What liability does the moving company assume?

Moving is a major logistical challenge – and sometimes things go wrong. But Who is liable if furniture is damaged or lost? Which The moving company will cover any damage, and when do you need a additional insurance? In this article you will learn Everything you need to know about the liability of moving companies and your rights as a customer.

1. Legal liability of the moving company

📌 1. Basic liability under German transport law
✅ Loud § 451 HGB (Commercial Code) moving companies are liable for damage during transport
✅ The basic statutory liability is 620 € per cubic meter of transported goods
✅ Liability only applies if the damage was caused by the moving company

📦 2. When is the moving company not liable?
❌ Poorly packaged items – If the customer takes care of the packaging himself
❌ Force majeure – Natural disasters, accidents through no fault of the company
❌ Hidden previous damage – If furniture was previously damaged

📋 3. What damages are compensated?
✅ Loss or theft of transported goods
✅ Damaged furniture due to negligence of the moving company
✅ Damage to the staircase or walls caused by the moving team

💡 Tip: If valuable or sensitive items are transported, a additional transport insurance be taken into consideration.

2. Transport insurance – When is it worthwhile?

🚛 1. Differences between basic liability and transport insurance
✅ The basic statutory liability only covers limited amounts from
✅ Additional transport insurance reimbursed the full replacement value

📋 2. What damages are covered by transport insurance?
✅ Higher reimbursement amounts than with basic liability
✅ Breakage damage not caused by gross negligence
✅ Loss or damage due to theft, fire or accidents

⚠ 3. When does supplementary insurance make sense?
✅ At high-quality furniture or technology
✅ At works of art or antiques
✅ If a international move with longer transport time is planned

💡 Tip: Many moving companies offer a Additional insurance directly when booking – it is worth comparing the conditions in detail.

3. Liability for damage to buildings and third parties

🏠 1. Damage to the staircase, elevator or floor
✅ If the moving company damages walls, doors or floors during transport, it is liable for repairs
✅ If necessary, the damage should be documented and reported immediately after the move

👨‍🔧 2. Personal injuries during the move
✅ If a removal assistant is injured, the Business liability of the moving company
✅ If third parties (e.g. neighbors) are affected, the Company liability insurance grab

💡 Tip: If the landlord complains, the damage should be clarified directly with the moving company – don't forget to get written confirmation!

4. What should I do if damage occurs?

📌 1. Document damage immediately
✅ After unloading directly check all furniture & walls
✅ If there is damage: Take photos & name witnesses

📋 2. Report damage in writing to the moving company
✅ Moving companies must report damages within 14 days be reported
✅ Damage report with Pictures & receipts send to the company

⚖ 3. If the company does not respond – take legal action
✅ If the company refuses to compensate the damage, a Tenant protection organization or a lawyer can help
✅ If necessary: Contact the consumer advice center or file a lawsuit

💡 Tip: If the company does not respond, a written reminder with deadline take place.

5. Avoid common mistakes in claims settlement

❌ Reporting damage too late → Solution: Within Complain in writing within 14 days
❌ Have no photos or witnesses to the damage → Solution: Document everything immediately after the move
❌ Contact the moving company verbally instead of in writing → Solution: Always submit a written damage report
❌ Thinking that the moving company is liable for any damage → Solution: Check the contract and insurance conditions carefully

💡 Tip: If valuable furniture or electrical appliances are to be transported, it is worthwhile to Expert reports to realistically assess damage.

6. Checklist: Liability & damage settlement during the move

📌 Before the move:
✅ Check the contract – What liability does the company assume?
✅ If necessary: Take out additional insurance for valuable items
✅ Pack furniture & technology safely or use a packing service

📌 During the move:
✅ Immediately check furniture and walls for damage after transport
✅ If necessary: Document damage directly with photos & witnesses
✅ If the moving team causes damage: Speak up immediately & make a note

📌 After the move:
✅ Damage report in writing within 14 days
✅ If necessary: contact legal advice or consumer protection
✅ If the moving company does not respond: send a reminder and, if necessary, take legal action

💡 Tip: If damage occurs, you should act calmly but firmly and collect all important documents.

Conclusion: What liability does the moving company assume?

✔ Basic liability according to HGB: 620 € per cubic meter of transported goods
✔ Additional transport insurance protects valuable furniture and technology
✔ The company is liable for damages caused by negligence
✔ Damage must be reported within 14 days
✔ If the company does not respond, a consumer protection agency or a lawyer can help

🚛 Are you planning a move and want to be on the safe side? Praktik Transport offers professional removals with insurance coverage & contractual liability – for worry-free transport! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏠✨