Moving tips
Moving Insurance: Do I Need It?
By TLC Moving & Storage · Published 20 October 2023
Usually, yes. A mover’s basic protection pays by weight, not by what an item is worth, so a light but valuable piece can be badly under-covered. Check what your mover’s coverage includes, ask your home insurer whether your policy covers belongings in transit and in storage, and buy extra coverage if the gap matters to you.
What moving insurance covers
Moving insurance covers your belongings while they travel between your old home and your new one. It can stand alone or add to your existing insurance policy. Even with reliable movers, mishaps can happen, so it pays to know which risks are covered:
Packing and unpacking
Loss or damage while your things are packed or unpacked.
Loading and unloading
Loss or damage while they go on or come off the truck.
Transit
Accidents or theft on the road.
Mishandling
Damage caused by the moving company.
Why your mover’s basic moving insurance may not be enough
A mover’s basic protection is usually set by weight. Centris, writing with MovingWaldo, says it is standard in the Canadian industry for a mover to offer $0.60 per pound for damaged goods, at no extra cost. That suits heavy, inexpensive things far better than a light television or a piece of art.
Your own insurance may cover personal property during the move, depending on your policy. To be sure your things are covered:
Ask the mover
Confirm the company is insured and what its coverage includes for your move.
Read your home policy
Check whether it covers personal property in transit.
Update the policy
Change it for your new address before you move.
Check your home insurance before the move
Your home insurance doesn’t carry over to the new home by itself, so tell your insurer about the move well ahead, at least 30 days before if you can. If there is a gap in coverage between moving dates, raise it with your insurance advisor straight away. Policies that cover a move often have limits, such as:
Weight-based limits
Coverage capped by the weight of the items.
No breakage cover
Breakage or damage to belongings may be excluded.
Separate cover required
Some risks need a separate policy.
Changes to make
Your address, coverage limits, what is included or excluded, deductibles and contact details.
Questions to ask a moving company
Before you hire movers, ask about their coverage and any extra fees for lost or damaged items. Weigh the answers against the value of what you own:
What coverage do you offer?
And what does it pay for a damaged item?
What does extra coverage cost?
Ask whether there are fees attached to it.
What should I do to make sure my things are covered?
Including anything you pack yourself.
Protecting your belongings during a move
Insurance pays after something goes wrong; preparation stops it going wrong. Record the condition of your belongings before the move, take pictures of fragile items, and pack everything securely, or have it packed for you. Choose a reputable moving company that works to prevent damage.
If something is damaged: making a claim
Compensation depends on your contract and the circumstances of the move. The usual steps:
1. Contact the moving company
Report the damage as soon as you find it.
2. Gather the details
Photos and a description of each damaged item.
3. Review your paperwork
The contract and the bill of lading.
4. Submit the claim
Complete the forms and send them in.
5. Wait for the answer
The company settles or declines. If it declines, get advice on your options.
Insurance for DIY moves and temporary storage
For a do-it-yourself move, cover the rented truck: take the rental company’s insurance, or ask your auto insurer whether your policy extends to a rented truck, since endorsements for rented vehicles have limits. Make sure your belongings are covered as well.
If your things go into a storage unit or container between homes, check whether your home, condo or tenant policy covers them there, or whether you need extra coverage. For storage that comes with the move, see our moving and storage service, and for longer trips, long-distance moving.
Questions about moving with TLC
How much is moving insurance in Canada?
Basic mover protection is usually set by weight: Centris, writing with MovingWaldo, says it is standard in Canada for a mover to offer $0.60 per pound for damaged goods. Extra coverage costs more and varies by provider, so ask for it in writing with your quote.
What insurance do I need to move furniture?
To protect furniture in transit, buy moving or transit insurance from an insurance provider or your moving company, and check what your home policy already covers.
Does home insurance cover damage from moving?
It may. Some home policies cover personal property during a move, but often with limits. Check your policy and tell your insurer before the move.
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