Does contents insurance cover moving house? (2024)

Yes. If you’re not covered by your content insurance policy, there are other ways you can protect your belongings while moving - by taking out transit insurance with your removalist or a specialised provider.

Here are your other options for moving house goods in transit insurance:

Removalist transit insurance

You might be able to do a two-in-one and take out transit insurance directly from the removalist who’ll be transporting your belongings to your new abode. Removal companies aren’t legally required to provide transit insurance to cover your belongings but they may have insurance to cover themselves against legal claims.

If you’re up for this added protection, the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) recommends you ensure your removalist is properly qualified to offer you insurance. AFRA-accredited removal companies must have public liability, third-party property, motor vehicle and carriers’ legal liability insurance. These types of insurance may provide some cover for your items, should they be damaged or lost as a result of negligence by the removalist, but not due to other events or accidents (such as theft or fire).

If you get transit insurance through an AFRA-accredited removal company, it will typically come at an extra cost. This cost will vary depending on the:

  • level of cover you take out (e.g. full replacement or value-only cover);
  • types of belongings you're transporting;
  • distance the belongings are being transported;
  • method of transportation
  • policy excess.

If your removalist offers transit insurance, they’ll need to provide a PDS and Financial Services Guide regarding the cover. Be sure to review these documents carefully before you sign up so you know exactly what you’re covered for, and whether it will suit your needs and budget.

Standalone transit insurance

There are also some specialised moving and storage companies who you may be able to take transit insurance out with. The cost will depend on several factors, including the value you put on your possessions and what circ*mstances you want to cover.

Before buying one of these policies, it’s important to check the PDS and other documentation, or contact the provider directly, so you’re clear on the cover’s inclusions and exclusions.

Does contents insurance cover moving house? (2024)

FAQs

Does contents insurance cover moving house? ›

Contents insurance typically covers your personal belongings while they're in your home or in transit to a new home, according to the III. However, this coverage usually doesn't pay for damage to your belongings when it was caused by movers —whether when they were packing the items or physically moving them.

Does my contents insurance cover moving house? ›

Your contents insurance may already make provision for moving house, so check any existing policy you have. It may allow 'contents to be temporarily removed from the home' and include a cap on the value of any items. Similarly, if cover isn't included in your existing policy your provider may be able to add it on.

Are my contents covered while moving? ›

Are my contents covered when moving? Yes, while different home insurance policies have different terms, most will still cover your belongings against loss and damage while they're in transit – you can check with your provider ahead of time to make sure.

Does home and contents cover moving? ›

It can but not always - it all depends on the provider and policy you have. Some insurance providers offer a level of cover for your contents if damage or loss is caused by events such as theft, flood, fire or road accident while a vehicle is carrying your items to your new home.

What does contents coverage include? ›

Personal property coverage — also known as contents coverage on a home policy — helps cover the cost of your personal items if they are destroyed, damaged, or stolen due to a covered loss or peril. Personal property includes things like furniture, clothing, electronics, and kitchenware.

What insurance do you need when moving? ›

Full Value Protection Moving Insurance Cost

It covers the replacement value of your belongings if they are lost or damaged during the move. Full value protection insurance is typically more expensive than basic liability coverage, but it is worth the investment if you move valuable or irreplaceable belongings.

Is there a difference between home and contents insurance? ›

The difference between buildings and contents insurance is that buildings insurance covers the physical structure of the property including the walls, roof and floors, while contents insurance covers items inside the property, like furniture and freestanding appliances.

What is not included in contents insurance? ›

Most contents insurance doesn't include cover for accidental damage. It may be worth adding this if you want cover for mishaps, such as staining your couch or smashing a vase. Also check what isn't covered, for example, damage to clothing or computers.

What invalidates home contents insurance? ›

8 Things That Could Invalidate Your Home Insurance
  • Renovations And Building Work. ...
  • Leaving The Property Empty. ...
  • Holiday Selfies On Social Media. ...
  • Changes To Security Measures. ...
  • Renting Out A Room. ...
  • Installing A Dog Flap. ...
  • Exaggerating The Value Of The Contents Of Your Home. ...
  • Failing To Lock The Doors And Windows.

What is covered under household contents? ›

This type of insurance covers everything you have in your home, from appliances and furniture to clothing and pots.

What does contents insurance cover include? ›

Contents insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing your possessions if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen. It includes everything you would take with you if you moved home including your furniture, kitchen appliances, curtains, bedding, clothing, television, computing equipment and jewellery.

How do you cover moving costs? ›

Whether it's through savings, using a personal loan, credit card or asking your employer for relocation assistance, there are ways to cover the expenses of a move without breaking the bank. However, it's important to carefully evaluate each option and understand the full cost of each.

Is it worth having contents insurance? ›

It is a good idea to take out home contents insurance to cover your possessions against fire, theft and other risks, such as accidental damage. If something happens to destroy or damage your possessions, it can cost a lot of money to replace these items.

What is the contents limit on insurance? ›

What does “contents limit” mean? Your contents limit is the maximum amount that your insurance company will pay out in the event they have to reimburse you as a result of a claim (it's an important home insurance term worth knowing).

What is the average contents insurance amount? ›

The average annual cost of contents insurance is from £53*. But keep in mind, the cost of your cover is likely to increase if you make a claim. How much you pay will vary depending on a range of factors, including: The amount of cover you need.

What is the difference between property and contents? ›

All property that is not land property is personal property. Examples of personal property include vehicles, merchandise, furniture, tools, clothing, and oil. For insurance purposes, personal property falls into these classifications: “Contents” – referring to the contents of a building (equipment and inventory);

Does homeowners insurance cover moving expenses? ›

Your homeowners policy might or might not cover your possessions during a move or when they're in the moving truck. That's why it's essential to ask your insurance provider to find out exactly what your policy covers in this situation.

What typical homeowners insurance policy covers the contents of the home? ›

Coverage for your personal belongings

Your furniture, clothes, sports equipment and other personal items are covered if they are stolen or destroyed by fire, hurricane or other insured disasters. The coverage is generally 50 to 70 percent of the insurance you have on the structure of the house.

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