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A Guide to International Removals Insurance

Martha Lott

Written by Reviewed by Dave Sayce

15th Feb 2018 (Last updated on 14th Mar 2024) 4 minute read

International removals insurance is vital to securing your belongings on a long journey abroad. It ensures additional security, resulting in a safer international house move.

We make sure that all international removal companies on Compare My Move offer Goods in Transit and Public Liability Insurance. This means you can relax knowing all your contents are covered during the move.

However, you may want to consider additional international insurance to be completely safe. This is due to the complexities of the moves as well as the increased chance of potential damage or loss.

  1. What is International Removals Insurance?
  2. What Does International Moving Insurance Cover?
  3. How Much Does International Removals Insurance Cost?
  4. Do I Need International Moving Insurance?
  5. What Happens if I Make a Claim?
  6. How to Save on Your Insurance Cost
  7. Saving Money on Your International House Move

What is International Removals Insurance?

International removals insurance is specialist insurance that will cover your belongings when moving from one country to another.

This is especially important when using sea freight services as rough waters often see some of the ship’s cargo getting lost. It can also lead to a higher chance of breakages.

Air freight, although not quite as risky, is also key for specialist international insurance. This is due to the complexities of moving your contents to and from or potentially between aircraft. This then leads to a higher possibility of possessions being lost which is why international moving insurance is so important.

What Does International Moving Insurance Cover?

Special international moving insurance usually works on an itemised basis. This means that you should value each item based on the cost of replacing it.

For example, if it’d cost £1,000 to replace your TV, then that’s what you should value it as with the insurance company. You should always value it at the replacement cost and not what you would sell it for as a second-hand item.

Valuable items worth over £500 should be individually declared as an item of high value so special considerations can be made.

The most common claims are for scratches, dents and bumps that often happen naturally. The insurance will cover any of these situations and will either cover the repair cost or the replacement of any damaged items.

How Much Does International Removals Insurance Cost?

The cost of overseas removal insurance depends on the volume/weight/value of the contents and the distance/method of transport.

Many international moving companies will offer insurance as an optional add-on. However, you may find a cheaper quote by going through a third-party insurer such as Letton Percival.

Removal companies will often use third-party insurers but will also add a premium for sorting it on your behalf.

Removal companies will also often base their insurance quotes on a value of around £35,000. Whilst a third-party provider can tailor your insurance to exactly what you’re going to use.

Do I Need International Moving Insurance?

If you’d prefer extra security when moving abroad, then yes, international removals insurance is a must.

As all Compare My Move removal partners offer Goods in Transit and Public Liability Insurance, you’ll already be covered to a certain degree when using our service.

However, if you’re moving high-value items such as antiques, then you should explore higher-level insurance for international moves.

What Happens if I Make a Claim?

If any items are damaged or lost, the insurer has the option to replace or repair them or they may simply provide compensation. The result will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the policy.

If you’re worried your items will be stored in areas with lax security, know that your insurance will also cover you for theft. This includes TVs, PCs and other high-value items.

How to Save on Your Insurance Cost

We have already mentioned that you may be able to save money by going to a third-party insurer. However, you may also be able to save on removals insurance based on the method of transit you choose.

When moving abroad to mainland Europe, you’re likely to be able to move your contents by road. This presents less opportunity for your contents to be damaged or lost, helping lower the cost of the insurance.

However, when moving further afield, sea or air freight might be your only option. Comparing quotes for insurance on both methods of travel will give you the overall cost of that method. This will let you choose based on price and convenience.

Saving Money on Your International House Move

To save money when moving abroad, you should consider what you need to take with you. It’s a good idea to assess the items first and then calculate the cost of moving and insuring them.

Compare My Move can also help you save money on your move abroad by connecting you with up to 6 international moving companies. All of our partners are verified by us and reviewed by you, meaning Public Liability and Goods in Transit Insurance is a standard.

For more information on the best international removals companies, check out our UK’s 10 Best International Movers and Packers article.

Martha Lott

Written by Martha Lott

Having guest authored for many property websites, Martha now researches and writes articles for everything moving house related, from remortgages to conveyancing costs.

Dave Sayce

Reviewed by Dave Sayce

Owner & Managing Director, Compare My Move

Dave Sayce is the owner and managing director of Compare My Move and has over 10 years of experience in the house removals industry.

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