Even with the most careful handling, accidents can still occur during a move, resulting in a scratched floor, a dented fridge, or a dropped box of fragile items. Now, the question is, who’s responsible when they happen? The answer lies in insurance and liability. 

So, before hiring removalists in Melbourne, it’s essential to know how coverage works, what your mover is actually liable for, and where your own insurance might need to fill the gaps. Even a small misunderstanding in this context can leave you unexpectedly out of pocket, even if the damage wasn’t your fault.

In this guide, we’ll unpack the essentials of moving insurance and liability, including what’s covered, what’s not, and how to protect your belongings before the truck leaves your driveway.

The Basics of Insurance & Liability Matter in a Melbourne Move

What does “fully insured” mean?

Many Melbourne removalists describe themselves as “fully insured”, but this phrase doesn’t always mean what customers assume. In most cases, it refers to a combination of public liability insurance and transit insurance, not full coverage for every possible event.

Here’s what these coverages mean:

• Public Liability Insurance covers injury or damage to third-party property. It does not cover damage to your personal goods. Most professional movers carry this as a standard, and it’s a requirement for members of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA).
• Transit Insurance, sometimes called carrier’s liability, covers your belongings against loss, theft, or damage while in transit. However, the protection often applies only during transport and may exclude loading, unloading, or storage unless clearly stated.
• Customer Goods or Optional Add-On Cover offers broader protection for instance, against accidental scratches, handling damage, or loss of fragile or high-value items. These are typically separate policies customers can purchase for extra peace of mind.

So when a removalist claims to be “fully insured,” it’s important to ask what kind of insurance they actually have and what exclusions apply.

Consumer protections under Victorian law

Even if your removalist’s insurance doesn’t cover every situation, you’re not without protection.
In Victoria, the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which is enforced locally by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), safeguards your consumer rights.

Under Section 60 of the ACL, all service providers, including removalists Melbourne, must perform their services with due care and skill. This means they are legally required to handle your goods competently and take reasonable steps to avoid damage or loss. If they fail to do so, this can be treated as negligence, giving you the right to seek compensation or other remedies.

Should you find yourself in a dispute, Consumer Affairs Victoria provides a free conciliation service to help consumers and removalists resolve the situation without the need for formal legal action.

It’s also worth noting that while there is no legal requirement for Victorian removalists to carry specific types of insurance, they remain liable if damage occurs through negligence, even if their policy limits what they can pay out.

Industry standards and accreditation

While not mandatory, some Melbourne removalists voluntarily align with the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA). AFRA-accredited members are required to hold comprehensive insurance coverage, including public liability (often up to $10 million), carrier’s legal liability, third-party property, and motor vehicle insurance.

They also typically provide or arrange goods-in-transit insurance through authorised insurers. 

How Do Removalists Melbourne Handle Liability

Below is what you should expect from reputable Melbourne removalists, and what to watch for when you’re booking.

What liability do most Melbourne removalists carry

Reputable removalists commonly include public liability and basic transit (goods-in-transit) protection in their standard pricing.

• Public liability: Public liability typically covers injury or damage to third parties. While it protects against legal exposure, it doesn’t cover your possessions. Limits commonly sit between $5 million and $20 million. 

• Basic transit liability: Standard transit caps vary by provider and package, but often fall in the $10,000–$50,000 range. Policies usually include an excess (commonly $500–$2,000), which is the amount you must contribute toward any claim.

Why price often equals coverage (and risk)

When comparing quotes, price and protection are closely linked. Lower-cost movers frequently offer limited or minimal transit cover, lower caps, higher excesses, or exclude certain types of damage. They may also rely on casual labour rather than trained crews, which increases handling risk. 

On the other hand, professional providers like Jake Move with higher quotes usually factor more comprehensive transit limits, stronger operational controls, and optional add-on cover for fragile or high-value items. 

To ensure your items are truly in reliable hands, always compare the coverage details, not just the headline price.

When does liability shift to you as the customer

Removalists commonly exclude liability for damage inside owner-packed boxes unless negligence by the crew is proven. Examples include crushed or waterlogged contents in poorly packed cartons, or damage to electronics that weren’t boxed or padded correctly. 

To protect yourself, either use professional packing services for fragile or high-value items or follow a strict packing checklist and document the condition of items before handover.

How to verify a mover’s coverage (what to ask for)

A transparent removalist will supply documentary proof without hesitation. Ask for:

• A current Certificate of Currency showing public liability limits and policy expiry.
• Details (or a copy) of the goods-in-transit coverage, including caps and any exclusions.
• A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) if the mover offers optional insurance products through a broker or insurer.
• Business verification, such as ABN and insurer contact details, so you (or your insurer) can confirm coverage.

Protect Your Move: Choose a Removalist You Can Trust

In an industry where “fully insured” can mean many things, the difference lies in working with movers who treat your possessions with care and accountability. Choosing a reputable removalist in Melbourne like Jake Move ensures every stage of your move is backed by professional standards, transparent coverage, and a team that takes full responsibility for its work.

At Jake Removals, we delivers fully insured, reliable moving services built on trust and experience. Every job is handled by trained professionals who prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer assurance.

Move the best way with Jake Move! Book with us now!

Moving is inherently stressful, and rain adds significant complications. Suddenly, your carefully packed boxes and upholstered furniture are vulnerable, while the muddy footprints threaten your floors. 

This is a scenario many Melbourne residents face, and it’s exactly why experienced furniture removalists are great partners to have during these times. The best teams don’t panic when the weather turns. They plan for it.

Learn how expert furniture removalists ensure the protection of your belongings on rainy days and how they still provide a seamless moving experience for you with our experts at Jake Move.

How Professional Furniture Removalists Prepare for Rain

Experienced furniture removalists prepare in advance and work with systems designed to handle Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. 

Here’s how they do it.

1. Monitoring the forecast and planning ahead

Professional removalists keep a close eye on the weather in the lead-up to your move. If rain is expected, they’ll adapt the schedule, prepare the necessary gear, and communicate with the client about any potential timing adjustments. 

In some cases, minor delays may be advised to avoid peak rainfall periods, especially when safety or access is a concern.

2. Using waterproof protective materials

Your first line of defence to protect your items from water damage is proper wrapping. High-quality removalists use a combination of plastic shrink wrap, heavy-duty moving blankets, mattress bags, and sealed covers to protect furniture and boxes from direct exposure to rain. 

Delicate items and electronics are also typically double-wrapped, and materials like cardboard are avoided entirely where possible.

Some teams also provide or recommend the use of plastic tubs or waterproof crates for more sensitive items during rainy weather.

3. Loading Under Cover Wherever Possible

If the property has a carport, garage, or covered walkway, movers will use it as a staging zone to transfer items in smaller batches under shelter. Where no cover is available, professional teams often set up temporary solutions such as pop-up canopies or tarps. 

These create a dry buffer between the property and the truck, reducing the time furniture spends in the open.

4. Securing the truck for wet conditions

Removal trucks used by reputable providers are fully enclosed and water-sealed. Before loading begins, crews ensure the interior is clean and dry. They lay down absorbent mats or rubber flooring inside the truck to prevent items from sliding or sitting in pooled water. 

The layout inside the truck is also adjusted in rainy conditions. For example, water-sensitive items are packed last so they can be loaded and unloaded quickly.

5. Using specialist equipment for safety and efficiency

In wet conditions, quality removalists use trolleys with rubber wheels for better grip on slick surfaces, non-slip ramps, and furniture sliders designed for wet floors. Team members also wear non-slip boots and high-grip gloves for secure handling.

More importantly, experienced crews often assign specific roles to crew members to minimise foot traffic indoors. For instance, having one person inside the home while others remain outside to pass items through. This limits the mess brought indoors and speeds up the process.

6. Protecting the property, not just the items

Rain can also damage your floors, walls, and carpets during the move. So professional removalists often lay down drop sheets, floor runners, and towel mats at entry points. Some will also cover door frames and skirting boards to prevent dents and scrapes from wet, heavy items being manoeuvred through tight spaces.

Your Responsibilities as the Customer

While expert furniture removalists handle most of the heavy lifting, there are several steps you can take to ensure your move runs smoothly and safely in wet weather.

Here’s what you should do before and during a rainy-day move to protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.

1. Prep your home for wet foot traffic

Rain means movers will be going in and out of your home with wet shoes, trolleys, and boxes. To minimise mess and prevent slips indoors:

• Lay down old towels, rugs, or plastic sheeting near all entryways
• Clear hallways and doorways of clutter for easier, safer navigation
• If possible, designate one entrance for movers to use, so mess stays contained
• Keep a mop or dry towels nearby for quick cleanups during the move

This kind of basic prep helps reduce the risk of slipping and protects your floors, especially if you have tiles, polished timber, or carpeted areas near entry points.

2. Pack with rain in mind

If you’re doing your own packing, avoid cardboard boxes for high-value or moisture-sensitive items. Instead, opt for:

• Plastic tubs with lids for items like books, documents, and electronics
• Double-wrapping textiles or clothing in large plastic bags
• Using sealable bags inside boxes to add another moisture barrier

Clearly label fragile, heavy, or high-risk items so removalists know what to handle with extra care in slippery or tight conditions.

3. Be decisive: Continue with the move or reschedule

In some cases, especially during storms, torrential rain, or flooding, it may be safer to postpone. While most moves go ahead with minor to moderate rain, discuss your options with the removalist ahead of time. 

Reputable companies will have rescheduling policies in place, and some may offer flexibility in dangerous weather conditions. However, always check whether your moving contract includes a weather clause or fee structure for cancellations, reschedules, or time overruns.

What If Damage Happens Anyway?

Even with the best preparation and a skilled removalist team, rain introduces unpredictable risks. So what happens if something does get damaged during your move?

Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Know what your hired removalist offers

In Australia, professional movers must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which requires them to:

• Take reasonable care of your belongings
• Provide services with due skill and care
• Compensate you if negligence results in damage

However, this doesn’t mean they’re liable for all types of damage. For example, if an item was improperly packed by you or damaged due to an unforeseen hazard (like a flash flood), the removalist may not be responsible.

That’s why it’s important to ask ahead what kind of coverage is included with their services, if they offer additional insurance or third-party options, and what the process is if something gets damaged.

2. Consider moving insurance for extra protection

If you’re moving valuable items such as antiques, electronics, artworks, or sentimental heirlooms, it’s wise to take out dedicated moving insurance. This can either be:

• Transit insurance offered by your removalist
• A standalone policy from an insurer that specialises in removals

Moving insurance can cover damage due to weather events, handling accidents, or theft. Some even offer coverage during loading, unloading, or temporary storage, scenarios where damage is more likely to occur on rainy days.

However, always check for exclusions. Some policies may not cover water damage unless items were adequately protected or sealed.

3. Document everything

If damage does occur, clear documentation is your best ally. As soon as you notice an issue, take the following steps:

1. Take high-quality photos of the damaged item and its packaging.
2. Note the time and circumstances when the damage occurred.
3. Contact the removalist immediately (same day is best) and keep a written record of your communication.

Professional removalists will guide you through the process and companies with good reputations will make an effort to resolve valid claims fairly and promptly.

Make Your Move With Confidence – Rain or Shine 

With the right planning, clear communication, and a team that knows how to handle rainy-day relocations, you can minimise risks and protect your belongings from start to finish.

At Jake Moves, we bring over 20 years of experience in handling moves across Melbourne in all weather conditions. You can trust us to treat your move with the professionalism it deserves, ensuring your items arrive safely, rain or shine. 

Get in touch with us today to make your move as seamless as possible, regardless of the weather!