If you’re planning to hire a removalist for your home or office move, you might have run into removalist insurance issues. We know that keeping costs down is always a priority when moving, but should we scrimp on insurance?
In this guide, we’ll discuss all the most critical points around removalist insurance, why it matters, and when you should get it.
Is Insurance Included in a Removalist’s Fee?
Removalists often charge by the hour, and we usually assume that includes everything— manpower, trucks, and even insurance. But that might not always be the case. Some removalist companies include insurance in their quotation, yes. However, clarifying this when you’re in the quote collection phase is always best.
Sometimes insurance has additional fees, so it's best to clarify that too. You should also check if the removal company you work with is legally certified to offer insurance. Insurance is usually optional. Your removalist can’t force you to get coverage, but it can be worth considering for valuable or fragile items.
What Removalist Insurance Covers
Removalist insurance can provide financial protection for damages or losses during moving. Some incidents that removalist insurance covers include:
- Accidents during transit — Your belongings damaged in a vehicle accident.
- Handling errors — Items broken or damaged due to mishandling by movers.
- Environmental damage — I.e., water damage from a storm during transit.
- Theft — Belongings that might have been stolen while in transit or temporary storage.
For removalists for hire, check out these directories:
| Find Removalists In: | |
|---|---|
| Altona Meadows | Altona |
| Williamstown | Newport |
| Altona North | Seabrook |
| Laverton | Spotswood |
| South Kingsville | Seaholme |
| Brooklyn | Williamstown North |
How Much Does Removalist Insurance Cost?
Knowing the cost of insurance helps you know if it’s worth it. Your insurance will typically cost about 10% of the quoted service. So if you got insurance, this would be what your final removal cost would look like:
| Removal Quote | Insurance Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $100 | $1,100 |
| $2,000 | $200 | $2,200 |
| $3,000 | $300 | $3,300 |
However, the insurance value might go up or down depending on the volume of goods, total distance traveled, or the likelihood of mishaps to get to the point of destination. It’s also important to note that some policies have limited coverage. Most don’t cover bikes, fragile items, or items not professionally packed.
Why You Should Hire a Removalist with Insurance
While cutting corners and saving costs might be tempting, hiring a removalist without insurance can be risky. Here are seven compelling reasons why you should always opt for a removalist with insurance:
1) Peace of Mind
Moving can be stressful. Aside from the removal process, you have a long list of to-dos to manage and other matters to think about, like getting an end-of-lease cleaning, finalising inspections, and so on. Hiring a removalist with insurance means paying for the physical movement of your belongings and the peace of mind that comes with coverage.
Knowing that your items are covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances helps you focus on other aspects of your move.
2) Protection against Accidents
Accidents can happen no matter how professional and careful a removalist team is—that’s just the way it is. Many unexpected events can cause unwanted damage. Some might include sudden weather changes, traffic accidents, or handling mishaps.
These cases can cause damage or cause you to lose your belongings. Insurance serves as a safety net and protects you and your belongings against these unpredictable incidents.
3) Additional Protection for Your Valuable Belongings
If you own items of significant financial or sentimental value, moving them can be nerve-wracking. Things like heirlooms, fine art, pianos, and other expensive and heavy assets need more than special handling. They also need to be covered by insurance.
An insured removalist can offer additional protection for these items. You get specialised packing, handling, and coverage options to safeguard your most cherished possessions.
4) Higher Professionalism
Typically, removalists who invest in insurance are serious about their business. While not always the case, we observed that insured removalists are more likely to uphold higher standards of professionalism.
Insurance protects the client and reflects the company's commitment to quality service and reliability. So, having this would be a priority for a removalist company that cares for their clients and their team’s safety.
5) Financial Safeguard
Opting for an uninsured removalist might seem cheaper initially, but it can cost you more if something goes wrong. Insurance covers any damages or losses incurred during the move. That will save you from many unforeseen financial burdens.
6) Professional Evaluation of Valuables
Many insured removalist services include a professional evaluation of your valuable items to determine the best way to protect them during the move. This assessment ensures that each item is appropriately packed and handled according to specific needs.
7) Legal Implications
Moving certain items without proper insurance might sometimes contravene local laws or regulations, particularly if you're moving across state lines or internationally. Hiring insured removalists will avoid any potential fines or legal issues.
Final Thoughts
The prospect of saving money by choosing an uninsured removalist might be tempting, but the risks can outweigh the initial savings. Hiring a removalist with insurance guarantees your belongings are safe, providing security and invaluable professionalism during such a significant life event.
The goal of your move should be to move from point A to point B safely, securely, and with peace of mind. So, get a removalist with insurance coverage. Need help landing on great removalist options? Check out our directory at Easyhome.
