A Guide To Goods In Transit Insurance

When hiring a removal company, it's essential to ensure they have Goods in Transit insurance to protect your belongings from any potential damage or loss during the move.

At Omni Removals, we are committed to providing the best house removals experience by working with professional moving partners. Every removal company in our network is required to show proof of Goods in Transit insurance, ensuring both our users and their customers are fully covered.

Choosing a removal company without Goods in Transit insurance isn't worth the risk. While they may appear to be cheaper, paying a little extra for a company that offers this essential coverage gives you peace of mind knowing that your items are fully protected.

What is Goods in Transit Insurance?

Goods in Transit insurance is a crucial policy that all reputable removals companies should have. This insurance protects your personal belongings from any damage or loss during the move. However, it’s important to note that damages caused by movers and packers outside of transit (vehicle) will not be covered by this insurance.

You don’t need to purchase separate Goods in Transit insurance, as any trusted removal company will already have it included in their costs. This is especially true for long-distance removals, such as moving from England to Northern Ireland or Scotland.

Goods in Transit insurance will protect your belongings from:

Theft while in transit.

Damage caused by accidents during transit.

Loss during transit.

Damage caused during transit.

What Does Goods in Transit Not Cover?

Storage of goods.

Damage or confiscation by the Government.

Issues beyond the stated policy limits.

Certain items may be excluded but this should be stated in the policy.

Theft from an unattended vehicle or if the vehicle was not secure

Goods in Transit Insurance for Removals

In most cases, you won’t need to arrange your own Goods in Transit Insurance, as all Omni Removals removal companies are insured with Goods in Transit coverage. Typically, this insurance will cover damages up to £50,000, making them some of the top UK removal companies. However, the exact coverage can vary depending on the removal company you choose.

For added protection and peace of mind, you also have the option to take out additional removals insurance or international moving insurance with an independent insurer. While this will incur extra costs and requires you to organise it yourself (not the moving company), it provides an extra layer of security during your house move. If you already have contents insurance, it’s worth reviewing your policy to see if your goods are already covered while in transit.

Before choosing your moving company, always check their insurance policies to understand how your belongings will be covered in the event of damage during your move. You should inquire about the coverage limits as well to ensure you’re fully informed—these are important questions to ask when requesting a moving quote.

What is Covered Under Goods in Transit Insurance?

Goods in Transit Insurance is essential protection during your house move, covering potential issues like damage, theft, delayed delivery, and loss. If you suffer financial loss during your move, such as damaged furniture, you can make a claim through the insurance provided by your removal company.

While all Omni Removals removal companies offer Goods in Transit insurance, the level of coverage can vary. It's important to check the level of cover when you receive a quote. Keep in mind that you won’t be covered under Goods in Transit insurance if you pack your own belongings. To ensure coverage, your removal company must pack your items.

Additionally, our partner's insurance policies come with limits on the value of goods they cover. Most of our removal companies offer a maximum coverage of £10,000 per vehicle, though some may provide up to £50,000 in coverage. While your removal company's insurance should typically cover damages, it's advisable to review the insurance policy, especially if you're transporting valuable goods, to ensure adequate protection

Goods in Transit and Public Liability Insurance

Public Liability insurance is essential for your removal company to protect you and your personal belongings throughout the moving process. Although it’s not legally required, any reputable removal company will have both Public Liability insurance and Goods in Transit insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Public Liability insurance covers the costs of injury to anyone involved in the move, including you, your family, or friends helping with the process. It also provides compensation for any damaged or lost items during the move. With Public Liability insurance in place, you should be covered for injury or property damage up to £3 million, though this amount can vary depending on the company. Typically, the coverage ranges from £1 million to £3 million. If you're concerned about injury or property damage, it's always a good idea to ask your removal company for more details about their Public Liability insurance policy.

Public Liability insurance will cover:

Compensation due to injury or death of a member of the public. It's unlikely that you will have to make a claim, but this type of insurance will cover the cost of treatment for anyone injured.

Compensation due to damage of a property or possessions. This covers the cost of repairing the damage caused.

Not only will it give you complete peace of mind, but it will also show that the removal company will treat your personal belongings with great care and consideration.

It should be noted, at Omni Removals, it's part of our verification process that every partner must have Public Liability insurance along with Goods in Transit.

How to Dispute Damages

If you notice any damages after your move, contact your removal company immediately. Be sure to take clear pictures of the damaged items as evidence for your claim.

Once you've notified the removal company about the breakages, they will report the incident to their insurance provider. The insurance company will assess whether the damages are covered under the company’s policy and issue a verdict. This process typically takes up to 30 days from the date of the claim.

Using Movers Without Goods in Transit Insurance

Working with an uninsured removal company means your belongings will not be covered during transit. While some home contents insurance policies may offer coverage for moving house, this is not always a standard feature.

By choosing a removal company with the necessary insurance, you ensure that your belongings are fully protected. This includes coverage for lost items and any damage to furniture during transit, giving you peace of mind throughout your move.