Moving is stressful enough – but what to do if Furniture damaged or even lost? Who is liable for the damage, and what claims do you have against the moving company? In this article, you will learn what rights you have in the event of moving damage and how you can claim compensation.
1. Who is liable for damage to furniture during a move?
📌 1. Liability of the moving company
✅ Moving companies are liable according to § 451 HGB for damages occurring during transport
✅ The basic statutory liability is 620 € per cubic meter of transported goods
✅ Damages must be caused by Negligence or incorrect handling may have been caused
📦 2. Exclusions of liability – When is the company not liable?
❌ Damage to self-packed furniture (unless there is a transport error)
❌ Force majeure (e.g. storms, traffic accidents through no fault of the company)
❌ Hidden previous damagethat existed before the move
🏠 3. Damage to walls & stairwells
✅ If the removal team causes damage to the staircase, doors or walls, the Company's business liability insurance
💡 Tip: If you are transporting valuable furniture or technology, it is worth additional transport insuranceto secure the full replacement value.
2. What claims for damages do I have?
📌 1. Which costs can be reimbursed?
✅ Repair costs for damaged furniture
✅ If not repairable: Replacement value (current value of the piece of furniture)
✅ If the damage delays the move: Possible additional costs for replacement solutions
📋 2. What are the deadlines for reporting damage?
✅ Check immediately after the move & document damage
✅ Written notification to the moving company within 14 days
✅ If the damage is discovered later: Within one year, if it can be proven that the damage occurred during the move
⚖ 3. Compensation for gross negligence
✅ If the moving company acted with gross negligence, can a higher reimbursement may be required
✅ Examples: Furniture improperly secured, intentionally rough handling of boxes
💡 Tip: If the damage high-quality furniture or technology, an appraiser can help to realistically estimate the value.
3. How do I report a claim?
📌 1. Check and document damage immediately after the move
✅ Immediate inspection of all furniture after transport
✅ Take photos of the damage (before/after comparison)
✅ If possible: Name witnesses who can confirm the damage
📋 2. Submit a written damage report to the moving company
✅ Send within 14 days in writing by email or registered mail
✅ Provide all relevant information: Piece of furniture, damage, moving date, contract number
✅ If available: Attach purchase receipts or repair cost quotes
⚠ 3. If the company does not respond – take the next steps
✅ Set a deadline (e.g. 14 days) for damage settlement
✅ If no answer: Contact a tenants’ association, consumer advice center or lawyer
💡 Tip: If the moving company denies responsibility, often helps official letter with legal counsel.
4. When is transport insurance worthwhile?
📌 1. Differences between basic liability and transport insurance
✅ The basic statutory liability covers only 620 € per cubic meter, often not sufficient
✅ A Transport insurance reimburses the full replacement value
📋 2. What damages are covered by transport insurance?
✅ Breakage during transport
✅ Valuable items such as electronics, art & antiques
✅ Loss or theft of moving goods
⚠ 3. When does additional insurance make sense?
✅ If high-quality furniture or technical equipment be transported
✅ If the move abroad or over a long distance
💡 Tip: Many moving companies offer additional insurance – Check the conditions carefully in advance.
5. Avoid common mistakes when dealing with moving damage
❌ Reporting damage too late → Solution: Within Complain in writing within 14 days
❌ Have no photos or witnesses to the damage → Solution: Document immediately after the move
❌ Not checking the contract carefully → Solution: Clarify in advance what insurance the company offers
❌ Even packaged items damaged – no liability → Solution: If necessary, use the packing service of the moving company
💡 Tip: If legal action becomes necessary, Tenant protection organizations or consumer protection centers help.
6. Checklist: How to protect your rights in the event of moving damage
📌 Before the move:
✅ Check the contract – What liability does the company assume?
✅ If necessary: Take out additional insurance for valuable furniture
✅ Pack furniture well or use a packing service
📌 During the move:
✅ Check furniture & boxes immediately after transport
✅ If necessary: Document damage directly with photos
✅ If damage occurs: Note witnesses & record the incident
📌 After the move:
✅ Damage report submit in writing within 14 days
✅ If necessary: Contact your insurance company or take legal action
✅ If the moving company does not respond: Set a deadline & contact the consumer advice center
💡 Tip: If valuable furniture is affected, a Experts help to realistically assess the damage.
Conclusion: Your rights in case of furniture damage during the move
✔ The moving company is liable for damages caused by negligence
✔ Compensation can be claimed for repair costs or replacement value
✔ Damage must be reported in writing within 14 days
✔ Even packed items are often not insured – packing services can be worthwhile
✔ If the company does not respond, the consumer advice center or tenant protection association can help
🚛 Are you planning a move and want to ensure that your furniture is transported safely? Praktik Transport offers professional & insured moving servicesso that your furniture arrives undamaged! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏠✨
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