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Should I Purchase Moving Insurance Before Moving?

Moving insurance can give you peace of mind and provide coverage for your belongings during a move.
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Should I Purchase Moving Insurance Before Moving?

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If you are planning to hire a mover, purchasing moving insurance has probably crossed your mind. Moving your furniture and other belongings puts them at risk of being damaged. Even when your items are moved by caring professionals, accidents can still happen. Factors beyond the control of your movers, like poor weather, traffic accidents, or human error, can result in damaged property.

To give you peace of mind from possible mishaps and prepare yourself in case something wrong happens, it is wise to get insurance before moving. We've put together a simple guide to help you understand how moving insurance works.

What is moving insurance?

Moving insurance provides financial coverage for your belongings in case any damage or loss is incurred during transit.

You can purchase transit insurance as a standalone product from insurance providers, home movers or moving companies.

What is the coverage of moving insurance?

There are different kinds of coverage depending on the policy of each insurance provider. Moving insurance generally covers the following:

  • Loss or damage to your goods during packing and unpacking

  • Loss or damage to your goods while being loaded or unloaded

  • Loss or damage to your goods while in transit (e.g. caused by road accidents, fires, derailment, theft, impact or malicious damage. Also the grounding of vessels, crashes and forced landings for aircraft)

  • Damage or loss to your goods caused by mishandling by removalists

What about contents insurance?

Just like moving insurance, contents insurance differs from one policy to another. If you have an existing contents insurance policy, it may include cover for your belongings while in transit. But that’s not often the case. Generally, most contents insurance policies don’t cover your belongings while in transit. You should contact your insurer to know exactly what your current policy covers.

How to get insurance for moving home in NZ?

Your moving company’s insurance

Moving companies are not legally required to provide insurance covering their customers' belongings during a move. However, most reputable moving companies will have insurance that protects your items. Before you book with a mover, enquire about their insurance coverage and what it covers. Carefully research your options before you choose a mover, and don’t forget to ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues.

Standalone transit or moving insurance

If your chosen moving company’s insurance coverage is not high enough to cover your belongings, then purchasing your own insurance is recommended. Start by asking your existing insurance provider for a quote. You may benefit from an existing customer discount. It is still advisable to shop around for the best deal.

The insurance policy price will depend on factors such as the value of your belongings and the circumstances you want your belongings to be covered. To fully understand the coverage, read the fine print or talk to the provider directly.

Any other tips for protecting my move?

  • Take photos of your belongings before your home movers collect them on your moving day. This way, you have proof to show your item’s condition before it was moved.

  • Pack your items properly and carefully to reduce the odds of them getting damaged during loading/unloading and in transit. Secure sturdy moving boxes for your items and use protective materials such as moving blankets, pads, bubble wraps, etc.

  • Hire trusted NZ movers to help you out with your move. Check reviews of previous customers so you will know the quality of service they provide to their customers. If you need help looking for a trusted home mover, submit a listing through Wise Move. We make it easy to get quotes from New Zealand's most trusted moving companies nationwide.

Moving companies services at low-cost

(All Covered. No Hassle.) Budget-friendly moving service trusted by thousands of customers across NZ.
What are you moving?
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What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Wise Move to learn stories from our customers.
$540
1 bedroom apartment move
Auckland, Auckland Central
Auckland, Ranui
10
Edwinna
Reviewed 2 hours ago
Smooth and efficient moving! They were so quick yet careful with everything. Moving is usually stressful but these guys made the experience a breeze. They were on time (slightly early actually which is even better) and experienced movers.
$165
Couch
Auckland, Grafton
Hamilton, Saint Andrews
10
Michelle
Reviewed 2 hours ago
Marshall and his team were so helpful and amazing, the service was very professional and efficient. Amazing communication and quick. 100/10 recommend!
$3,750
2 bedroom apartment move
Auckland, Albany Heights
Christchurch, Parklands
10
Kathryn
Reviewed 3 hours ago
We are very happy we chose Warren for our big move from Auckland to Christchurch. Communication was excellent in the lead up and during the move, and Warren went above and beyond to ensure our goods arrived in Christchurch on time. We highly recommend Warren to all. Thank you again for your help and hard work Warren!
$860
1 bedroom apartment move
New Plymouth, New Plymouth Central
Whangaparāoa, Army Bay
10
Maree
Reviewed 16 hours ago
Mazing movers, fast, efficient, professional, on time, delivered household from Taranaki to Auckland safely without any damage. Worked well and quietly and packed the truck ensuring nothing got damaged wrapping all the white-ware In furniture moving blankets. And they were really competitively priced with their quote. Very savvy couple and will be recommending them to my friends and using them again. Thankyou Anneka and Adam for making the move a breeze!
$149
Vintage Wooden Stand Floor Lamp
Auckland, Glenfield
Paraparaumu, Raumati South
10
Angela
Reviewed 18 hours ago
Fantastic! Jerald went above and beyond :)
$229
2 x arm chairs
Auckland, Cockle Bay
Whakamārama, Bay of Plenty
10
Johanna
Reviewed 18 hours ago
I have used NZ Van Moves 3 times now and they have been great every time.

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