It’s the part of moving nobody enjoys thinking about — until something goes wrong. Transit insurance is the safety net that turns a worst-case scenario into a manageable one. Here’s what it is, what it isn’t, and how to decide what cover you need.
Goods-in-Transit insurance, explained
Goods-in-Transit (GIT) insurance covers your household or office goods against loss or damage while they are being transported — and usually while being loaded, unloaded and temporarily stored as part of the move. It is the cover that matters most when your possessions are on the road, especially over long distances.
Cover vs. a mover’s basic liability
This trips many people up. A mover’s basic liability is often limited and may only pay out a small amount per item regardless of value. Comprehensive transit insurance, by contrast, covers your goods up to their declared replacement value. Always check which one a quote actually includes — “insured” can mean very different things.
What it typically covers — and what it doesn’t
- Covered: accidental damage, loss or theft in transit; damage during loading and unloading; events like an accident or fire.
- Often excluded: items you packed yourself (own-packing) versus professionally packed; jewellery, cash and documents; pre-existing damage; mechanical or electrical faults not caused by transit.
This is exactly why professional packing and a clear inventory matter — they support a smooth claim if one is ever needed.
How much does it cost?
Transit insurance is usually a small percentage of the total declared value of your goods. Given that value often runs into hundreds of thousands of rands, the premium is modest relative to the risk — and well worth it on any move beyond a short local hop.
Declaring high-value items
Pianos, art, antiques, wine collections, electronics and jewellery should be individually declared at survey. This ensures they’re correctly valued, specially packed or crated, and properly covered rather than lumped under a general limit.
Do you need it?
For a short local move of inexpensive items, basic liability may suffice. For anything valuable — and for every long-distance relocation, where goods spend hours on the road — comprehensive transit insurance is strongly recommended. The cost of cover is tiny next to the cost of replacing a truckload of possessions.
How we handle it
Every Relocation Masters move includes Goods-in-Transit insurance, with high-value items declarable for additional cover and a signed inventory backing everything up. It’s part of how our furniture removals protect what matters. Request a quotation and ask us to walk you through the right cover for your move.
