How transit insurance for household goods works
Transit insurance for household goods is a short policy that covers your belongings for one journey, from loading at your old home to unloading at the new one. You tell us what your goods are worth (the declared value), the policy is issued by an insurance company, and you pay a one-time premium worked out as a percentage of that value.
It is separate from any home contents policy you may already have. Most home policies stop covering goods once they leave the insured address, so check yours before you assume you are covered.
What transit insurance costs
Most movers in India charge 2 to 3% of the declared value for household goods and 1.5 to 2% for a car. Insurers set the exact rate by risk: distance, the type of goods and how fragile they are.
Estimate your insurance premium
Most movers charge 2 to 3% of declared value for household goods and 1.5 to 2% for a car.
Approximate premium
₹10,000 to ₹15,000
One-time charge for the journey. The insurer's own rate decides the final figure.
- ₹2,00,000₹2,00,000: ₹6,000
- ₹5,00,000₹5,00,000: ₹15,000
- ₹10,00,000₹10,00,000: ₹30,000
- ₹15,00,000₹15,00,000: ₹45,000
What is covered, and what usually isn't
Policies come in two broad types. Basic transit cover pays out for events like a road accident, fire or the truck overturning. Comprehensive (all-risk) cover also includes damage while goods are being handled, loaded and unloaded. Ask which one your quote includes.
Usually covered
- Damage from accidents, fire or the truck overturning
- Handling damage, under comprehensive cover
- Items packed by the mover's crew
- Items listed on the signed inventory
Usually excluded
- Cartons you packed yourself
- Damage that was there before the move
- Electrical or mechanical faults inside appliances
- Cash, jewellery, documents and other valuables
How to declare the value of your goods
The declared value decides both your premium and the most you can recover. Declare what it would cost to replace your goods in their current condition, not what you paid for them years ago.
- List high-value items separately: TVs, laptops, appliances, good furniture, artwork.
- Keep bills or photos for those items. Surveyors ask for them when you claim.
- Don't under-declare to save on the premium. If the declared value is too low, insurers can reduce a payout in proportion.
- Declaring more than the goods are worth won't increase what you receive, so there is nothing to gain from it.
How to make a transit insurance claim
- 01
Note the damage before you sign
Write the damage on the delivery receipt or inventory and photograph it while the crew is still there. - 02
Tell us quickly
Report it to your coordinator the same day. Policies set a short deadline, often 24 to 72 hours after delivery. - 03
Survey
The insurer may send a surveyor to inspect the damage. Keep damaged items and their packing until the survey is done. - 04
Submit documents
Claim form, policy copy, inventory list, consignment note, photos, and a repair estimate or replacement invoice. - 05
Settlement
The insurer pays the assessed amount, based on the declared value and the policy terms.
Do you need transit insurance?
Worth it
Lower priority
For cars, check your own motor policy first, because a comprehensive policy often covers transit already. The car transport page explains this.
Want insurance on your move?
Share a rough value of your goods and your route. We will tell you the cover type and the premium before you book.
