AT A GLANCE
How the protection works
A clear removals and storage insurance proposal should describe domestic or commercial removals, annual turnover, vehicle use, employees and subcontractors, maximum values carried, customer goods in transit, warehouse or self-storage locations, lifting equipment, packing services, overseas work, contractual terms, security controls and previous claims.
Removals & Storage Insurance is not one universal contract. Eligibility, sections, limits and wording vary by insurer and must be matched to the individual risk.
BUSINESS RISK
What may be covered
- Property, equipment, stock or other assets against the insured events selected.
- Liability for injury, damage or financial loss where the relevant section is included.
- Business interruption and specialist extensions when required and specifically arranged.
Cover applies only as stated in the quotation, schedule and full policy wording.
BOUNDARIES
Common exclusions and limitations
- Wear, gradual deterioration, known circumstances and deliberate acts.
- Activities, property, territories or liabilities outside the declared business description.
- Losses subject to policy conditions, excesses, sub-limits or specific exclusions.
This is not a complete list. The actual wording, endorsements, excesses and schedule determine the protection.
CLAIMS IN PRACTICE
How a claim might arise
01. An unexpected insured event damages essential property or equipment.
02. A third party alleges injury, damage or financial loss connected with the organisation.
03. An incident disrupts normal operations and creates additional recovery costs.
These examples are illustrative only and do not confirm that a particular claim would be covered.
CHOOSING COVER
Questions worth resolving
- Are domestic and commercial removals, storage, packing and any overseas services clearly declared?
- Are turnover, vehicles, employees, subcontractors, maximum goods values, storage locations and lifting equipment accurately described?
- Which security, inventory, handling, packing and contractual controls can be evidenced?
For a wider checklist, see the DIBNI Commercial Insurance Proposal Guide.
CONNECTED RISKS
Related protection to consider
- Property and business interruption where physical damage could stop operations.
- Public, employers’ or product liability for injury and property-damage exposures.
- Cyber, professional indemnity or management liability where data, advice or governance creates additional risk.
- Motor, marine, travel or other specialist protection where the activity requires it.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What information should a removals and storage company prepare for an insurance proposal?
Useful information commonly includes turnover, domestic or commercial removals activity, vehicles, employees and subcontractors, maximum goods values, storage locations, lifting equipment, packing services, overseas work, customer contracts, security controls and previous claims.
Why do maximum goods values and storage locations matter?
The value and concentration of customers’ property can materially change the exposure, particularly while goods are in transit or held at a warehouse or storage site.
Why should packing and contractual terms be disclosed?
Packing responsibilities and customer terms can affect how liability is described and should be clear before an insurance professional assesses the enquiry.