list, receipts, and any other supporting documentation.

  4. Follow deadlines: Be aware of time limits for filing claims, as delays could result in denial.

Questions to ask your moving company

Before committing to your removalists, ask these important questions:

• Do you offer insurance as part of your services?

• What does your insurance cover, and are there any exclusions?

• Are there additional fees for coverage?

With Upmove, you can compare quotes from trusted removalists, plus communicate with them all on the same platform.

Having these conversations upfront ensures there are no gaps in your coverage.

Final thoughts

Moving can be both complex and stressful, but removalists insurance offers the protection and peace of mind you need to keep your belongings safe. Understanding the types of coverage available—transit, comprehensive, and storage insurance—means you choose the right policy for your needs.

Comparing costs, knowing what’s covered, and preparing for potential claims can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. For those looking for a simple way to connect with trusted furniture removalists, platforms like Upmove can streamline the process, helping you find and book customer reviewed movers—all in just a few clicks.

As you plan your move, take the time to consider your coverage needs and ask the right questions to avoid unexpected surprises. Remember, a little preparation today can save you a lot of hassle tomorrow.

Book now — removalists services

Budget-friendly removalists. Trusted by thousands of customers. Door to Door delivery. Same Day service. Fixed Prices.
9.7 · 1,589 reviews
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