The South African coastal property market is booming and the driving force is semigration. This trend has resulted in hundreds of families relocating to the coast, and the Western Cape in particular. While moving can be an exciting adventure, it can also be a risky one when it comes to transporting your belongings over a long distance.
The furniture removals industry is known for its high-risk nature, as movers often handle items that are fragile or delicate, as well as those that are poorly made, which means they often don’t survive transportation or additional handling. As a result, it is important to take out all risks goods in transit insurance to protect your belongings during the move to your new coastal home.
Here are some common relocation risks that need to be covered by your insurer:
- Accidental damage: There is always a risk when goods are handled or moved, regardless of the removal company you use.
- Theft: Unfortunately, theft can occur during transportation or while in storage, especially when items are left unattended.
- Collision damage: Accidents can happen on the road, resulting in damage to your possessions.
- Hijacking: Although very rare, hijacking is a possibility during transportation.
- Fire in the vehicle: Fires can break out in the moving truck or container, putting your belongings at risk.
- Vehicle overturning: If the truck or container overturns, it will likely result in your items being damaged.
- Storm damage: Rain, moisture damage, and flooding of containers can occur during transportation.
- Riot and strike action: Political unrest or labour strikes can cause delays or damage to your belongings.
- Storage cover: If your items are not delivered directly to your new location, they may need to be stored temporarily. Make sure your insurance covers this.
While larger removal companies may offer goods in transit insurance, it’s important to be aware of the restrictions and conditions of their coverage. For example, some companies may only cover items that they pack themselves. Valuations and inventories are critical elements of your coverage, so ensure that the removal inventory matches as closely as possible to the insured inventory.
Additionally, make sure to request that the removal companies explain how average will be applied to your claim, i.e., whether on individual items or a collection of items.
It’s also important to consider the specific value of certain items, such as antiques, paintings and rugs, as these may be difficult to replace and often hold sentimental value. Make sure to obtain a valuation or estimate of the cost to replace or repair these items.
It is worth noting that standalone GIT/marine cover may be less expensive than cover offered by removal companies. Additionally, removal companies have a vested interest in reducing claims as it counts against their claims experience, and this could impact their willingness to pay out on your policy. For this reason, it may be a good idea to ask for their claims experience to see what their service is like, although they may not disclose this information willingly.
Time to make a claim?
If you do need to make a claim, report it to your insurance company immediately and provide photo evidence of any broken items. Keep manuals and invoices for large appliances or expensive items to prove their value. Be aware of excesses fees and how they are applied, avoid per item excesses and only accept a per incident excess. Consider using a broker to help you navigate the claims process and fight for your indemnity.
Lastly, be careful not to sign away your rights to claim against removal companies in cases of gross negligence. If you have standalone cover, your insurer may want subrogation rights to recover from the removal company.
In summary, taking out all risks goods in transit insurance is essential when moving house or office furniture, especially when your items are being transported over long distances. It’s also important to be aware of the risks involved and to understand the restrictions and conditions of your coverage to ensure your valuable items are protected.
For trusted advice and assistance that you can rely on, speak to your Indwe advisor today. Phone 0860 13 13 14 or visit www.indwe.co.za.
Indwe is an authorised Financial Services Provider. FSP: 3425