Protecting Your Belongings During a Move – Everything You Need To Know

When planning a house move, it’s easy to get caught up in logistics and costs.

Amidst the planning, understanding how your possessions are protected during the move is crucial to avoid unexpected stress.

Due to recent regulatory changes in the insurance industry, White & Company no longer sells insurance directly. Instead, we offer MoveProtect, a contractual liability protection designed to give you peace of mind.

This guide explains your options under the new framework.

What Is MoveProtect and Why Is It Important?

MoveProtect is a contractual liability solution that allows you to declare a Maximum Replacement Value for your goods. This determines our liability for loss or damage while your belongings are in our care.

Key Features:

• Increased Liability: Opt in to MoveProtect by declaring a value for your goods. Charges (subject to VAT) are proportional to this declared value.
• Limited Liability: If you decline MoveProtect, our liability remains capped at £40 per item (as per standard terms).

Claims under MoveProtect are handled by specialist adjusters (RCS) and do not affect your personal insurance no-claims discounts.

Understanding Limited Liability

Having a good understanding of what limited liability insurance is will set you up for success.

All customers are automatically covered under Limited Liability unless they opt for MoveProtect:

• Limited Liability means we are liable for up to £40 per item in cases of loss or damage caused by our negligence.
• This does not cover the full value of high-worth items, so declaring a Maximum Replacement Value via MoveProtect is recommended for comprehensive protection.

What Am I Covered For?

Under MoveProtect, we accept a duty of care for your goods while they are in our custody. Coverage includes:

• Damage during transit (e.g., loading, transport, unloading).
• Loss or damage due to our failure to fulfil our duty of care.

Exclusions (e.g., extreme weather, pre-existing damage) align with standard industry practices. Always review your contract’s Special Importance Conditions.

How Does MoveProtect Differ From Limited Liability?

There are some key differences between MoveProtect and limited liability coverage.

• Limited Liability: Default coverage (£40/item) applies if you do not opt for MoveProtect.
• MoveProtect: Offers increased liability up to your declared value. Charges are based on this value, and claims excesses are paid by us, not you.

MoveProtect is not insurance but a contractual solution compliant with FCA regulations.

What If I Pack Items Myself?

We recommend using our packing service to safeguard your belongings.

Limited Liability (£40/item) applies to self-packed items unless you opt for MoveProtect AND have your belongings professionally packed by us.

Does My Home Insurance Cover My Move?

You will need to check what your current home contents insurance covers you for.

Check your existing home contents insurance for transit/storage coverage, as policies vary.

Here are some key questions to ask your provider:

• Are items in transit or storage covered?
• Are there exclusions for professional removals?
• Do I need to declare high-value items separately?

If your policy has gaps, MoveProtect offers an additional layer of protection.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Choosing a removals company that are members of the BAR will ensure you have access to a dispute resolution scheme.

As British Association of Removers (BAR) members, we use approved MoveProtect contracts and adhere to their dispute resolution scheme.

This provides you with an extra layer of protection, ensuring you have someone to turn to if something does go wrong during the moving process.

Always look for the BAR badge when choosing a removals company to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable provider!

Need More Advice?

With over 150 years of experience in the removals industry, White & Company are always happy to

Our team at White & Company is here to help. With over 150 years of experience, we prioritise the safety of your belongings, whether you’re moving locally or overseas.

MoveProtect ensures clarity and compliance, giving you confidence during your move.

Contact us today to discuss your options—let us make your move smooth, secure, and stress-free!

MoveProtect is a contractual liability solution offered by White & Company, approved by the BAR and compliant with FCA regulations. It is not an insurance product.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.