Is Your Removalist Properly Insured? What Cover Actually Means

A properly insured removalist carries two things: goods-in-transit insurance (covering your belongings while they are being moved) and public liability insurance (covering damage to property during the move). But "insured" does not mean everything is covered: basic cover has limits, excess and exclusions, and boxes you pack yourself are often not covered at all. Before you book, get proof of both policies in writing and understand exactly what they do and do not cover. Here is what removalist insurance really means, in plain terms.

Key takeaways

• Two policies matter: goods-in-transit and public liability.
• Basic cover has limits, an excess, and exclusions; read them.
• Owner-packed boxes are frequently not covered for internal damage.
• Ask for proof of insurance in writing before you book.
• For high-value goods, consider separate transit insurance or a full pack.

First, understand what insurance is not

This post explains removalist insurance in practical terms so you can compare movers and protect your belongings. We are not insurance advisers, so treat this as general guidance and confirm the specifics of any policy with the mover and their insurer, or your own broker, for your particular situation. With that framing set, here is how cover actually works.

The two types of cover that matter

Goods-in-transit insurance

This covers your belongings while they are in the mover's care: loaded, in the truck, and unloaded. If a box is dropped or the load shifts and something breaks, this is the cover that responds. Check:

• The limit. Is there a total cap, and is it enough for the value of your goods?
• Per-item limits. Some policies cap what they pay per item, which matters for anything valuable.
• The excess. What you pay before cover kicks in.
• What it excludes (see below).

Public liability insurance

This covers damage the movers cause to property during the job: a gouged wall, a cracked driveway, a damaged lift or staircase, whether at your old place, the new place, or a strata common area. Body corporates and landlords increasingly ask for proof of this before a move-in, so it protects you as well as the mover.

A professional carries both. If a mover only has one, or neither, that is a serious gap. Our red flags guide treats "no proof of insurance" as a reason to walk away.

The exclusions that catch people out

"Fully insured" sounds like everything is covered. It rarely is. Watch for these common exclusions and limits:

• Owner-packed boxes. This is the big one. Many policies will not cover damage to the contents of boxes you packed yourself, because the mover cannot verify how they were packed. If the mover packs it, it is usually covered. This is a key reason to consider professional packing for fragile or valuable items, as our professional packing guide discusses.
• Items of particular value. Jewellery, cash, documents, artwork and antiques are often excluded or capped unless declared and specifically covered. Carry these yourself.
• Mechanical or electrical fault with no external damage. If a TV simply does not turn on but has no visible damage, cover can be disputed.
• Wear, scratches and minor marks, which some policies treat as normal handling rather than damage.
• Self-move or hire-truck damage. If you do a DIY move, the mover's cover does not apply at all.

AFRA members and insurance standards

Membership of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) is a useful signal here. AFRA audits members against standards that include holding appropriate insurance, along with vehicle, equipment and training requirements. It is voluntary (Australia has no removalist licence), but an AFRA member has been checked on the insurance front. You can verify membership at afra.com.au. Our post on whether Adelaide removalists are licensed explains where accreditation fits.

How to check a mover's insurance before you book

1. Ask for proof in writing. A current certificate of currency for both goods-in-transit and public liability. A professional provides this readily.
2. Read the limits and excess. Confirm the total and per-item limits cover the value of your goods, and note the excess.
3. Ask about owner-packed boxes specifically. What is covered if you pack, versus if they pack?
4. Declare high-value items and ask whether they can be specifically covered, or plan to carry them yourself.
5. Keep the documents with your quote and terms.

When to arrange your own transit insurance

For a valuable household, a long interstate move, or if the mover's limits are low, consider separate transit insurance to top up cover. Compare the mover's included cover against the replacement value of your goods; if there is a gap, a standalone policy or a specifically declared item can close it. For any dispute over damage, the ACCC has consumer guidance on your rights at accc.gov.au.

If something does get damaged

Even with good movers, accidents happen. Knowing the claims process in advance makes it far less stressful. Our step-by-step guide on what to do if a removalist damages your belongings walks through documenting, reporting and claiming.

Compare movers who are already insured

The cleanest way to avoid an insurance gap is to start with movers who have already been checked. Get matched with vetted, insured Adelaide crews and compare 3 free quotes, confirming the cover in writing before you commit. Local, no obligation, and your belongings are in properly insured hands.