Insuring your belongings in transit and storage when moving

Key rules

• Mover's limit: The carrier's liability is capped by weight, so a high-value shipment needs its own goods-in-transit cover.
• Cover type: All-risk cover is normally the better choice over named-perils, which pays only for listed events.
• Storage: The removal firm's liability normally ends when goods go into storage, so insure them separately for that time.
• Damage on delivery: Write visible damage on the delivery note when you sign, and report hidden damage in writing within 7 days.

Should you buy separate cover?

Yes, if your shipment is worth more than a few thousand euros. On international road moves the carrier's liability is limited to 10 euros per kg, which is often far below the real value of your goods. A sofa, a washing machine or a box of books can be worth much more than that per kilo. Separate goods-in-transit cover fills the gap.

The same applies to storage. If your goods sit in a guardamuebles on the way, you need cover for that time too.

Why the mover's liability is not enough

• The limit is counted by weight, not by what your things are worth.
• It also covers delay, but only up to the amount of the freight.
• The mover pays more only if they were guilty of wilful misconduct or something equivalent. You cannot count on that.
• Moves within Spain have their own default weight-based limit, which is also low unless you agree otherwise in writing.
• Sea and air moves follow different rules and limits. Ask the firm what applies to your route.

Choosing the type of cover

There are two common types. The decision block below compares your options.

• All-risk (todo riesgo): pays for loss or damage from any external cause unless the policy excludes it. This is normally the better choice.
• Named-perils: pays only for listed events such as fire, theft, collision, the vehicle overturning, or sinking. Anything not on the list is not paid.

You declare the value on an inventory, with a value for each item. Some insurers also ask for a valuation list for high-value items.

Many moving companies offer cover when they quote. You can also buy it from a broker or a specialist insurer. Take it out before the move starts.

What policies usually do not pay

Read the exclusions before you buy. Typical ones are:

• wear and tear, and defects the item already had
• poor packing by you, and boxes you packed yourself that nobody inspected
• jewellery, cash and documents
• valuables you did not declare
• delay
• mechanical or electrical failure, including hidden faults in electronics

If you pack your own boxes, ask the insurer whether they are covered. Excess and value rules differ by policy.

Goods in storage

The removal firm's responsibility normally ends when your goods are delivered into storage. The storage firm usually limits its liability by contract, often to a low sum per cubic metre or a total figure. It mainly pays for losses caused by its own negligence. Damage from moisture or pests is often excluded unless the firm is at fault.

Do not rely on that limit. Declare the value of your goods and buy your own all-risk cover, including fire, water damage and theft. You can use the storage firm's optional policy or a home or specialist policy.

Some home contents policies cover stored goods only for a limited time or up to a sublimit. Ask your insurer before you rely on yours.

If something goes wrong

Time limits are short:

1. Check the goods on delivery and write any visible damage on the delivery note before you sign.
2. For damage you could not see, notify the carrier in writing within 7 days.
3. A lawsuit against the carrier is generally possible within one year.

Keep your inventory, your photos taken before packing, and the delivery note. The documents and timeline blocks below list them.

Choosing between options

How should you cover your goods in transit and in storage?

• All-risk cover (todo riesgo): Best for most moves and for any high-value shipment.

• Named-perils cover: Fits a small, low-value move where you only want protection against major events such as fire, theft, collision, overturning or sinking.

• Rely on the mover's liability only: Fits only if your goods are worth little.

• Storage firm's optional policy: Fits if you want one contract for storage and cover.

• Your own home or specialist policy for stored goods: Fits if you already have a policy that covers stored goods for long enough and for the full value. Confirm the time limit and the maximum sum with the insurer.

If the real value of your goods is well above the mover's limit, buy all-risk cover for the journey and cover of your own for storage rather than relying on the movers or the storage firm.

Timeline and deadlines

• Take out goods-in-transit cover: Before the move starts

• Check the goods on delivery and write any visible damage on the delivery note: On the day of delivery

• Notify the carrier in writing of damage you could not see on delivery: Within 7 days of delivery

• Start a lawsuit against the carrier if the claim is not settled: Generally within 1 year

Documents you need

• Inventory of your goods with a value for each item. You prepare it, and the insurer uses it to set the insured value.

• Valuation list for high-value items. Some insurers ask for it, so check when you request a quote.

• Photos of your goods before they are packed, to support a claim if something is damaged.

• Delivery note signed on arrival, with any damage written on it as a reservation. The removal firm gives it to you, and a claim needs it.

• Goods-in-transit insurance policy, from the removal firm, a broker or a specialist insurer. Take it out before the move starts.

• Storage contract (guardamuebles), if you store goods. It sets the storage firm's liability limit and exclusions, so read it before signing.

What to watch out for

• Boxes you pack yourself may not be covered: Many policies exclude damage to items you packed yourself without inspection, or damage caused by poor packing. Ask the insurer how it treats owner-packed boxes, or let the movers pack and list the items you value most.

• Named-perils cover leaves gaps: Named-perils cover pays only for listed events such as fire, theft, collision, overturning of the vehicle or sinking. Anything else is not paid. Choose all-risk cover for a high-value move, and read the list of exclusions before you pay.

• Undeclared valuables and delay are usually not paid: Valuables you did not declare, delay, wear and tear, hidden faults and mechanical or electrical failure are typically excluded. List valuable items with their values on your inventory, and ask what the policy excludes.

• The storage firm's limit is usually low: A guardamuebles typically limits its liability to a low sum per cubic metre or a total figure.

• Your cover can lapse when goods go into storage: The removal firm's responsibility ends when it delivers into storage, and your transit policy or home contents policy may not continue to cover stored goods. Ask each insurer how long and up to what sum stored goods are covered before you sign the storage contract.

Frequently asked questions

Does the removal firm cover my goods once they are in storage?

No, the removal firm's liability normally ends when it delivers your goods into storage. From then on the storage firm is responsible, but usually only up to a low limit set in its contract. Declare the value of your goods and ask for storage cover of your own.

Does my home contents policy cover goods in storage?

Sometimes, but many home contents policies cover stored goods only for a limited time or up to a smaller sum. Ask your insurer for the time limit and the maximum in writing. If the policy falls short, take the storage firm's optional policy or a specialist policy.

Will goods-in-transit insurance cover my jewellery and cash?

Usually not, because jewellery, cash and documents are commonly excluded, and other valuables are covered only if you declare them. Ask the insurer what it accepts. Carry these items with you rather than in the removal van.

How long do I have to take a carrier to court over a loss?

The time limit for a lawsuit against the carrier is generally one year. Report any damage first, because a claim without prompt notice is much harder to win.