17 February 2023 · Packing Up and Landing Smooth · Global
Choosing the Right International Moving Insurance
Packing Up and Landing Smooth
Relocation coaching session, episode one: you’ve decluttered Marie-Kondo-style, booked the container, and sworn you’ll never again buy an IKEA Billy bookcase. Then someone asks, “Have you sorted your moving insurance?”
Cue the record scratch.
In this guide I’ll walk you—calmly and step-by-step—through everything you need to know about insuring your worldly goods while they sail or fly across borders. Think of me as the calm sports commentator who narrates the match so you can focus on scoring the goal: arriving with mind, body and belongings intact.
Why You Should Even Bother With Moving Insurance
“The best time to buy insurance is before you need it; the second-best time is never.”
I once coached a family who assumed their shipping company’s basic liability “would be plenty.” Two months later they unpacked to find their art collection had developed an avant-garde crackling effect—courtesy of tropical humidity. Compensation? A coffee-stain-sized voucher that didn’t even cover bubble wrap.
International transit is a cocktail of forklift bumps, port strikes, monsoon-level rain, and the occasional customs inspection that looks suspiciously like rough yoga for cardboard boxes. Moving insurance is your seatbelt. You hope you never test it; you’ll sleep better knowing it’s there.
Liability Isn’t Insurance
Most movers include a rudimentary liability clause—often around USD 0.60 per pound. That means your $3,000 Italian espresso machine weighs in at eight pounds and is “worth” $4.80 to the shipper. Ouch.
Proper insurance, on the other hand, pays for replacement or repair, not recycled pocket change.
The Main Insurance Flavors—Which Scoop Is Yours?
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All-Risk (a.k.a. Comprehensive, Door-to-Door)
• Covers damage, loss, theft, mysterious disappearance, Acts of God and bad juju—provided the goods were professionally packed.
• Slightly pricier but the gold standard for household moves. -
Total Loss / Named Perils
• Only pays out if the entire shipment is lost—think container overboard or spectacular warehouse fire.
• Cheaper, but no help if a single box goes missing or Aunt Edna’s vase arrives Picasso’d. -
Restricted Cover
• A middle ground: protects against specific, listed risks—say, water damage or breakage. -
Self-Pack Cover
• For the thrifty or control-freak packers. Premiums increase, deductibles are higher, and many fragile items become excluded.
As your relocation coach, my usual play: All-Risk for mainstream household moves, Total Loss only if you’re already covered for valuables another way (e.g., high-net-worth home insurance rider).
Pre-Move Preparation Checklist
Grab your clipboard—digitally works too—and run through this a week (or three) before the movers ring the doorbell.
| Task | Why It Matters | Coach’s Hack |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Create a detailed inventory with replacement values in destination currency. | Insurers use this to price premiums and—crucially—to verify claims. | I swear by the Sortly app. Snap photos, tag value, export CSV. |
| 2. Photograph high-value items from several angles | Visual proof of pre-move condition. | Include a newspaper or phone with date visible. |
| 3. Identify professionally packed vs. self-packed boxes | Some policies exclude self-packed damage. | Mark boxes “PBO” (Packed By Owner) or “CP” (Carrier Packed). |
| 4. Ask the insurer about exclusions | Jewelry, cash, documents, plants and pets usually aren’t covered. | Ship irreplaceables by hand luggage where possible. |
| 5. Understand the deductible | A USD 500 excess on a USD 300 camera = no claim. | Balance lower deductible with premium price. |
| 6. Confirm coverage period | Does it end at port or after delivery to residence? | Look for “door-to-door” language. |
| 7. Check country-specific restrictions | Certain electronics may need serial numbers registered with customs. | Destination Facebook expat groups often flag surprises. |
| 8. Save digital & printed copies of policy and inventory | Wi-Fi is optional; proof of insurance is not. | Use a cloud folder labeled “Move—Do Not Delete.” |
Feeling lighter? Good. That checklist zaps 70% of claim headaches before they start.
Calculating the Right Coverage Amount
Most insurers ask for Declared Value—the replacement cost at your arrival city, not what you originally paid. Inflation, import taxes and simple scarcity can make goods pricier abroad. Here’s a quick formula many of my clients use:
[Original Price] × [Destination Cost Multiplier] = Declared Value
Destination multipliers (ballpark):
• Western Europe → 1.1
• Australia/New Zealand → 1.25
• Japan/Singapore → 1.3
• Remote islands → 1.5+
Err on the high side; under-insuring means any payout is proportionally reduced (the dreaded “average clause”). Over-insuring just hikes your premium, so find the Goldilocks zone.
Comparing Providers: A Mini Shopping Cart
Not all policies read like War and Peace, but skim these headings before you sign:
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Financial Strength Ratings
Choose insurers rated A- or better by Standard & Poor’s or AM Best. -
Claims Window
Some give 15 days from delivery to file damage claims—blink and you miss it. -
Packing Requirements
Professional pack mandatory? Custom crates for artwork? If yes, request these in the mover’s written quote. -
Coverage for Storage in Transit (SIT)
Your container may lounge at port for six weeks; make sure that limbo period is covered. -
Pairs & Sets Clause
Break one dining chair, the insurer only pays for one—unless the clause is waived. Tip: negotiate! -
Deductible Options
Lower deductible → higher premium. Families with kids or lots of breakables often prefer lower excess. -
Geopolitical Exclusions
Moves through conflict zones could void coverage. Your provider should clarify alternative routes or additional riders.
Coach’s anecdote: A digital-nomad couple I worked with had their shipment routed through the Suez Canal during the 2021 blockage fiasco. Their All-Risk policy’s “delay” clause reimbursed the extra two months of Airbnb rent. They sent me a virtual bouquet.
Arrival Week Must-Dos
Unpack first, sleep later—your claims clock is ticking.
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Inspect Boxes Before the Driver Departs
Note any torn shrink-wrap or dented crates on the delivery receipt. This “exception” makes later claims smoother. -
Photograph Every Suspect Item
Same angles as pre-move photos for a tidy before/after montage. -
Cross-Check Inventory
Tick each item off the master list. Missing box? Inform the foreman instantly. -
Test Electronics
Voltage conversions can fry gadgets faster than you can say “RCTI fuse.” Plug in with the correct adapter and video the first power-on. -
File Provisional Claims
Even if you’re jet-lagged, email the insurer a preliminary notice. You can flesh out details later. -
Review Policy Extras
Some cover reassembly costs, furniture cleaning or mould remediation—hugely useful in humid locales.
Tip for parents: Hand kids a polaroid camera and a sticker sheet; they’ll document boxes while thinking it’s a scavenger hunt.
Budgeting Tips for the First Month
Insurance premiums are generally paid pre-move, but knock-on costs pop up later. Here’s how I advise clients to keep a happy wallet:
• Buffer Fund – 10 % of Declared Value
Covers deductibles, minor repairs, and home set-up buys you forgot (hello, new voltage-compatible blender).
• Temporary Housing Cushion – 2–3 weeks’ rent
Shipping delays happen; you might extend that serviced apartment. The family I mentioned earlier? Thank insurance delay coverage, but they still paid rent up-front.
• Cash for Customs & Port Fees
Some countries bill you for on-the-spot inspections. Having USD/EUR equivalent in local currency speeds release.
• Transit-Damage Detours
Lost work hours are rarely compensated. If you’re a freelancer hunting desks, earmark a pass at a local coworking hub—our deep-dive on finding coworking spaces abroad breaks down value vs. vibe.
• Kids & School Supplies
If you’re part of the dual-citizens raising third-culture kids club, remember uniforms or bilingual textbooks can’t wait for the insurance cheque.
Hint: Use multiple banking apps to dodge currency-exchange surprises (Wise and Revolut come to mind). Their real-time alerts will keep you honest.
Tools & Local Resources That Make Life Easier
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Inventory Apps
Sortly, Magic Home Inventory, and Airtable templates save 20+ hours on claims paperwork. -
Translation Helpers
Google Lens or iTranslate Voice for deciphering customs documents in, say, Portuguese at 7 a.m. -
Community Groups
Expat Facebook or Slack channels often showcase “which insurer paid fast” threads—free due diligence. -
Local Notaries & Digital Signatures
Many insurers accept DocuSign, but some jurisdictions still love stamps. Identify a notary near your new home before you need them. -
Claims Concierge Services
High-value moves sometimes include a third-party claims manager. Ask your mover if that’s bundled; it can slice admin time by half.
Pro tip: Assemble a “Move Day Go-Bag” with charger bricks, policy printouts, measuring tape, and a roll of conspicuous orange stickers to mark damaged cartons in real time.
Common Pitfalls—and How to Dodge Them Like Neo in The Matrix
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Under-Declaring to Save Premium
Remember the average clause? Insurers prorate payout. Declare honestly. -
Ignoring Humidity & Climate Factors
Wooden furniture loves to warp in Manila. Add moisture-barrier crating or silica packets. -
Skipping Professional Packing for Fragiles
“I’ve bubble-wrapped glasses before” is not a recognized professional credential—at least not by underwriters. -
Missing the Claims Deadline
Set a calendar alert before your jet lag sets in. -
Assuming Storage Is Covered Indefinitely
Many policies cover 30 days storage max. Beyond that, buy an extension. -
Forgetting Proof of Ownership
Receipts buried in storage units back home won’t help. Scan, cloud-save, breathe.
Quick Decision Matrix
| If You… | Then Choose | Because |
|---|---|---|
| Own high-value art, antiques or bespoke furniture | All-Risk with fine-arts rider | Specialized pack, higher limits |
| Are self-packing a minimalist 15-box shipment | Total Loss or Restricted | Premium per box is otherwise excessive |
| Need 3+ months storage in transit | All-Risk + SIT extension | Covers warehouse mishaps |
| Are moving on corporate assignment | Employer-sponsored policy (check deductible) | Often cost-effective but confirm coverage scope |
| Want maximum DIY control | Self-Pack All-Risk | Expect photos, itemized lists and higher excess |
Frequently Asked “Can I Just…” Questions
Can I just rely on my homeowner’s insurance?
Rarely. Most domestic policies end coverage the moment items leave the premises.
Can I insure only certain valuables?
Yes; known as “Itemized Cover.” Make sure to choose Agreed Value, not market value, for collectibles.
Can I upgrade mid-transit?
Typically no. The policy gets locked when the container seals. Another reason to finalize decisions early.
Can I claim sentimental value?
The industry calls that “intangible loss” and won’t cut a cheque. Still, you can insure the replacement cost of the physical item (e.g., photo album scan + printing service).
Coach’s Closing Pep Talk
You’re not just shipping boxes—you’re relocating your life’s micro-stories. The right international moving insurance turns colossal what-ifs into minor admin tasks. Spend an afternoon crunching coverage details now, and future-you gets to focus on bigger adventures: tasting sambal in Jakarta, learning the bus routes in Lisbon, or finally writing that location-independent novel.
Curious how insurance slots into the broader logistics of visas, housing and schooling? BorderPilot stitches all those threads together. Create your free personalised relocation plan and see exactly where insurance—and everything else—fits into a seamless landing. Safe travels, and may your coffee machine arrive ready to brew!