Does my existing policy cover me when I move house?

Not usually. It is worth checking your current policy or contents policy before you start moving. Many policies provide only limited cover, or less cover, once belongings leave your old address.Also, you may only have a defined ( or restricted ) perils policy so that is not the same as a full Accidental Damage policy

What documents should I read before arranging removals insurance?

You should always review the Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide that we provide you. These documents explain important details such as your cover, exclusions, and the claims procedure that you need to take into account.You also need to understand the terms and conditions of your removalist or carrier.

Does removals insurance include insurance cover for being in storage?

Generally, no. However, cover varies, so you arranged this yourself you will need to check the policy wording carefully.Usually, the cover applies to your goods while they are actively in transit and storage that is incidental to that transit.Insurance covering your goods while they are being stored needs to be discussed with us as this differs from the transport risk most household removals are insuring for.

Does using an AFRA-accredited removalist matter?

Yes. Engaging a member of the Australian Furniture Removers Association can give you added confidence when moving home.We work with a number of household removalist companies and transport operators on a regular basis.

Removals & Moving House Insurance

Protect Your Belongings From Pickup to Delivery

Moving house is a unique experience because almost everything you own is handled, packed, loaded, transported, unloaded, and unpacked within a short period.

Regardless of whether you're moving across town or to another state in Australia, your personal belongings, furniture, and household items are at risk at every stage of the moving process. That's why it is a good idea to get financial protection with removals insurance.

At Total Protection Insurance Brokers, we help customers understand the different types of cover available to them. We can also arrange an insurance policy suited to their individual circumstances, financial situation and moving plans.

The Risk Most People Don't Know About

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about moving home is that the removalist will automatically pay for your damaged goods if they don't arrive in the same condition as the left.

In reality, most removalist contracts in Australia operate on a "goods carried at owner's risk" basis. This essentially means the carrier is not automatically responsible if your belongings are damaged, lost or stolen during transit.

Many people assume that because they are paying for professional removal services, the removalist's responsibility works like an ordinary insurance arrangement. However, more often than not, that's not the case. In fact, to recover costs from a carrier, you may need to prove their negligence. This can be incredibly difficult and time-consuming.

Overall, having your own insurance to cover the move should provide you with greater certainty, clearer benefits, and more peace of mind.

What Removals Insurance Covers

At TPIB, we can arrange different levels of transit insurance depending on exactly how your goods are packed, transported, and valued. Here's what you need to know.

There are three main types of cover offering maximum, mid-level, and basic protection. Here are some more details about when they apply.

If your goods are professionally packed and transported to your new home, this is the highest level of protection available.

The policy tends to cover:

Accidental loss or damage
Malicious damage
Theft
Mechanical and electrical breakdown
Software loss
Pairs and sets cover
Delayed unpacking for up to 60 days
Temporary accommodation benefits (where applicable)

This option is often suitable for higher-value households and those undertaking interstate relocations. It is also ideal for customers who need comprehensive insurance cover when moving significant amounts of valuable items.

Basic protection offers more limited cover for those undertaking DIY moves or involved in mixed packing arrangements.

Essentially, rather than covering all accidental handling damage, this level of cover protects against specified events. They include:

Fire
Explosion
Lightning
Flood
Collision or overturning of the transport vehicle
Sinking
Capsizing
Water damage during transit
Riot or civil disturbance

It can be a good option for people who want to be protected against major issues, while still keeping the extra cost of insurance low.

Why Have Your Own Policy Rather Than Relying on the Removalist

There is a big difference between having your own policy and relying on a carrier's liability arrangements.

With a policy arranged by us, for instance, claims are assessed under your insurance policy terms and not under a transport contract. To receive assistance, you are not required to prove the carrier's negligence and it is likely that if a repair cannot be made then replacement will be made under the terms of your transit insurance.

Having your own policy also means you can choose the type of moving insurance cover that best matches the value of your contents. Additionally, it helps you to avoid underinsurance. That's because a broker can help you calculate the most appropriate sum to be insured for. Doing this reduces the risk of receiving less than you bargained for after a claim.

Lastly, you may well find that the claims process is simpler. Primarily, this will be due to your dealing directly with your insurer, rather than attempting to recover the sum insured from a transport company at law.

Local, Interstate and Overseas Moves

The great thing about removals insurance is that it can be arranged for a wide range of relocations. For instance, local moves include relocations within the Gold Coast and South East Queensland region. Interstate moves, on the other hand, cover relocations between different states in Australia.

Additionally, cover can even be arranged for people moving overseas. As international relocations may involve sea freight, extended storage periods, and multiple handling points, specialist transit insurance can be particularly important for those moving to another country.

How to Declare the Value of Your Goods

Undoubtedly, one of the most important parts of arranging removals insurance is to declare the correct value of your contents.

As most policies operate on a replacement basis, you would be well advised to declare the cost of replacing items today and not what you could sell them for second-hand.

Make sure you include any:

Major furniture
Appliances
Electronics
Artwork
Jewellery
Clothing
Other household goods

Before moving day, make a point of photographing your contents and keeping records of high-value items. This can help support your claim if damage caused during the move results in financial loss.

TPIB can provide general advice to ensure your cover accurately reflects the value of your belongings.

Why Arrange Your Transit Insurance Through a Broker

Many Australians take out insurance through a removalist or decide to purchase cover online when moving to a new address. However, while these options may seem convenient, they don't always provide personalised guidance.

We explain the differences between cover levels before you commit to a policy. We can also help identify gaps between your existing home insurance and contents insurance policies, or between your combined home and contents insurance coverage and the protection needed during a move.

Most importantly, if something goes wrong, you're not left to deal with the insurer alone. We provide ongoing support throughout the claims process and can advocate on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Speak With a Marine Trades Insurance Specialist

If you are moving home, you would be well advised to take out removals insurance. Thankfully, we make this very straightforward.

Our specialist brokers will review new policies, including the fine print and what's involved in calculating the premium, as part of their information service. They will also help you to arrange suitable protection. Please contact Sandi today to get the ball rolling.

call 0434 874 031