DAHBAR has put together a comprehensive list of tips to help you insure your personal effects during your move. If you need further details, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How Should I Value My Goods?
How to Insure My Vehicle?
Storage Coverage Extension
What to Do in the Event of a Claim?
Main Exclusions

How Should I Value My Goods?

Valuing your belongings and completing an inventory is a crucial part of ensuring your goods are properly insured during your move:

• Every item should be covered: Moving companies generally require every item you are shipping to be listed on the inventory for it to be insured. Insurers calculate risks and premiums based on the total value of goods being moved by all clients.

• Purchase value of the goods: When valuing your goods, remember to account for the replacement value in your destination country—what it would cost to replace an item there. You might need to repair or replace items in your new country, so researching local costs is important.

• Do not undervalue your shipment: If you undervalue your shipment, the insurer will only reimburse you based on the declared value and the extent of the damage. Undervaluing means you may not be fully compensated for repair or replacement costs.

• Provide as much detail as possible: Your inventory should list each item, along with its quantity, price, and description. The more detailed you are, the better the coverage.

• Declare your high-value items: For items worth EUR 20,000 or more, ensure you have documentation proving their value and ownership. It’s helpful to take photographs, print them in color, date and sign them, and add them to your inventory.

How to Insure My Vehicle?

If your vehicle is damaged or lost during the move, insurers usually reduce the payout depending on the age and mileage of the vehicle. Ensure you understand this when making your vehicle insurance arrangements.

Storage Coverage Extension

Coverage during storage varies depending on the moving company. Some movers insure goods from collection to delivery, while others only provide coverage while goods are in storage. If you need long-term storage coverage before or after transit, you may need to arrange separate insurance.

What to Do in the Event of a Claim?

If you need to file a claim, it’s important to know the procedure according to your moving company’s insurance policy. Clarify the following points with your mover:

• The required notice period from the delivery date
• The necessary information to submit with your claim
• The method of submission for your claim (e.g., registered mail, email, regular mail)
• Any additional paperwork required

Main Exclusions

Moving companies typically do not cover goods falling under the following risk categories:

• Consequential loss: Losses caused by delivery delays or depreciation due to damage or repair may not be covered. Clarify this with your moving company.

• Owner-packed goods: Items packed by the owner (without inspection by the mover) are usually not covered for damage or loss. These are classified as “Packed by Owner” (PBO). If you want full coverage, it’s best to have your moving company pack or repack all your items.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us for more information.