Legal aspects & insurance: How to protect yourself when moving

Moving is associated with many challenges – but what happens if furniture gets damaged or something gets lost? Who is liable for damages? Which insurance covers them? And what rights do you have against moving companies? In this article we clarify the Most important legal aspects & insurance for a safe move.

1. Which insurances are important when moving?

📌 1. Transport insurance
✅ Protects furniture & personal belongings during the move
✅ Covers costs in case of theft, damage or loss
✅ Can be completed separately or through the moving company

📌 2. Liability insurance
✅ Covers damage caused by you or helpers during the move
✅ For example: Damaged walls, scratched floors in the old apartment
✅ Check if your Private liability insurance covers moving damage

📌 3. Home contents insurance
✅ Protection for your furniture & household items
✅ Only applies if the damage inside the apartment happened
✅ Can be used during the move temporarily apply to both places of residence (when notifying of relocation)

📌 4. Business liability insurance for moving companies
✅ If you hire a moving company, they are liable for damages
✅ Basic statutory liability: 620 € per cubic meter of transported goods
✅ Tip: Check whether additional transport insurance makes sense

💡 Tip: If the move is organized privately, all parties involved should have private liability insurance.

2. Who is liable for damage during the move?

🚛 1. Liability of the moving company
✅ If you hire a professional moving company, they are liable for damages
✅ Legal liability up to 620 € per cubic meter of removal goods
✅ Exceptions: No liability for force majeure or if damage due to inadequate packaging arise

📦 2. Liability for a privately organized move
✅ If friends or family help, there is no automatic liability
✅ Private liability insurance can cover damages
✅ If the damage is caused by gross negligence, the person responsible is liable

⚠ 3. When is the insurance not liable?
❌ Damage caused by improper packaging or improper transport
❌ Normal wear and tear & minor scratches
❌ Loss or theft if no security measures have been taken

💡 Tip: If you Transporting valuables, should a Special insurance be completed.

3. Claims Report & Reimbursement – How to Proceed Correctly

📌 1. Document damage immediately
✅ Take photos of the damage (immediately after unloading)
✅ Add witnesses if necessary
✅ If a moving company has been hired: Report damage immediately

📌 2. Written notification of damage to the moving company
✅ Deadline: Within 14 days of the move
✅ Attach a description of the damage + invoices as proof

📌 3. Contact your insurance company
✅ If you have transport insurance, report the damage there
✅ If a third party (e.g. friend) caused the damage: settle it through private liability insurance

💡 Tip: A Late reporting of damage may result in no reimbursement.

4. Legal peculiarities when moving to Germany

⚖ 1. Observe notice periods
✅ Three months' notice period for rental apartments
✅ If the apartment is not handed over on time, double rent may be due

🏠 2. Observe the obligation to change your registration
✅ Legally required: Within 14 days of the move
✅ Registration at Residents' Registration Office with ID card & rental agreement

🚛 3. Apply for a no-parking zone for the move
✅ If necessary, a temporary no-parking zone apply to the public order office
✅ Costs: Depending on the city 50–150 €

💡 Tip: If you Obtain comparative offers from moving companies, pay attention to Terms and Conditions.

5. Checklist for legal protection & insurance when moving

📌 Before the move:
✅ Existing Check insurance (household contents, liability, transport insurance)
✅ If necessary: Additional transport insurance complete
✅ If friends help: Clarify damages with your liability insurance beforehand

📌 During the move:
✅ Pack furniture and valuables well
✅ Take photos of the condition of the furniture before transport
✅ If you hire a moving company: Check contract & insurance details

📌 After the move:
✅ If damage occurs: Report & document immediately
✅ Change of address with the city within 14 days
✅ If damage was caused by the moving company: Complain in writing

💡 Tip: Transport insurance can be particularly worthwhile when transporting valuable furniture or technology.

Conclusion: How to protect yourself legally and insurance-wise when moving

✔ Moving companies have limited liability – transport insurance can be useful
✔ Private liability insurance covers damage caused by friends and helpers
✔ Damage cases must be documented and reported immediately
✔ Don't forget to re-register and comply with official obligations

🚛 Are you planning a move and want to be legally and insurance-wise protected? Praktik Transport offers you professional advice & safe transport solutions for your move! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏠✨