Whether you’re moving house or using a freight transport service, obtaining insurance means you can rest easy if the unexpected happens and your goods are damaged or even destroyed.

There are many forms of transportation, but unfortunately none of them is danger-free. Whether using train, air, ship or bus transport, insurance means you lessen the impact of a disaster.

Most carriers, whether road, rail, air or sea do not provide freight insurance automatically. Certain things will be covered but in most cases it is your responsibility to ensure adequate insurance for your goods. As in all other areas of commerce and industry, insurance is now part and parcel of transportation and freight insurance must be factored into your planning, paperwork and budget.

If you take out insurance, goods being shipped are insured for a loss/damage during transit resulting from collision, derailment, fire, floods and hurricanes, among other threats. The level of inclusion of threat depends on how much you are prepared to pay to protect your freight during transportation. If you believe what you have is irreplaceable, taking out the most comprehensive cover possible is the way to go.

If you are moving house, there are two levels of cover available. Restricted cover, covers your goods for a value selected in the event of the transport vehicle catching fire, caught in a flood, overturning or being involved in an accident. Full cover covers your goods in the event of loss or damage from any external cause, including accidental damage from the time the removalist picks up goods until delivery to your new location. An excess applies to any claims.

Taking out moving insurance can be done online, or may take a call to an insurance provider. While a removalist may be able to provide it in-house, it may pay to look elsewhere for total protection.