Are Moving Companies Responsible For Damages & Do They Pay? 

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Moving companies will usually pay for damages if you take out an insurance policy with them, usually, if they have packed and wrapped your goods themselves. Remember though, payouts will be subject to the terms of the policy.​

Talk to your removals consultant and decide which kind of insurance you need. JHB Removals offers goods-in-transit and all-risks insurance. 

Any flammable or hazardous items are not allowed to be transported. JHB Removals says, In the event that they may transport a Gas bottle, Generator, Welding Machine or compressor, these items must be emptied. They may reserve the right not to uplift these items.

Okay, there’s no sugar-coating it, moving is a big deal. You ensure you find the most reliable moving companies in Johannesburg, pack up all your worldly belongings and off they go in one truck. Of course, there are going to be risks for damage and loss throughout the entire process. There are risks in packing, loading, transporting, unloading and unpacking. 

So if something goes wrong, are moving companies responsible for damages?

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED FOR DAMAGES

ARE MOVING COMPANIES RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES?​

Moving companies that offer cover against damages near me

Things your moving company can’t transport

WHEN DO MOVING COMPANIES PAY FOR DAMAGES?

Goods-In-Transit Insurance is facilitated at 1.5% of household value for up to R100 000 and is free of charge it includes: Fire, collision, overturning, hijacking, damages due to incident and theft by forced entry. (Exclusions are chips, dents and scratches.)

All-Risks Insurance is a policy over and above the Goods-in-Transit Insurance.
The difference is, it will include breakages and is facilitated at 3.5% of your Household Value. When you opt for this cover we will need to do a compulsory full pack and wrap in order for the insurance to take effect. 

The best part is that you can get both moving services and the security of knowing your goods are insured and protected anywhere in the country. At JHB Removals, for example, we move and store your stuff from Gauteng, Johannesburg and Pretoria to anywhere in South Africa – and vice versa. And we help you insure it all!

So you can book any move, even long-distance, with insurance at our moving companies in Johannesburg services, Pretoria moving companies, as well as moving companies Centurion and our Gauteng moving companies.

Need a reputable moving company?

What’s excluded from insurance when moving

What’s the difference between goods-in-transit insurance and all-risks insurance?

JHB Removals recommends clients take out cover. But did you know, your Insurance Broker may cover it for free if you advise them of your move? And if you want JHB Removals to insure you, their rate is 3.5% to the total value of your goods.

Yes. SA law says that movers are responsible for your goods from the moment they pick them up at your current premises to the moment you sign off on their delivery at the new one. Not only that, but the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) says that the mover is directly responsible, meaning if something is damaged, you don’t even have to deal with an insurer, you deal directly with the mover.
 
This is why reputable moving companies like JHB Removals, for example, say they take every precaution to safeguard your precious belongings (secure wrapping & protective packaging, with extra care and special treatment).  They offer their own movers’ insurance,  for your goods, which means they take full responsibility and offer customers peace of mind. 

JHB Removals has trained their teams to take extra precautions and care with removals.  But, if you want a stress-free move, it’s advisable to opt for their protective wrapping service or ensure proper protective wrapping is done before they collect.

by JHB Removals      SAVE ON MOVING COSTS

Additional movers insurance info

Are moving companies responsible for damages? What's included and excluded in movers insurance? How to make sure you’re covered for damages & how to find a reputable moving company near you 

Some items are just too risky for removal companies to include in a load. They are also too high a risk to include in an insurance policy. So, often, if these goods are moved by a removal company, they will not take responsibility for any damage or loss. 


  • Cash, coins, bullion, banknotes, stocks and other personal documents.
  • Stamps, deeds, precious stones, precious metals, trinkets and securities.
  • Jewelry, watches, sunglasses, cellular telephones, iPads, tablets, TV’s, mirrors, pictures and glass, Kindles and laptops.
  • Antiques, poorly made furniture and articles which are delicate or fragile. 
  • Potentially dangerous, damaging or explosive items.(Includes firearms)
  • Goods likely to encourage vermin of other pests or to cause infestations.
  • Refrigerated or frozen foods or drinks.
  •  Any animals including pets, birds or fish (and their cages or tanks).
  • Keys – these must be retained by you.


The items in the list above are specifically excluded from removal as well as the Insurance contract in the event that the mentioned goods are moved by us. If they are moved by us then we do not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage of the following:

Do you need extra insurance through your regular insurance company? ​