What insurance do I need for a move?

Moving not only means a lot of planning, but also a certain risk for Furniture, valuables and even rental propertiesBut which insurance policies protect against damage? Who is liable if something breaks? And which coverage is really necessary? Here you can find out which Insure your move safely need.

1. The most important insurances for a move

📌 1. Transport insurance
✅ Protects your moving goods during transport from Damage, theft or loss
✅ Applies to furniture, technology & personal items
✅ Can be completed through the moving company or privately

📌 2. Liability insurance
✅ Covers damage caused by you or helpers during the move
✅ Example: Scratches in the stairwell, damaged doors or floors in the old apartment
✅ If private helpers help, they should have their own liability insurance

📌 3. Home contents insurance
✅ Applies to damage to Household goods within the apartment (not during transport)
✅ Can be used during the move for both apartments be valid at the same time
✅ Moving must be reported to the insurance company to extend the coverage to the new apartment

📌 4. Business liability of the moving company
✅ If you hire a moving company, they are liable for damages
✅ Basic legal liability of the company: Protection up to a certain amount per cubic meter
✅ If you are transporting expensive furniture or technology, a additional transport insurance may be useful

💡 Tip: If you organize the move yourself, all helpers should have private liability insurance to cover damages.

2. Who is liable for damage during the move?

🚛 1. Liability of the moving company
✅ If a moving company causes damage, it is liable for damage to the moving goods
✅ Legal liability only covers certain damage amounts per cubic meter
✅ Exceptions: No liability for force majeure or if furniture not packaged properly were

📦 2. Liability for private relocation
✅ If friends or family help, there is no automatic liability
✅ If someone damages a piece of furniture while carrying it, the private liability insurance help
✅ If damage was caused negligently, the person responsible may be personally liable

⚠ 3. When does insurance not pay?
❌ Improper packaging or negligence
❌ Normal signs of wear or small scratches
❌ If the damage is reported later

💡 Tip: If you are transporting particularly valuable furniture, art or technology, a additional transport insurance must be taken out.

3. How do I report a claim correctly?

📌 1. Document damage immediately
✅ Take photos (before & after the move)
✅ If possible, name witnesses
✅ Record the damage in writing

📌 2. Inform the moving company or insurance company
✅ If the damage was caused by a company: Written notification within 14 days
✅ If private insurance applies: Report damage as soon as possible

📌 3. Request repair or replacement
✅ Depending on the insurance: Request repair or replacement costs
✅ If possible: Purchase receipts & proof submit

💡 Tip: The sooner a claim is reported, the higher the chance of reimbursement.

4. Important legal aspects when moving

⚖ 1. Observe notice periods and the obligation to re-register
✅ Three months notice period for rental apartments
✅ Registration at Residents' registration office within 14 days

🚛 2. Apply for a no-parking zone
✅ If necessary, a No stopping for the moving van apply to the public order office
✅ Without a no-parking zone, loading and unloading can be hindered

📋 3. Deduct your move from your taxes
✅ If the move is for professional reasons, Moving costs can be claimed for tax purposes

💡 Tip: If furniture or walls in the old apartment are damaged, a Liability insurance helps.

5. Checklist: What insurance do I need for my move?

📌 Before the move:
✅ Check if existing insurance policies apply (household contents, liability, transport insurance)
✅ If necessary: Take out additional transport insurance
✅ If friends help: Clarify liability insurance

📌 During the move:
✅ Pack furniture & valuables safely
✅ If you hire a moving company: Check contract & insurance
✅ If damage occurs: Document & report immediately

📌 After the move:
✅ Change of address with the city within 14 days
✅ If damage occurs: Inform your insurance company & submit a claim
✅ If moving is tax deductible: Keep receipts & invoices

💡 Tip: If you transport valuable items, it is worth additional insurance for art, antiques or technology.

Conclusion: Which insurances are important when moving?

✔ Transport insurance protects furniture and valuables during transport
✔ Liability insurance helps with damage in the old or new apartment
✔ Home contents insurance is only valid within the apartment and should be adjusted for both places of residence
✔ If friends or family help, they should be privately insured
✔ A professional moving company has basic liability – additional insurance may be useful

🚛 Are you planning a move and want to be on the safe side? Praktik Transport offers professional solutions for the safe transport of your furniture – including insurance options! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏠✨