Moving to a new home can be both exciting and daunting, especially when entrusting your cherished possessions to movers. Even though you and anyone helping may take care of your possessions, accidents can and do happen. To help protect your items from damage or loss while on the move, you may want to consider your transit insurance options. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the intricacies of transit insurance, empowering you to make informed decisions and safeguard your move.

What is Transit Insurance?

Transit insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers business goods or personal belongings. These policies typically give you coverage from the time it is loaded onto the specified method of conveyance (a truck, for example) until you reach the destination declared on the policy. It also covers the damage or loss of the goods while in transit due to mishandling or other forms of damage such as accidents, explosions, impact fires, theft, and malicious damage.

As with all insurance policies, the cost of the policy varies depending on the value of the items being covered, the distance they are traveling, and how long the removal is.

Losses that can be attributed to the shipper such as improper packaging or inherent vice in the property being transported are not covered. The policy doesn’t apply for transportation overland (ie. by truck, rail, airplane, or ferry in connection with land transportation) and ocean marine vessels.

Key Aspects of Transit Insurance:

• Coverage during Transport: From the moment your belongings leave your current residence until they arrive at your new home. This includes protection against risks such as accidents, theft, and damage caused by external factors.
• Types of Coverage: All Risk and Named Perils. All Risk provides broader coverage for a wide range of risks, while Named Perils covers specific risks listed in the policy.
• Valuation Options: Total Loss Replacement (TLR) and Depreciated Value. TLR covers the cost of replacing lost or damaged items with new ones. Depreciated Value compensates based on the current value of the item.
• Customizable Policies: You can adjust coverage limits and add endorsements based on the value and nature of your belongings.

Which items are excluded from cover while being moved?

Specific item exclusions will vary depending on your chosen insurance policy and policy provider. Some contents insurance providers specify they will not cover for loss or damage in transit: cash, smart cards, phone cards… They will also not cover items under a contents policy. These items may include electricals (phones, laptops), building materials, business or trade stock, pets or animals, plants, trees and shrubs, chemicals, pesticides, and firearms.

Why Transit Insurance Matters in Singapore

• Urban Challenges: Singapore’s dense urban environment can pose challenges during transportation, including congested roads and tight spaces. Transit insurance offers peace of mind when navigating these obstacles.
• Unpredictable Weather: Sudden rainstorms or adverse weather conditions can expose your belongings to potential damage. Transit insurance provides financial protection against weather-related risks.
• Professional Assurance: Reputable movers in Singapore often partner with insurance providers to offer transit insurance. Opting for insurance through your mover ensures a seamless and coordinated coverage process.

Conclusion

Transit insurance is a vital tool for safeguarding your belongings and ensuring a smooth transition. By understanding the nuances of coverage and benefits, you can make the right decisions to protect your cherished possessions.

Most moving companies will offer a basic form of insurance, such as marine loss or damage, as standard. However, the level and extent of the cover will vary. For additional peace of mind, many choose to purchase goods in transit insurance policy. This will allow you to relax in the knowledge that your possessions are protected should the worst happen.

At Penguin Logistics, we take care of your belongings at all stages and prevent them from unforeseen circumstances. For more information about our moving insurance, get in touch with our relocation specialists HERE.