What items are usually excluded from insurance?

What Items are Usually Excluded from Removals Insurance?

Removals insurance, often referred to as goods in transit insurance or marine cargo insurance for longer journeys, is designed to protect possessions during a house or office move. However, nearly all policies come with specific exclusions. These exclusions typically relate to items that are inherently high-risk, difficult to value accurately, require specialist handling beyond standard moving services, or are prohibited by law.

Common Categories of Excluded Items

• Valuables and Irreplaceable Items: Cash, coins, stamps, deeds, bonds, jewellery, watches, precious metals, furs, and collections (e.g., art, antiques, historical documents) often have very limited coverage or are entirely excluded. Their high value and ease of theft or loss make them a significant risk for standard policies. It is generally recommended to transport such items personally or arrange for separate, specialised insurance. Different policies offer varying levels of valuation protection, so always check the specific terms.
• Perishable Goods: Food, plants, refrigerated or frozen items, and anything with a limited shelf life are typically excluded. The risk of spoilage, wilting, or damage due to temperature fluctuations during transit is too high for insurers to cover.
• Hazardous Materials: Flammable liquids (e.g., paints, solvents, gas canisters), explosives, corrosives, compressed gases, and toxic substances are always excluded due to safety risks. Moving these items requires specialist transportation and handling, falling outside the scope of standard removal services. Information on whether one can store hazardous materials also applies here.
• Pets and Live Animals: Animals are not considered 'goods' in this context and require dedicated, humane transportation methods. Standard removals insurance will never cover live creatures.
• Illegal or Prohibited Goods: Any items that are illegal to possess or transport in the UK or destination country, such as drugs, firearms, or stolen property, are unequivocally excluded.

Specific Circumstances Leading to Exclusions

• Owner-Packed Goods (OPG): When items are packed by the customer rather than professional removers, many policies offer reduced liability or exclude internal damage claims unless the external packing itself is visibly damaged. The rationale is that the insurer cannot guarantee the quality of the packing within the boxes.
• Items with Pre-existing Damage or Inherent Vice: Damage that existed before the move, or items that are inherently prone to damage (e.g., due to poor construction, extreme fragility, or wear and tear), are generally not covered. This also extends to internal mechanical or electrical derangement of appliances or electronics unless there is clear external damage to the item or its packaging.
• Consequential Loss: This refers to indirect losses resulting from damage or delay, such as loss of income, business interruption, or emotional distress. Insurance covers the direct loss or damage to goods, not these secondary impacts.
• Items Not Declared or Exceeding Value Limits: If a specific item's value exceeds the standard per-item limit in the policy and was not declared, its full value may not be covered. Always declare high-value individual items to the removals company and insurer.
• Items Requiring Specialist Disassembly or Packing: Certain complex items, like grand pianos, grandfather clocks, or specific high-tech equipment, may be excluded if not professionally prepared or handled. For instance, a washing machine requires transit bolts to be fitted for safe transport, a task often falling to the customer unless agreed otherwise.

It is crucial for both customers and removals professionals to thoroughly review the specific terms and conditions of any insurance policy or liability coverage before a move commences. Understanding these exclusions helps in making informed decisions about which items to move personally, which require specialist services, or where additional, specific insurance might be necessary.