Most moves go without a scratch. But when something does go wrong — a dropped TV, a crushed box of glassware, water damage in a wet season storm — the question is always the same: who pays?
The answer depends on insurance, and it's often not what people assume.
The short version: Your removalist's public liability usually covers damage to property and people, not your belongings. To cover your things, you need transit insurance or a contents policy that covers the move. Check the exclusions — especially for boxes you packed yourself.
General information only. Read the policy wording and ask your insurer or removalist about your situation.
The two kinds of cover
Public liability insurance
Covers damage the removalist causes to property (walls, floors, door frames, lifts) and injury to people. Every professional removalist should have it, and many apartment buildings ask for proof.
It usually doesn't cover your furniture or boxes.
Transit insurance
Covers your belongings while they're being packed, loaded, moved and unloaded, depending on the policy. You usually pay for it as an extra.
Does my home contents insurance cover the move?
Sometimes. Consumer group CHOICE found that about half of the home and contents insurers it reviewed offered some removal-related cover — but many exclude accidental damage during the move, or only cover certain stages (for example, in transit but not at either home).
Call your insurer and ask: - Am I covered while my belongings are on the truck? - Am I covered at the old and new homes during the move? - Is accidental damage covered? - What's the excess?
Common exclusions
Read the fine print for:
- Owner-packed boxes — breakage often isn't covered if you packed the box yourself and the box itself isn't visibly damaged
- Wear and tear, scratches and minor marks
- Mechanical or electrical faults in appliances
- Items not listed on the inventory
- High-value items (jewellery, cash, art) above a set limit
- Mould and gradual damage — relevant in Darwin's humidity
- Storage after the move — often needs extra cover
Is it worth it?
| Your move | Transit insurance? |
|---|---|
| A few low-value items across town | Probably not |
| Student or share-house move | Optional |
| Family home with TVs, appliances and good furniture | Worth considering |
| Interstate move | Strongly recommended |
| Backload, container or storage involved | Strongly recommended |
| Antiques, art or high-value items | Yes, and declare them |
In Darwin, transit insurance typically costs $50–$200 for a local move. Compare that with the cost of replacing a TV or a fridge.
How to protect yourself
- Ask your removalist what insurance they hold and what transit insurance costs.
- Check your contents policy before moving day.
- Take photos of valuable items before the move.
- Let the removalist pack fragile items if you want them fully covered.
- Carry small valuables, documents and jewellery yourself.
- Check everything on delivery and report damage promptly, in writing.
If something is damaged
- Photograph the damage straight away
- Tell the crew leader before they leave, if you can
- Report it in writing as soon as possible
- Keep receipts and the inventory
- If you can't resolve it, contact NT Consumer Affairs
Our insurance
✎ Edit: State your public liability cover, whether you offer transit insurance, the cost and the excess.
Get a free quote · or read How to Choose a Removalist in Darwin.
Frequently asked questions
Do removalists have to insure my belongings?
Generally, no. Many removalists insure their vehicles and carry public liability, but your belongings usually aren't covered unless you buy transit insurance or your own contents policy covers the move.
What does transit insurance cover?
It covers your goods while they are being packed, loaded, moved and unloaded, depending on the policy. Check the excess, exclusions, and whether owner-packed boxes are covered.
Does home contents insurance cover moving house?
Some policies do and some don't. Many exclude accidental damage during a move, or only cover certain stages. Call your insurer before moving day.
Are owner-packed boxes covered by removalist insurance?
Often not for breakage. If you pack a box yourself and the contents break without obvious damage to the box, many policies won't pay. Check the policy wording.