Removal Company Insurance: Your Questions Answered

Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance protects your possessions while they are being transported by a removal company. This cover is vital, as it safeguards against loss, damage, or theft of your items during transit. As of 1 January 2026, all UK removal firms moving goods must hold GIT cover to a minimum of £50,000 per load under Bar Standards-approved contract terms.

Public Liability (PL) insurance covers damage to third-party property or injury to third parties that might occur during the removal process. While not a legal requirement for removal companies, it’s highly recommended. For instance, many London borough councils, including Wandsworth, now ask for £5 million in public liability cover for highway licences, and 38% of London leasehold buildings require a £5 million certificate pre-contract.

Yes, Red Rose Removals holds comprehensive Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance. We understand the importance of protecting your belongings and the properties we work in, providing peace of mind for your move from Surbiton and beyond. Our cover meets or exceeds industry standards.

Goods in Transit insurance typically covers your items against damage, loss, or theft that occurs while they are with the removal company, from collection until delivery. This includes incidents during loading, transit, and unloading. However, it’s important to note that certain exclusions can apply, such as items not professionally packed.

There are some common exclusions. For example, damage to items packed by the owner (DIY packing) may only be paid at 60% of their current value. Similarly, high-value items like jewellery or cash exceeding £500 are often not covered unless they are separately declared on the packing inventory. Understanding these gaps is important to ensure adequate protection.

Should an item be damaged during a removal service provided by Red Rose Removals, our insurance claims process would be initiated. We require accurate reporting and documentation of the damage. The average UK home-move claim in 2026 was £1,340, demonstrating the financial protection insurance provides.

Absolutely. It is always wise to check your home contents insurance policy before moving. Some policies offer limited cover for items in transit, or they may provide additional protection for high-value items that might fall outside the standard scope of a removal company’s Goods in Transit cover. Always ensure a clear understanding of your own policy’s terms.

Yes, significantly. Same-day ‘man and van’ services, particularly those booked through marketplace platforms, are often classed as ‘haulage for reward’. If the driver only has Social, Domestic, and Pleasure (SDP) van insurance, any damage to your goods is likely uninsured. According to a Q2 2026 report, 43% of Surrey-London same-day bookings use drivers without GIT insurance.

For extremely high-value items, such as fine art, antiques, or significant jewellery, it’s advisable to declare these on your inventory list prior to the move. While standard Goods in Transit insurance offers cover, specific arrangements or additional declarations are often required for particularly valuable articles. Ensure detailed discussions for these items.