Does Contents Insurance Cover Your Stuff While You Move?
Moving house is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events. Between the packing tape, the heavy lifting, and the logistics of getting a truck, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your grandmother’s heirloom dining table or your brand-new 4K TV is protected if the unthinkable happens during transit.
When customers hire a van or truck from Handy Rentals, the most common question we get—after “What size truck do I need?”—is about insurance. Specifically: “Does my contents insurance cover my stuff while it’s in the back of the truck?”
The answer, as with most things in insurance, is: It depends.
The “Yes and No” of Contents Insurance
In New Zealand, contents insurance policies vary significantly between providers. Here is the general breakdown of how most insurers handle a move:
When the Answer is “Yes”
Many comprehensive contents insurance policies include a provision for “Contents in Transit.” This typically covers your belongings while they are being moved from your old home to your new one, provided they are in a vehicle and you are moving house permanently.
When the Answer is “No” (or “Maybe”)
- DIY vs. Professional Movers: Some policies only provide cover if you use a professional moving company. If you are doing a DIY move with a Handy Rentals truck, you must check if your policy still applies.
- Restricted Cover: Even if you are covered, the policy might only trigger in the event of a major accident (like the truck being involved in a collision or fire) rather than accidental damage like a box falling over because it wasn’t strapped down properly.
- The “Between Houses” Gap: Some insurers only cover your items at your old address or your new address, leaving a “coverage gap” while the items are actually on the road.
What Handy Rentals Covers (and What We Don’t)
It is a common misconception that vehicle rental insurance covers the contents of the vehicle. It does not.
When you hire from Handy Rentals, the protection options you choose—At Your Own Risk, Less Stress, or No Worries—apply to the vehicle itself and third-party property damage.
| Protection Option | Excess Level | What it Covers |
|---|---|---|
| At Your Own Risk | $3,000 | The Handy vehicle and third-party damage. |
| Less Stress | $500 | Accidental damage to the vehicle and third party. |
| No Worries | $0 | Full coverage excluding overhead damage. |
Important Note: Handy Rentals’ protection options apply exclusively to the vehicle and third-party property damage; they do not provide any cover for your personal belongings, such as furniture or electronics, while in transit. We strongly suggest talking to your insurance company regarding this, as many insurers offer specific policies or extensions for moving.
3 Steps to Ensure You’re Protected
Before you pick up the keys to your moving truck, follow these steps to ensure your gear is safe:
1. Call Your Insurer
Don’t guess. Call your contents insurance provider and tell them you are moving. Ask specifically: “Am I covered for accidental damage and loss while I am moving my own belongings in a rental truck?”
2. Check Your “New Address” Date
Most insurers require you to notify them of your move date so they can transfer cover to the new property. Often, they will provide a period (e.g., 14 days) where both houses are covered simultaneously.
3. Pack for Prevention
Insurance is a safety net, but prevention is better. At Handy Rentals, we offer moving kits that include furniture blankets, tie-downs, and trolleys. Using straps to secure heavy items against the front wall of the truck is the best way to prevent the shifting that leads to breakages.
Moving Made Easy
Knowing where you stand with your insurance allows you to focus on the move itself. While we take care of providing you with a modern, easy-to-drive fleet featuring reversing cameras and tail lifters, we always recommend you double-check your personal contents policy for that extra peace of mind.
Ready to get moving? Book your truck or van online with Handy Rentals today and ask our local team about the best ways to secure your load for a stress-free move.