What costs does the moving company cover in the event of damage?

Moving often means stress – especially when Furniture is damaged or items are lostBut who is liable in such cases? What damages does the moving company cover, and when does additional insurance need to be purchased? In this article, you'll learn more. everything about the liability of moving companies and how to behave correctly in the event of damage.

1. When is the moving company liable for damages?

📌 1. Basic legal liability of the moving company
✅ Moving companies are liable for Damage, loss or theft
✅ The statutory liability is 620 € per cubic meter of transported goods
✅ The company must compensate for damages, if they were caused by negligence

📌 2. When is the company not liable?
❌ Damage caused by Force majeure (e.g. storm, accident through no fault of your own)
❌ Poorly packaged items – If the customer has packed the goods himself and made mistakes
❌ Insufficient documentation – If the damage was not reported in a timely manner

💡 Tip: If valuable items are transported, a additional transport insurance may be useful.

2. What damages will the moving company cover?

📦 1. Damage to furniture and moving goods
✅ Scratches, dents or breakage due to improper handling
✅ Loss of items during transport
✅ Damage caused by improper storage in the van

🚪 2. Damage to the building (old & new apartment)
✅ If staircases, doors or walls are damaged
✅ If the company damages floors or elevators

📋 3. Insurance coverage for total loss or damage
✅ If an item completely destroyed or lost there will be a refund according to the statutory liability
✅ If a Special insurance was taken out, the full value will be refunded

💡 Tip: Document all damage immediately after the moveto make refunds easier.

3. What should I do if damage occurs?

📌 1. Determine and document damage immediately
✅ Check everything immediately after the move
✅ Take photos of the damage and compare them with the original condition
✅ If possible, Witnesses involve

📌 2. Report damage in writing to the moving company
✅ Damage report must within 14 days of the move be submitted
✅ Enclose a copy of the moving contract & photos of damage

📌 3. If the company does not respond – contact your insurance company or lawyer
✅ If no agreement with the company is possible, a Tenancy law advice or a lawyer can help
✅ If a If you have transport insurance, report the damage there

💡 Tip: A quick report increases the likelihood that the damage will be compensated.

4. What insurance policies are available for moving damage?

📌 1. Basic liability of the moving company
✅ Legally regulated (up to 620 € per cubic meter)
✅ Applies to damage caused by the company

📌 2. Additional insurance for valuable furniture & technology
✅ Recommended for high-quality furniture, art or electronics
✅ Protection against higher damages than in basic liability

📌 3. Home contents insurance during the move
✅ In some cases also cover moving damage within the apartment
✅ Must be clarified with the insurance company in advance

💡 Tip: If valuable items are transported, it is worth Special insurance for moving.

5. Avoid common mistakes when dealing with moving damage

❌ Report damage only after several weeks → Solution: Submit a written complaint within 14 days
❌ Pack items poorly and later blame the moving company → Solution: Careful packaging or use professional packaging services
❌ Have no photos or witnesses to the damage → Solution: Document everything immediately after the move
❌ Do not take out transport insurance and hope for a full refund → Solution: Book additional insurance for valuable items

💡 Tip: If the company the damage is not settled, a consumer advice center or a tenants’ association can help.

6. Checklist for damage during a move

📌 Before the move:
✅ Check moving contract & insurance
✅ If necessary, take out additional transport insurance
✅ Pack valuable furniture & technology particularly well

📌 During the move:
✅ Photograph furniture & boxes before transport
✅ Check for damage immediately after transport
✅ If damage occurs: take photos & note witnesses

📌 After the move:
✅ Damage within Report in writing within 14 days
✅ If necessary, contact your insurance company
✅ If no agreement can be reached with the moving company, seek legal advice

💡 Tip: If furniture is damaged, a Reports may be helpfulto prove the damage.

Conclusion: What damages are covered by moving companies?

✔ The legal liability of the removal company is 620 € per cubic meter of transported goods
✔ The company is liable for damage caused by its own errors – not for poorly packaged furniture
✔ Additional transport insurance is useful for valuable items
✔ Damage must be reported and documented within 14 days
✔ If the moving company does not respond, a rental law advisor or a lawyer can help

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