Question 1

Are removalists liable for damage to my belongings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only to a very limited extent. Australian removalists are liable for damage caused by their own negligence, but most contracts cap liability at $100–$200 per item or a low total amount. If your removalist drops a $3,000 TV, you may only receive $150. This is not insurance — it's a liability cap. Dedicated transit cover is the only way to protect the full value of your contents.

Question 2

Does my home and contents insurance cover a move?

Accepted Answer

Many home and contents policies include 'in transit' cover, but the terms vary significantly. Some cover transit automatically; others require you to notify them and pay an additional premium. A few exclude in-transit damage entirely. Call your insurer before moving day and ask specifically: 'Does my policy cover my belongings while they're being moved by a removalist?'

Question 3

What does transit insurance actually cover?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive transit cover ('all risks') covers most causes of loss or damage: accidents, fire, theft, water damage, and handling damage during loading and unloading. Basic transit cover is more restrictive — it often excludes breakage of fragile items, scratching, and water damage, covering mainly total loss from accident or fire. Always read the PDS for specific exclusions.

Question 4

What is typically excluded from transit insurance?

Accepted Answer

Common exclusions include: damage to items you've packed yourself (if using a full-service removalist, ask them to pack fragile items), inherent vice (items that deteriorate naturally), consequential loss, unaccompanied goods (goods shipped separately without a removalist), and pre-existing damage. High-value individual items like jewellery, art, and antiques usually need to be specifically declared and may have sub-limits.

Question 5

Is transit insurance worth it?

Accepted Answer

For any interstate move, almost certainly yes. The cost is typically 1–2% of the declared value of your contents. On a $40,000 contents value, that's $400–$800 — small relative to the risk. Damage and loss on long-haul moves is more common than people expect. For local moves within the same city with a reputable removalist, the risk profile is lower, but it's still worth considering for high-value items.

Contents value	Basic cover	Comprehensive	Interstate premium
$15,000 (studio)	$90–$150	$175–$280	$200–$350
$25,000 (1 bed)	$150–$250	$290–$465	$335–$560
$40,000 (2 bed)	$240–$400	$465–$745	$535–$895
$60,000 (3 bed)	$360–$595	$700–$1,120	$800–$1,345
$90,000 (4 bed+)	$540–$895	$1,050–$1,685	$1,200–$2,020

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Removalist liability vs. transit insurance

Typical transit insurance costs (2026)

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