How to secure goods in transit insurance
Protect your business assets from damage, loss, or theft while they are being moved between storage and your staging projects.
To protect your home staging inventory during transit, you must arrange a specific Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance policy. While your commercial vehicle insurance covers the van itself, it typically does not cover the furniture, artwork, and accessories inside it. GIT insurance ensures that if your items are damaged in a road accident, stolen from your vehicle, or broken while being carried into a client’s home, the cost of repair or replacement is covered.
Why home stagers need specific transit cover
Moving furniture is one of the highest-risk moments for your business assets. Whether you are navigating a narrow staircase or driving through heavy traffic, the chance of a scratch, break, or theft is significant. Without this insurance, a single incident could wipe out a large portion of your inventory and your profits. It bridges the gap between your storage insurance and the insurance that covers items once they are installed in a client's property.
How to arrange your cover
- Calculate your total load value: Determine the maximum value of the inventory you would likely carry in a single trip. This is your 'sum insured'. Being under-insured can lead to a reduced payout if you need to make a claim.
- Determine who is moving the goods: If you are driving your own van, you need a policy that covers 'own goods'. If you are hiring a 'man with a van' or a removals firm, ensure they have their own GIT insurance, but consider taking out your own 'contingent' cover to be safe.
- Shop for specialist business insurance: Use a broker or a business insurance comparison site. Search for providers that understand the interiors or removals industry, as they will be more familiar with the risks of moving fragile furniture.
- Review the 'loading and unloading' clause: Ensure the policy covers the items while they are being moved from the vehicle into the house. Some basic policies only cover the items while the vehicle is actually in motion.
Key considerations for your policy
When comparing quotes, look beyond the price of the premium. Pay close attention to the following details to ensure the policy is fit for purpose:
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Overnight Cover | Check if the policy covers goods left in the van overnight. Most insurers require the vehicle to be parked in a locked compound or a garage. |
| Excess | This is the amount you pay towards a claim. Ensure it is affordable but high enough to keep your premiums down. |
| Theft from Unattended Vehicle | Check the security requirements. Most policies require doors to be locked and windows closed for a theft claim to be valid. |
| Fragile Goods | Ensure items like mirrors, glass tables, and ceramics are not excluded from the policy. |
Best practices for a smooth claim
If the worst happens and you need to use your insurance, having your documentation in order is vital. Keep a digital folder containing original purchase receipts for all your staging inventory. It is also wise to take a quick photo of the loaded van before you set off; this provides evidence of how the items were secured and their condition prior to the journey.
Tip: Always check if your policy has a 'Pair and Sets' clause. This is incredibly useful for home stagers, as it ensures that if one chair in a matching set of four is damaged beyond repair, the insurer may cover the cost of replacing the entire set if a single matching replacement cannot be found.
Created by hatch. • Updated on April 30, 2026