A mover's contractual liability and an insurance policy are different things. The contract may limit when the mover is responsible or how compensation is assessed, while a separate policy has its own insured risks, exclusions, limits and claims process. Do not treat the word insured as a complete explanation.
Ask for the documents
Request the terms before booking and read any insurance information relevant to your belongings. Ask who provides the cover, what evidence of value is needed, whether an excess applies, and how the service handles owner-packed boxes, fragile items, valuables and storage.
Identify gaps before collection
- Check individual-item limits as well as the total limit.
- Explain high-value or specialist items and obtain written confirmation of their treatment.
- Understand restrictions on packing, handling and unattended storage.
- Check whether your existing home insurer covers the particular move and chosen service.
- Note the reporting process and deadlines in the actual documents.
Make a condition record
Photograph important items before packing and retain purchase or valuation records where available. Keep a clear inventory and preserve the accepted quote and correspondence. At delivery, inspect what you reasonably can and record any visible issue without guessing its cause.
If something goes wrong, notify the relevant business promptly through its stated process, provide the evidence and keep a dated copy. Preserve packaging where it helps establish what happened. A calculator cannot decide legal responsibility or guarantee compensation.
For a disputed consumer service, consult the appropriate Citizens Advice consumer guidance or relevant local advice service. Significant or complex losses may need independent professional advice based on the contract and facts.
Put it into practice
Use the removal quote comparison to organise your own figures or next steps. Keep its assumptions alongside your plan.