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Furniture Removalists: Why Being Insured Matters

Choosing fully insured furniture removalists protects your belongings, your property, and yourself from costly surprises during the moving process.

It’s not something you think about until it matters. You’re moving house. Boxes stacked, furniture wrapped, truck ready. Then it happens—a beloved antique gets scratched. Or worse, a removalist is injured on-site. Who’s responsible? How do you recoup the loss or manage the fallout? That’s where insurance and liability coverage come in. And if you’re trusting someone else with your life’s possessions, even just for a few hours—understanding what coverage furniture removalists carry isn’t just a formality. It’s a form of protection for your items, finances, and peace of mind.

Why Removalist Insurance Matters More Than You Think

Furniture removal isn’t a risk-free task. Whether you’re relocating across Melbourne or shifting a few suburbs over, every move involves variables—heavy lifting, narrow staircases, unpredictable weather, or traffic accidents. According to Safe Work Australia, the transport, postal and warehousing industry (which includes furniture removalists) accounts for 7.3% of serious workplace injury claims in 2022-2023.

So what does this mean for you?

If a removalist company isn’t properly insured, you could incur liability in situations you didn’t expect. Damage to your belongings or property, injury to a worker, or even damage to common areas in an apartment complex can lead to unexpected expenses and stress if the right insurance isn’t in place.

Key Types of Insurance Every Professional Removalist Should Carry

Not all insurance is created equal. Understanding the difference between various policies and what each covers is important.

 

  • Public Liability Insurance

 

This is non-negotiable. Public liability insurance covers any injury or property damage caused by the removalist while on-site. For instance, if a mover accidentally drops a sofa down your staircase and damages the wall—or worse, if someone trips over a moving trolley and suffers an injury—this insurance steps in.

 

  • Goods in Transit Insurance

 

Your belongings are most vulnerable during transport. Goods in transit insurance covers loss or damage due to collisions, rollovers, fire, or theft while your items are being moved from point A to point B.

It’s worth noting that some budget movers don’t include this in their base service. You might only discover after the fact that their policy doesn’t cover transit damage, leaving you to bear the cost. Always ask upfront whether the company includes goods in transit insurance and request documentation if unsure.

 

 

  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance

 

If a removalist is injured while moving your fridge down the stairs or carrying a dining table through a tight hallway, who pays for their medical costs or time off work?

If the company lacks workers’ compensation insurance, the property owner (that’s you) could potentially assume responsibility.. A properly insured removalist firm takes this risk off your shoulders entirely.

 

  • Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance

 

Though it might seem like a given, this one’s often overlooked. A truck accident can delay your move or damage your goods. Comprehensive vehicle insurance ensures that both the removalist vehicle and your cargo are financially protected in case of a collision or breakdown.

Hidden Gaps in Coverage: What to Watch Out For

Even when insurance is in place, not all policies are equal. Some providers might have exclusions that leave you exposed.

  • Unattended goods: Items left briefly on the footpath or in an unlocked truck might not be covered.
  • Owner-packed boxes: Many policies don’t cover damage to items packed by the customer, especially if poor packaging contributed to the breakage.
  • High-value items: Jewellery, artwork, or antique furniture may need to be declared separately to be covered in full.

Tip: Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or ask your removalist for a clear summary of what’s included and what’s not.

Choosing Furniture Removalists: Insurance as a Trust Signal

So, how do you know if the removalist you’re considering is properly insured?

  • Ask for a Certificate of Currency: This confirms that the business holds valid, up-to-date insurance.
  • Check AFRA Membership: While not mandatory, the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) members must hold relevant insurance.
  • Request clarity: A professional removalist won’t hesitate to walk you through their insurance policy if asked.

 

Final Thought: Insurance Isn’t Just for Emergencies, It’s for Confidence

Let’s be honest, moving is already stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to second-guess whether your removalist’s policy covers them if something goes wrong. Choosing furniture removalists with full insurance and liability coverage is one of the smartest moves you can make—for protection and confidence.

Need a fully insured and trusted removalist in Melbourne? Choose Jake Move for a stress-free, secure, professional move backed by comprehensive insurance. Call us today or request a quote online—and let’s get moving safely.

 

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