Home movers are being urged to check insurance policies when using removal companies as Government guidance appears to contradict industry best practise.

The Government guidance on home moving during the pandemic says a household should “try and do as much of the packing yourself as possible.”

It adds that where this is not possible, you should speak to your removal firms in advance.

Comparison website GoCompare is warning that those who follow this guidance and do their own packing may not realise the items in most cases won’t be insured if they are damaged by removal companies during transit.

GoCompare analysed more than 400 home contents insurance policies and found that most (78%) provide cover for belongings during house removals as standard, while 11% offer it as an optional extra with accidental damage cover.

Typically, cover only applies if the home move is undertaken by a professional removal company, GoCompare said.

In addition, delicate or breakable items such as glassware and china are usually only insured if they have been professionally packed.

Scott Rust, of the Association of Independent Movers, told EYE that clients were often already confused before the pandemic about what is covered during a move.

He said: “If the home owner was to pack their own glass and china and it is perfect condition but is broken by the time it gets to the other end with the removal company, this wouldn’t be covered by an insurance policy.

“However, if someone from the removal company was carrying that box and tripped over a step, this would still be insured.

“It is always best to check the policy wording.

“Most home owners are happy to have their stuff packed.

“Removal company staff are doing their best to not put people at risk.

“They are now wearing full personal protective equipment and keeping to the social distancing measures and some are offering sanitisation services.”