Do You Need Insurance for a House Move? What to Check
General guidance on cover for a UK house move: your contents policy, the mover's own cover, and the questions to ask before moving day. Not legal advice.
Moving is the one day when your belongings are most likely to be dropped, scratched, wet or mislaid, and it is also the day when many people have not checked who is responsible. This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice, and you should read your own documents and ask providers for theirs.
The short answer
You are not legally required to buy a special policy to move house, but you should know who would pay if something went wrong. There are generally three places cover can come from:
- The mover's own cover. Goods in transit and liability.
- Your home contents insurance. Which may or may not cover items during a move.
- A separate removals or one-off policy. Which some people take out for high-value moves.
What to ask your own insurer
Call or check your policy documents and ask:
- Are my possessions covered while being moved by a professional?
- Are they covered if I move them myself or with friends?
- Does cover apply in a van, in storage, or while at the new address?
- Is there a limit per item and an excess?
- Do I need to tell you my new address, and from what date?
Many policies cover belongings only at the declared address, and some extend to transit under conditions. Others exclude it. Do not assume.
What to ask the mover
The mover's cover is separate, and it often has limits. Ask for:
- The type of cover: goods in transit, public liability, or both
- The maximum amount per item or per job
- The excess and exclusions, such as items you packed yourself
- How to make a claim and in what time limit
The article on goods in transit insurance goes into this in more detail.
Common exclusions to watch for
- Items packed by you. Some providers exclude damage inside boxes they did not pack.
- Fragile or high-value items. Jewellery, cash, documents and electronics often have limits.
- Pre-existing damage or wear.
- Items not listed on the inventory.
- Damage caused by poor packing, rather than handling.
Protecting yourself in practice
Insurance is a backstop. The best protection is preparation:
- Photograph valuable items before the move, with date-stamped images.
- Make an inventory of high-value pieces, including serial numbers for electronics.
- Pack well. See how to pack fragile items.
- Carry valuables yourself, such as jewellery, passports and laptops.
- Note any damage immediately, before signing off the job.
If something does go wrong, follow the steps in how to make a removals damage claim.
Should you take extra cover?
It depends on the value of your belongings and what existing cover provides. If you have a high-value piano, art or antiques, ask specialist insurers or your provider about suitable options. If your possessions are modest and your contents policy extends to transit, you may not need more. Only you can judge that, so use the questions above and ask your insurer to confirm in writing.
Moving yourself or with friends
When you move without professionals, there is typically no mover's cover at all, and your own contents policy may or may not apply. Van hire companies may offer damage waivers for the vehicle, which is not the same as cover for your belongings. Check what is included.
When using a platform, remember that insurance is the provider's own matter. Compito lists ID-verified providers and lets you ask them directly in messages about the cover they carry before you accept an offer.
A worked example
Imagine a two-bed move where the removal firm's goods in transit limit is a set sum per job, and your own contents policy covers items only at the declared address. A box of crockery that you packed and that arrives broken might be excluded by the mover and not covered by your policy. Neither document is wrong, but together they leave a gap. Spotting that gap beforehand is the whole point.
Quick checklist to close the gaps
| Question | Where to find the answer |
|---|---|
| Is my stuff covered in transit? | Your contents policy document |
| What is the mover's limit? | Their certificate or written summary |
| Is self-packed stuff covered? | Mover's terms |
| Is storage covered? | Both policies |
| Do I tell my insurer the new address? | Your insurer |
Timing issues
Tell your insurer your move date and new address in good time, because cover can depend on dates. Check when cover at the old address ends and cover at the new one begins, as there can be an overlap or a gap if completion shifts by a day. If you are renting, also check whether the landlord's insurance covers your possessions, because it normally does not.
Edge cases
- Flats with shared stairs: damage to communal areas may be your responsibility, so ask about liability cover.
- High-value items: art, instruments and jewellery may have per-item limits.
- Pets and plants: cover rarely applies to live animals or plants.
- Storage: items in storage may need their own cover.
When to get advice
For unusual or high-value situations, ask a broker or your insurer to explain the options in writing. Consumer organisations such as Citizens Advice can help if you are unsure of your rights.
Frequently asked questions
Does my contents insurance cover a house move?
Sometimes, with conditions. Some policies cover goods in transit with a professional mover, some only at the declared address. Check your documents or ask your insurer.
Is a man and van automatically insured?
No. Ask what cover they hold, what it includes and the limits.
What should I do if a mover says "you're fully covered"?
Ask for the policy wording or a summary of cover in writing, including limits and exclusions.
Is public liability different from goods in transit?
Yes. Public liability typically deals with injury to people or damage to property such as a wall or a door frame, while goods in transit concerns your belongings during the move.