Does Contents Insurance Cover Moving House?
What your contents insurance does and doesn't cover when you're on the move.
Moving house is a lot to manage, and the last thing you want is to discover your belongings weren’t covered when something goes wrong in transit. Whether your contents insurance covers a house move depends largely on your policy and how you’re moving. Here’s what to look out for before the van arrives.
At a glance
- Contents insurance may cover your belongings during a move, but it depends on the policy and the circumstances.
- Most policies only extend cover if you’re using a professional removal company, not a self-drive van.
- High-value items often need to be declared separately to be covered.
- If your policy has gaps, a specialist moving add-on or standalone policy is worth considering.
What does contents insurance cover when moving?
Most standard contents insurance policies offer some level of cover while your belongings are in transit, typically protection against theft, fire, or accidental loss. But there’s usually a condition attached: your insurer will often only extend that cover if you’re using a professional removal company. If you’re hiring a van and doing it yourself, cover may be reduced or excluded entirely.
Professional movers vs DIY
When you use professional movers, many policies will cover your belongings during the removal, provided they’re packed and handled properly. With a DIY move, insurers tend to view the risk differently, and that’s where cover can fall away.
| Professional movers | DIY move | |
|---|---|---|
| Contents insurance cover | Usually applies, provided belongings are packed and handled properly | Often reduced or excluded entirely |
| Insurer’s view of risk | Lower risk (trained handlers, proper equipment) | Higher risk (insurer may consider it insufficiently managed) |
| Additional protection available | Yes – many removal companies carry their own insurance, which can sit alongside your policy | No equivalent – you’re relying solely on your contents policy |
| Best for | Higher-value belongings, larger moves, or where cover is a priority | Smaller moves where the risk of damage is low and savings matter more |
When booking a removal company, it’s worth checking whether they carry their own insurance. Some offer additional protection as part of their service, which can sit alongside your own policy.
What’s not covered?
While contents insurance can provide basic protection, there are common exclusions to watch out for:
- Accidental damage: Many policies only cover accidental damage if you’ve added it as an optional extra, and even then some scenarios may still be excluded.
- High-value items: Jewellery, antiques, and other valuables often need to be declared and listed on your policy. If they haven’t been, they may not be covered during the move.
- Poorly packed belongings: If something breaks because it wasn’t packed securely, your insurer may decline the claim on the grounds that reasonable care wasn’t taken.
Should you get specialist moving cover?
If your current policy doesn’t fully cover a move, a specialist moving insurance policy or an add-on from your existing insurer is worth looking into. This type of cover is designed specifically for moving house and typically includes protection for accidental damage, losses in transit, and high-value items that a standard policy might not cover.
Check whether your insurer offers a moving add-on before shopping around for a standalone policy – it’s often the simpler option.
Why check your policy early?
Before the moving van pulls up, call your insurer or dig into your policy documents. Understanding your cover in advance can help avoid surprises. Be sure to ask:
- Does my policy cover my belongings during a house move?
- Is professional removal required for the cover to apply?
- Are my high-value items covered, or do they need to be declared separately?
- Can I add extra cover for the move if needed?
Before we go
Contents insurance can cover a house move, but it’s not automatic. Whether it applies depends on how you’re moving, what you own, and what your policy actually says. Check your cover early, ask the right questions, and if there are gaps, sort them before moving day. That way you can focus on getting settled in your new place rather than worrying about what didn’t make it through the door.
And once you’re in, Lemonade’s contents insurance keeps your belongings protected in your new home from day one.
Moving house contents insurance FAQs
Does contents insurance cover damage during a move?
It can, but usually only if you’re using a professional removal company. If you’re moving yourself with a hired van, cover may not apply. Check your policy wording before moving day.
Are high-value items covered during a move?
Only if they’ve been declared on your policy. Jewellery, antiques, and other valuables often need to be listed separately – if they’re not, they may not be covered in transit.
What if my items are stolen during a move?
Most policies cover theft, but cover may only apply if professional movers were used. Check your specific policy conditions to understand when and how a theft claim would be valid.
Do movers’ insurance replace contents insurance?
No. A removal company’s insurance and your contents insurance cover different things and can work alongside each other. Having both in place gives you broader protection.
Can I add extra cover for my move?
Yes, many insurers offer moving add-ons or you can take out a standalone specialist moving policy. It’s worth checking with your insurer first, as an add-on is often the most straightforward option.
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