Goods in Transit Insurance Explained for Movers and Customers
What goods in transit cover usually means for UK removals and man and van jobs, what it often excludes, and the questions to ask. General information only.
"Goods in transit" is one of those phrases that appears in every mover's terms and rarely gets explained. It is worth understanding in plain English, because it is usually the cover that would apply if something is damaged or lost while being moved. This is general information, not insurance advice.
What it is meant to do
Goods in transit insurance is cover that a haulage or removals business buys to protect goods it is carrying for customers. It typically covers loss or damage to those goods while they are loaded, in the vehicle and unloaded, subject to the policy terms.
It is different from:
- Public liability. Which deals with injury or damage to property, like scraping a wall or injuring someone.
- Vehicle insurance. Which covers the van, driver and third parties on the road.
- Your own contents policy. Which is yours and has its own rules.
A mover may hold some, all or none of these, which is why asking matters.
Why wording matters
Two providers can both say "we are insured" and mean very different things. Differences include:
The limit
There may be a cap per job or per item. If you are moving £20,000 of belongings and the limit is £10,000, the difference is relevant.
The excess
Some policies require the mover to pay the first slice of any claim. That might be passed on, depending on the terms.
What is excluded
Typical exclusions include:
- Items you packed yourself
- Cash, jewellery and documents
- Items already damaged or not in good condition
- Wear and tear, or inherent defects
- Damage from lack of proper packing
- Items left unattended or not on the inventory
The conditions
Some policies require things to be done in a certain way, such as reporting damage within a time limit or at the time of delivery.
Questions to ask a provider
- Do you hold goods in transit cover, and what is the limit?
- Do you also hold public liability cover?
- Does it cover items I have packed myself?
- What is excluded, and what is the excess?
- How and when do I need to report a problem?
- Can I see the certificate or a summary in writing?
Add these to the list from questions to ask a removal company.
What this means in practice
If you pack your own boxes, and a box of glasses arrives smashed, a provider may say it is excluded because they did not pack it and cannot verify how it was packed. That is why careful packing and labelling matter, and why professional packing is sometimes worth the cost. See the packing service guide.
If a provider drops a wardrobe and snaps it, goods in transit cover is the most likely route, so you need to document the damage and follow the claim process promptly. See how to make a removals damage claim.
Your own policy still matters
Look at your home contents insurance too. Some policies cover goods during a move by a professional, some do not, and some only apply if you tell the insurer. See do you need insurance for a house move.
A note on high-value items
Very valuable items, such as antiques, fine art, instruments and jewellery, may have special conditions. Ask specifically about them, and consider getting a separate valuation or specialist cover if needed.
Compito lets you ask providers these questions in messages before you accept an offer, so the answers are in the booking record. It is the provider's own cover, so always check it directly.
A worked example of how limits bite
Say a household's belongings are worth far more than the stated limit, and a single item such as a large TV or antique table is damaged. The payout may be capped by the lower of the item value, the limit and the terms. If the item had been valued and listed, the outcome would be clearer. This is why a short written inventory of important pieces is worth writing before the move.
How the main covers compare
| Cover | What it usually deals with | Whose policy |
|---|---|---|
| Goods in transit | Damage or loss of your goods while carried | The mover |
| Public liability | Injury or damage to property or people | The mover |
| Vehicle insurance | The van, driver and third parties | The mover |
| Contents insurance | Your belongings, with conditions | You |
Edge cases
- Subcontracted jobs: ask whose cover applies if the job is passed on to another driver.
- Shared loads: ask how your goods are separated and recorded.
- Storage stops: cover during storage is often separate.
- Self-packed boxes: ask how the provider treats them in a claim.
Reading a certificate
A certificate normally shows the insurer, policy period, the limit and the type of cover. Check that it is current and that the business name matches the one you are booking. If anything is unclear, ask for a plain-English summary.
Common mistakes
- Taking a verbal reassurance as proof.
- Not asking about limits per item.
- Failing to report damage within the policy time limit.
- Assuming your own contents policy fills the gap without checking.
Frequently asked questions
Is goods in transit cover a legal requirement?
Not in the same way that motor insurance is. Many professional movers carry it as a matter of course, but you should ask rather than assume.
Does it cover items damaged inside boxes?
It depends on the policy. Many exclude items packed by the customer, or require evidence of damage caused by handling.
Can I ask to see the policy?
Yes. A reasonable mover can show a certificate or summary of cover.
What is the difference between an excess and a limit?
A limit is the most a policy will pay. An excess is the amount deducted from a claim, or paid first, before the policy responds.