Removals Insurance Explained: Your Questions Answered

Insurance is one of the first things worth checking before you book any removals company, and one of the least understood. This page answers the questions we hear most often, in plain English, so you know what is covered, what is not, and what to ask before you hand over your home. Marley Moves carries public liability cover up to £2.5 million and goods in transit cover up to £50,000 per load, and we are happy to talk through what that means for your move.

What insurance should a removals company have?

Two types matter most. Goods in transit insurance covers your belongings while they are being moved, and public liability insurance covers damage to property or injury to people during the job. A professional firm should hold both and be able to show you the cover levels. Marley Moves carries public liability up to £2.5 million and goods in transit up to £50,000 per load.

What is goods in transit insurance?

It covers your belongings against loss or damage while they are in the removal company's care, in the van and during loading and unloading. The cover has a limit per load, so for a large or high-value home it is worth checking the figure matches what you are moving. If anything you own is especially valuable, tell us before the move so we can advise you.

What is public liability insurance?

Public liability covers accidental damage to property or injury to other people caused during the move, for example a knock to a wall, a doorframe or a neighbour's car. It protects you from being left with a bill for something that happened while the crew was working. Ours runs up to £2.5 million.

Are items I packed myself covered?

Cover usually works differently for boxes you packed yourself, because the crew has not seen or checked what is inside or how it was wrapped. Items the team packs are easier to cover because we control how they are protected. If you plan to pack your own boxes, ask us how that affects cover before the day, or let our packing service handle the fragile items so they are fully accounted for.

Are there things that will not be covered at all?

Yes. Some items are difficult or impossible to insure in transit, and many firms will not move certain things at all, from hazardous materials to perishables and irreplaceable documents. We go into this in our guide to what removal companies won't move. When in doubt, ask before you book.

Do I still need to think about insurance for a man and van job?

Yes. A smaller move is still a move, and the same questions apply: is there goods in transit cover, and is there public liability. A cheap man and van with no insurance can cost far more than it saves if something is damaged. Always check the cover before you book, whatever the size of the job.

What happens if something gets damaged during the move?

Tell the crew on the day and let us know as soon as you notice, ideally before the team leaves. We will look at what happened and talk you through the next steps. Honest handling matters more to us than pretending nothing ever goes wrong, which is exactly why the cover is there. Get in touch and we will sort it properly.

How do I get a quote from Marley Moves?

Tell us where you are moving from and to and roughly what you are moving, and we will send you a fixed price within the hour. We are fully insured, we cover Shaftesbury and the wider Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire area, and we are happy to answer any insurance questions before you book.