When you’re trusting someone to move your belongings, insurance matters. A damaged sofa or broken television isn’t just inconvenient—it’s expensive. But understanding what insurance a man and van service actually has, and what it covers, can be confusing.
This guide explains the different types of insurance that apply to man and van services in the UK, what’s legally required versus optional, and how to check you’re protected before booking.
The Insurance Landscape for Man and Van Services
There’s no single “man and van insurance” policy. Instead, operators typically need several different types of cover, each protecting against different risks. Some are legally required; others are optional but important.
The challenge for customers is that not all operators carry all these policies. Understanding the differences helps you ask the right questions and make informed decisions.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance (Legally Required)
Every van used commercially in the UK must have appropriate vehicle insurance. This is the only insurance that’s a strict legal requirement.
Standard personal van insurance doesn’t cover commercial use. A man and van operator needs “hire and reward” cover—insurance that specifically allows them to carry other people’s goods for payment. Operating without this is illegal, and if an operator has an accident while uninsured, they face prosecution, penalty points, and potential vehicle seizure.
However, commercial vehicle insurance protects the van itself. It covers damage to the vehicle, third-party property, and injury to other road users. It does not cover the goods inside the van. This is a crucial distinction that many customers—and some operators—don’t fully understand.
Goods in Transit Insurance (Not Legally Required)
Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance covers the items being transported. If your belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen while in the van, this policy pays for repair or replacement.
Here’s the critical point: GIT insurance is not legally required in the UK. A man and van operator can legally carry your furniture without any cover for the goods themselves. If something goes wrong, you might have no recourse beyond a personal claim against the driver—who may not have the means to pay.
Professional operators carry GIT insurance because it’s essential for their business reputation and because most customers expect it. But budget operators cutting corners might skip it entirely.
What GIT Insurance Typically Covers
A standard GIT policy provides protection against theft of goods from the vehicle, accidental damage during transit, and loss of goods. Cover limits vary widely—some policies cover £5,000, others £50,000 or more. The limit represents the maximum payout per incident, not per item.
For a typical house move, you might have £15,000 to £30,000 worth of belongings in the van. If the operator’s policy only covers £10,000, you’d be underinsured for a total loss scenario.
Common Exclusions
GIT policies have standard exclusions that often surprise people. Theft from an unattended vehicle is frequently excluded unless the van was in a secure, locked garage. This means if the driver stops for lunch and the van is broken into in a car park, the policy might not pay out.
Damage caused by insufficient or improper packaging is typically excluded. If items weren’t wrapped properly and got scratched during transit, that’s not covered. Some policies exclude certain high-value or fragile items unless specifically declared. Antiques, artwork, and electronics sometimes need separate declarations.
Public Liability Insurance (Not Legally Required)
Public liability insurance protects against claims if the operator injures someone or damages property while working. If a mover scratches your car while unloading, drops a box on a neighbour’s foot, or damages a door frame carrying furniture through, public liability covers the compensation and legal costs.
This insurance isn’t legally required for man and van operators, but most professionals carry it. Cover typically ranges from £1 million to £5 million. Major platforms and comparison sites often require operators to hold at least £1-2 million in public liability cover.
Without public liability insurance, if an operator causes damage to your property or injures someone during your move, you’d have to pursue them personally for compensation. If they’re a sole trader without assets, you might recover nothing.
Employers’ Liability Insurance (Sometimes Required)
If a man and van operator employs staff—including casual or part-time helpers—they’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. This covers claims if an employee is injured while working.
For a sole operator working alone, this isn’t required. But if they regularly work with a helper, they need this cover. The legal minimum is £5 million, with fines of up to £2,500 per day for non-compliance.
How to Check What Insurance a Service Has
Reputable operators are happy to discuss their insurance. In fact, they usually advertise it because it demonstrates professionalism. Here’s what to ask:
Ask specifically about Goods in Transit cover and what the limit is. A limit of at least £10,000-£15,000 is reasonable for most moves; larger moves might need more. Ask whether the policy covers the types of items you’re moving—if you have antiques or high-value electronics, confirm these aren’t excluded.
Ask about public liability cover and the limit. £1-2 million is standard for professional operators.
Ask to see certificates or proof of cover if you want certainty. Legitimate operators won’t be offended by this request—they understand why it matters.
What Platforms and Comparison Sites Require
Major platforms like AnyVan typically include insurance as part of their service. AnyVan, for example, advertises £50,000 fire and theft cover on bookings through their platform. However, this cover has specific terms and conditions, and the detail matters.
Comparison sites and marketplaces vary in their requirements. Some verify operator insurance as part of onboarding; others simply ask operators to confirm they’re insured without checking certificates. The presence of a company on a comparison site doesn’t guarantee comprehensive insurance cover.
The Gap Between Expectation and Reality
Most customers assume that anyone offering house removal services professionally must be properly insured. The reality is more complicated.
A man and van operator can legally work with only commercial vehicle insurance—the bare legal minimum. They can carry your £20,000 worth of furniture without any cover for the goods themselves. If everything is damaged or stolen, you have no insurance claim to make. Your only option is a personal legal claim against the operator.
This isn’t illegal. It’s just a gap between what customers expect and what some operators provide. The cheapest quotes often come from operators who’ve cut costs on insurance along with everything else.
Your Own Insurance Options
Your existing home insurance might provide some protection during a move, but policies vary significantly. Some cover belongings in transit; many don’t. Some require professional movers to be used; others don’t specify. Check your policy wording carefully, and consider calling your insurer to confirm what’s covered before moving day.
Some removal companies offer additional insurance options at the point of booking. This can fill gaps in their standard cover or increase limits for high-value items. The cost is usually modest relative to the protection provided.
If you’re moving particularly valuable items, specialist removal insurance is available from brokers. This provides comprehensive cover regardless of what the operator carries, though it comes at additional cost.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If items are damaged during your move, document everything immediately. Take photographs of the damage, note when and how it occurred, and report it to the operator before they leave if possible. Get the operator’s acknowledgment in writing—a text message or email confirming they’re aware of the damage.
The claims process depends on whose insurance applies. If the operator has GIT cover, you’ll claim through their policy. They should provide details of their insurer and the claims procedure. If they don’t have GIT cover, you’re dealing directly with the operator—which is why checking insurance before booking matters so much.
The Bottom Line
Man and van services in the UK must have commercial vehicle insurance to operate legally. But Goods in Transit insurance—the cover that actually protects your belongings—isn’t legally required. Professional operators carry it because it’s essential for their reputation and customer trust. Budget operators might not.
Before booking any man and van service, ask about their insurance. Confirm they have Goods in Transit cover with an adequate limit for your move. Check for public liability insurance. If they can’t or won’t answer these questions, that tells you something important about how they operate.
If you’d like to know what insurance covers your move, reputable services are transparent about this. You can get an instant quote and ask about cover before you book.
