Moving House: Are Your Belongings Insured Properly?

What to Look for in a Transit Insurance Policy

As with any other insurance policy, the features and inclusions will vary between companies. It always pays to check the policy details and understand exactly what’s covered and when. Some policy inclusions to consider are:

• Damage caused during packing and unpacking
• Coverage for loss or damage caused due to an accident while in transit
• Accidental damage to goods in transit
• Damage caused by mishandling of removalists
• New-for-old replacement for damaged belongings
• Cover for incidental storage
• Alternative or temporary accommodation expenses
• Coverage for delayed unpacking after delivery
• Damage to electronic equipment as a result of the move

If you’re moving interstate, you may need to consider additional levels of cover to ensure you’re protected in transit across each state. Moving overseas may require extending your policy to ensure that any damage caused during shipping is covered.

Premiums and Excess Payments

Transit Insurance coverage is designed to be a temporary policy that allows you to protect your personal items and belongings while you’re moving house. Once you’ve moved, the policy should expire. Some insurance companies may provide a cover note for up to 30 days either side of the move to allow you sufficient packing and unpacking time.

Depending on the type of claim you need to make, the excess payable will vary between companies. Some policies will state there is no excess due if your belongings are damaged due to fire or explosion or even a collision between the removalist truck and another vehicle. Others may charge an optional excess amount that could reduce your premium amounts, depending on the level of cover you take.

When Aren’t You Covered?

Depending on the insurance company you use for your Transit Insurance, there may be instances when your household goods and personal effects may not be covered at all. For example, some companies specify that your Transit Insurance policy is only valid if you hire a professional removalist.

While most removal companies offer basic cover that covers negligence, the policy often won’t cover unforeseen circumstances. For example, if a car crashes into the removal truck and damages your belongings, you might not be covered.

If you intend to move your furniture and belongings yourself with a trailer or a mate with a ute, call your insurance company and check whether you’re covered. DIY moves may invalidate any Transit Insurance policies, so your items aren’t protected at all while you’re moving.

It’s also a good idea to pack any valuable items and important or confidential documents in the car with you. If you pack valuables or important documents into the removalist truck, your insurance policy may not cover these items if they’re lost or damaged.

At Two Men and a Truck, we use insurance provided by AFRA, the primary governing body for removals in Australia. Their policies are specifically designed to cover removal incidents so you know your furnishings and belongings are protected at all times before, during and after the move.

If you’re planning to move home in the near future, call Two Men and a Truck. We can arrange removal insurance to suit your specific needs over the phone at the same time you book your move with us.