The Truth About Moving Insurance: What’s Covered and What’s Not

When you’re moving homes or offices in Melbourne, one question should always top your list: “Is my stuff protected if something goes wrong?”

Unfortunately, many people assume that because they’ve hired a moving company, their belongings are automatically covered—only to discover too late that their “insurance” is full of loopholes, exclusions, or doesn’t exist at all.

At Paul Movers , we believe transparency is non-negotiable. That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain on the truth about moving insurance: what’s genuinely covered, what’s often excluded, and how to ensure your high-value, fragile, or sentimental items are truly protected.

Whether you’re relocating a studio apartment in St Kilda or a corporate office in the CBD, understanding your coverage could mean the difference between peace of mind and financial heartbreak.

And if you’re looking for a mover that’s fully licensed and insured—with no fine print surprises—our House Movers Melbourne team offers comprehensive protection from pickup to delivery.

Why Moving Insurance Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential

Moving involves inherent risks:

• Heavy furniture tipping during loading
• Glassware shattering from vibration
• Electronics damaged by improper handling
• Items lost during long-distance transit

Even the most careful movers can’t eliminate every risk. That’s where insurance comes in—not as a sales tactic, but as a safety net.

As stated on our Affordable Movers Melbourne page:

“We are licensed and insured, A++ rating with over many years of experience.”

But not all insurance is equal. Let’s break down what’s real—and what’s just marketing.

The 3 Types of Moving “Coverage” (And What They Really Mean)

1. Basic Carrier Liability (Often Called “Released Value Protection”)

What it is: The minimum legal coverage required by law in Australia for registered moving companies.
What it covers: Typically $0.60–$1.30 per kilogram of your item’s weight—not its actual value.
Example: A 10kg antique vase worth $2,000 would be covered for $6–$13.

The truth: This isn’t real insurance—it’s a token liability. Most budget movers only offer this, leaving you exposed.

⚠️ Red Flag: If a company says, “We’re covered by law,” ask: “Is that full-value insurance or basic liability?”

2. Full-Value Protection Insurance (What You Actually Want)

What it is: The mover assumes full responsibility for the replacement value of lost or damaged items.
What it covers: Repair, replacement, or cash settlement based on current market value.
Conditions: May require professional packing for fragile items; exclusions may apply for pre-existing damage.

The truth: Reputable companies like Paul Movers provide this level of coverage as standard—because we stand by our work.

As noted on our Furniture Removalists Melbourne page:

“We assure you a hassle-free relocation… with our proficient staffs to handle your belongings safely.”

That promise is backed by real insurance—not just hope.

3. Third-Party Moving Insurance (Purchased Separately)

What it is: You buy a policy from an external insurer (e.g., through your home insurance or a specialty provider).
Pros: Can offer broader coverage, including for high-value art or jewelry.
Cons: Requires claims paperwork, deductibles, and possible delays.

When to consider it: For items worth over $5,000 (e.g., pianos, collectibles, custom furniture).

What’s Typically Covered Under Full-Value Insurance?

With a reputable, insured mover like Paul Movers, you can expect coverage for:

✅ Accidental damage during loading/unloading
✅ Breakage from improper handling (e.g., dropped TV, cracked mirror)
✅ Loss of items during transit
✅ Water or weather damage (if caused by mover negligence, e.g., uncovered truck in rain)
✅ Furniture scratches or dents from contact with walls or other items

This protection applies because we use professional equipment—trolleys, blankets, straps—as confirmed on our Moving Services Melbourne page:

“The moving van is equipped with trolleys and plenty of blankets to protect your fragile items.”

Common Exclusions: What’s Not Covered (Even with Insurance)

Even full-value policies have limits. Be aware of these typical exclusions:

❌ Items You Pack Yourself (If Damaged)

If you pack a box of glassware and it breaks, the mover may deny the claim—unless they mishandled the box.
Solution: Use our Packing and Unpacking Services Melbourne for fragile or high-value items.

❌ Pre-Existing Damage

A scratch on your dresser before moving won’t be covered.
Solution: Take photos before moving day. We can document items during our pre-move walkthrough.

❌ “Acts of God” or Unavoidable Events

Floods, earthquakes, or extreme weather beyond the mover’s control.
Note: If the mover failed to secure items properly during a storm, coverage may still apply.

❌ High-Value Items Not Declared in Advance

Jewelry, cash, rare art—must be disclosed before the move.
Best Practice: List all items worth over $1,000 in your booking notes.

❌ Damage from DIY Disassembly

If you take apart a bed and lose screws, that’s not covered.
Solution: Let our team handle furniture dismantling and reassembly .

How Paul Movers Goes Beyond Basic Coverage

Since 2017, we’ve built our reputation on accountability and care. Here’s how our insurance approach protects you:

🔒 Full Public Liability Insurance

We carry comprehensive business insurance that covers your belongings from door to door.

📸 Pre-Move Documentation (Upon Request)

For high-value moves, we photograph items before loading—creating a clear record.

🛡️ Professional Packing = Stronger Claims

When we pack your items using proper materials (bubble wrap, cell dividers, blankets), your claim is far more likely to be approved.

📞 Immediate Response to Issues

If damage occurs (rarely), we respond within 24 hours—not weeks.

As highlighted in Trust in Experts: Why Furniture Removalists Are Worth Every Penny :

“One scratch on a $10,000 sideboard costs more than the entire moving bill.”

That’s why we invest in prevention—and real insurance.

Real Melbourne Scenarios: When Insurance Made the Difference

📌 Case 1: The Broken Grandfather Clock

A client moved a 100-year-old clock from Kew to Brighton. Despite careful handling, a strap slipped during unloading, causing a crack.
Outcome: Full-value insurance covered professional restoration ($1,800).

📌 Case 2: The DIY-Packed China

A renter packed heirloom dishes themselves. The box shifted in transit, and plates shattered.
Outcome: Claim denied—because packing was not done by professionals.

💡 Lesson: For fragile items, always use professional packing.

📌 Case 3: The Lost Office Server

During a corporate move, a server was misplaced due to poor labeling.
Outcome: Covered under our business liability policy; replaced within 48 hours.

5 Questions to Ask Any Moving Company About Insurance

Before you book, get these answers in writing:

1. “Are you fully licensed and insured?”
   → Demand proof of public liability insurance.
2. “What type of coverage do you provide—basic liability or full-value protection?”
   → Avoid companies that only offer per-kilogram coverage.
3. “Is there an extra cost for full insurance?”
   → At Paul Movers, it’s included—no hidden fees.

4. “What’s your claims process if something is damaged?”
   → A vague answer = red flag.
5. “Do you cover items you pack vs. items I pack differently?”
   → Yes—and that’s why professional packing matters.

For more vetting tips, read: How to Spot a Reliable Moving Company in Melbourne .

DIY Moves vs. Professional Movers: Insurance Reality Check

If you rent a truck and move yourself:

• Your home insurance may not cover items in transit
• Car insurance won’t cover cargo
• You’re 100% liable for damage to third parties (e.g., if you scratch a building wall)

Whereas with Paul Movers:

• We’re fully insured for property damage and belongings
• You’re protected legally and financially
• We handle all risk management

As we explain in The Benefits of Hiring Professional Movers vs DIY , insurance is one of the most overlooked—but critical—advantages.

Final Checklist: Ensure Your Move Is Truly Protected

• ☑️ Confirm the company is licensed and insured (ask for policy number)
• ☑️ Choose full-value protection, not basic liability
• ☑️ Declare high-value items in advance
• ☑️ Use professional packing for fragile or expensive belongings
• ☑️ Take photos of pre-existing damage
• ☑️ Get insurance terms in writing before moving day

Final Thoughts: Don’t Move Without Real Protection

The truth about moving insurance is this: cheap movers cut corners everywhere—including coverage. But your memories, heirlooms, and investments deserve better.

At Paul Movers, we don’t just move your belongings—we protect them. With full insurance, professional handling, and a commitment to transparency, we ensure your Melbourne move is safe from start to finish.

📞 Ready for a fully insured, stress-free relocation?
Call us at 0403 917 885
📧 Email: info@paulmovers.com.au
🌐 Get your free, no-obligation quote: Contact Paul Movers

Follow us for honest moving advice:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter