What to Check in Goods Insurance Before a Move

Updated 3 October 2026 · DZ Cargo moving guide

Packing and careful handling are part of a moving plan. Insurance addresses a different question: what financial protection applies if an insured event affects the goods? The answer comes from the policy documents, so review them before collection rather than relying on a short description in a quotation.

Identify the policy and the insurer

Ask for the insurer’s name, the relevant policy details and the documents confirming your shipment’s cover. Check the names, goods and journey recorded. If the moving company helps arrange insurance, clarify who provides the policy and whom you should contact about a claim.

Check the goods and declared value

Prepare the item information and values requested for the cover being considered. Ask how value is determined and what evidence is needed for particular belongings. Keep the declaration and supporting records with the moving paperwork; do not assume the quotation’s transport price is the insured value.

Read the scope and exclusions

Ask which events, stages and items the policy covers. Check exclusions and any conditions relating to packing, handling, storage or the nature of the goods. An expression such as ‘all risks’ does not mean every possible loss is covered. The IRDAI non-life insurance guidance also advises checking exclusions and policy terms.

Confirm when cover starts and ends

Make sure the agreed journey and relevant dates match the move. If goods will enter storage or delivery is delayed, ask how the policy treats that period and whether any change is needed. Get clarification before relying on cover for a stage that has not been discussed.

Understand the amount you may bear

Ask about any excess or deductible and how a claim amount would be assessed. Check whether limits apply to particular goods. Request an explanation of wording you do not understand rather than treating the premium alone as a useful comparison.

Know the reporting procedure

Read the policy’s notice requirements, contact details and documents needed for a claim. Keep the inventory, condition photographs, invoices or other available value records. If a concern appears at delivery, record it promptly and follow the insurer’s instructions about evidence and inspection.

Keep moving and insurance records together

Save the accepted quotation, inventory, payment records, shipment documents and policy information in an accessible place. A clear record helps everyone identify the consignment and the cover that was arranged. Do not discard relevant packaging or evidence before obtaining instructions when an issue is being assessed.

Discuss cover alongside your quotation

Ask about goods insurance arrangements when planning your move with DZ Cargo. This guide gives general questions to raise; your insurer’s policy and the circumstances of the shipment determine the actual cover and claim outcome.

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