The Complete Guide to International Moving Insurance
Why You Need International Moving Insurance
Moving to a new country is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with significant risks—especially when shipping your belongings thousands of miles across the ocean or by air. Many people assume that their household goods, vehicles, and valuables will arrive in perfect condition, but unforeseen circumstances can lead to damage, loss, or theft. Without the right international moving insurance, you could face unexpected financial losses that could make your relocation far more stressful than necessary.
What Could Go Wrong Without Moving Insurance?
Even with the most reliable moving company, international shipping involves multiple touchpoints, including:
✅ Packing & Loading – Goods are handled multiple times before departure.
✅ Transport by Truck, Ship, or Airplane – Long transit times increase risks.
✅ Customs Inspections – Goods may be opened, repacked, or delayed.
✅ Final Delivery – Additional handling before reaching your new home.
Each stage introduces potential risks beyond your control. Some of the most common issues include:
❌ Container Accidents: Shipping containers can be dropped, fall overboard, or suffer damage from rough sea conditions.
❌ Theft or Pilferage: Cargo theft occurs at ports, warehouses, and even during transit.
❌ Customs Delays & Mishandling: Inspections can lead to misplaced or improperly handled items.
❌ Fire or Natural Disasters: Ships, airplanes, and trucks are not immune to fires, storms, or earthquakes.
💡 Want to know how containerized shipping protects your goods? Learn more about our International Shipping Containers.
Does Your Moving Company’s Liability Cover Your Goods?
A common misconception is that moving companies automatically provide full coverage for your shipment. In reality, most international moving companies only offer limited liability under standard terms. This means:
🚨 Reimbursement is based on weight, not value. (e.g., only a few dollars per pound, regardless of item value).
🚨 Excluded damages – Some standard policies don’t cover electronics, fragile items, or high-value goods.
🚨 No coverage for force majeure events – Natural disasters, political unrest, or acts of war may not be included.
💡 Want comprehensive coverage? Learn about International Moving Insurance options from SDC.
How SDC International Shipping Protects You with Insurance
At SDC International Shipping, we offer comprehensive insurance plans that provide full protection for your household goods and vehicle. Instead of relying on limited liability, we ensure your belongings are covered from door to door.
✔️ All-Risk Cargo Insurance – Full coverage for loss, theft, and damages.
✔️ Total Loss Insurance – Protection in case of complete container loss.
✔️ Customizable Policies – Choose the right insurance plan based on the value of your shipment.
With SDC International Shipping, you can move with peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are fully protected—no matter what happens.
💡 Curious about your coverage options? Contact us today for a free moving quote.
How SDC Helps Solve This Problem
When it comes to international moving, having the right insurance is not just an option—it’s a necessity. At SDC International Shipping, we provide comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your belongings are fully protected from departure to delivery.
We understand that moving abroad involves valuable and sentimental items, and we are committed to giving you peace of mind with the best coverage available. Here’s how SDC’s moving insurance solutions keep you secure:
🔹 Comprehensive Protection from Door to Door
Unlike standard carrier liability, SDC’s moving insurance offers full coverage for:
✔️ Household Goods & Furniture – Covers everything from large furniture to personal belongings.
✔️ Electronics & Fragile Items – TVs, computers, and glassware are protected against breakage.
✔️ Vehicles – Cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles are fully insured for transit.
✔️ High-Value Items – Artwork, antiques, and jewelry are covered under special policies.
From the moment we pack your belongings until they arrive at your new home, your items are insured every step of the way.
💡 Want to learn how secure packing helps prevent damage? Read about our Professional Packing Services.
🔹 Multiple Insurance Options to Fit Your Needs
At SDC International Shipping, we offer a variety of insurance plans to match the value of your shipment and the level of protection you require.
📌 All-Risk Cargo Insurance – The most comprehensive protection, covering theft, damage, and loss.
📌 Total Loss Insurance – Covers only catastrophic events, such as total container loss at sea.
📌 Named Perils Insurance – Covers specific risks, such as fire, collision, or sinking.
📌 Vehicle Transport Insurance – Protects cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles against damage in transit.
💡 Unsure which insurance type is best for you? Our experts will help you customize your coverage to meet your needs. Get a free insurance quote today!
🔹 Hassle-Free Claims Process
We know that filing insurance claims can be stressful, which is why SDC simplifies the process to ensure you get reimbursed quickly in the rare event of a loss.
✔️ Pre-move documentation assistance – We help you create an itemized, valued inventory to ensure your claim is processed without delays.
✔️ Dedicated claims support – Our insurance specialists handle your claim from start to finish.
✔️ Fast reimbursements – We work with trusted international insurance providers to speed up the claims process.
💡 Need insurance for a high-value shipment? Learn about our International Moving Insurance coverage.
🔹 Why Choose SDC for Moving Insurance?
With SDC International Shipping, you’re getting more than just a moving company—you’re choosing a reliable partner that ensures your entire shipment is safe and protected.
✔️ Decades of Experience – We specialize in international moves and know exactly how to handle insurance.
✔️ Global Coverage – Our insurance plans cover shipments to Europe, Asia, Australia, and more.
✔️ Competitive Rates – Get affordable insurance without compromising coverage.
✔️ Expert Support – Our insurance specialists guide you through the entire process.
📞 Have questions about moving insurance? Contact us today or request a free insurance quote to get started!
Types of Moving Insurance and What They Cover
When relocating internationally, choosing the right insurance coverage is crucial to protecting your belongings. Not all policies are the same, and it’s essential to understand the differences to ensure you have the protection you need. SDC International Shipping offers a range of insurance options, allowing you to select the best plan for your situation.
Below, we break down the different types of moving insurance and what they cover.
🔹 1. All-Risk Cargo Insurance – The Most Comprehensive Coverage
Best for: Customers who want full protection against damage, theft, or loss.
What it covers:
✔️ Physical damage (scratches, dents, or breakage during transit)
✔️ Theft or pilferage
✔️ Loss due to container mishandling, dropping, or shifting
✔️ Water damage caused by leaks or rough sea conditions
✔️ Fire, explosion, or collision during shipping
What it doesn’t cover:
❌ Pre-existing damage before shipping
❌ Normal wear and tear
❌ Improperly packed or self-packed items (unless packed by professionals)
💡 Want maximum protection? Learn more about All-Risk Cargo Insurance.
🔹 2. Total Loss Insurance – Coverage for Catastrophic Events
Best for: Customers who want low-cost protection for extreme loss scenarios.
What it covers:
✔️ Complete loss of the shipment due to container sinking, piracy, or catastrophic events.
✔️ Irrecoverable damage where nothing is salvageable.
What it doesn’t cover:
❌ Partial damage (e.g., if only some items are lost or broken)
❌ Minor scratches or dents
❌ Any claims unless the entire shipment is lost
💡 Need protection for total loss situations? Ask about marine cargo insurance for global shipping coverage.
🔹 3. Named Perils Insurance – Protection for Specific Risks
Best for: Customers who want targeted coverage for specific shipping risks.
What it covers:
✔️ Fire damage
✔️ Vehicle collision during transport
✔️ Ship sinking or stranding
✔️ Earthquake, tsunami, or natural disaster-related loss
What it doesn’t cover:
❌ General wear and tear or aging
❌ Items damaged during normal handling
❌ Mishandling at customs or during repacking
💡 Concerned about specific risks? Get a free insurance quote customized to your needs.
🔹 4. Vehicle Transport Insurance – Protection for Your Car, Motorcycle, or Boat
Best for: Customers shipping vehicles who need damage and loss protection.
What it covers:
✔️ Physical damage to the car’s body, frame, or windows
✔️ Total loss due to sinking, fire, or accident
✔️ Vandalism, break-in, or theft during shipping
✔️ Damage from improper loading or unloading
What it doesn’t cover:
❌ Mechanical failure (e.g., engine or transmission issues)
❌ Damage from non-transport-related issues (e.g., natural wear and tear)
❌ Personal belongings left inside the vehicle
💡 Want to ship your vehicle securely? Learn why we recommend containerized vehicle shipping over Ro-Ro transport.
🔹 5. High-Value Goods Insurance – Protection for Luxury Items
Best for: Customers shipping artwork, antiques, jewelry, or collectibles.
What it covers:
✔️ Physical damage or breakage during transit
✔️ Theft or loss
✔️ Mishandling at customs
✔️ Moisture or climate-related damage
What it doesn’t cover:
❌ Undeclared high-value items (always list them separately for full coverage!)
❌ Scratches, chips, or minor cosmetic damage
💡 Shipping artwork or antiques? Explore our Overseas Artwork Shipping services.
How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Move
Still not sure which plan is best for you? Here’s how to decide:
✔️ If you want full protection → Choose All-Risk Cargo Insurance.
✔️ If you want budget-friendly catastrophic coverage → Choose Total Loss Insurance.
✔️ If you’re worried about specific disasters → Choose Named Perils Insurance.
✔️ If you’re shipping a car → Choose Vehicle Transport Insurance.
✔️ If you have expensive artwork or valuables → Choose High-Value Goods Insurance.
💡 Want expert advice? Contact our team to get a custom insurance recommendation.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls with Moving Insurance
While having international moving insurance is essential, many people make critical mistakes that can leave them underinsured, delayed, or facing denied claims. To ensure that you’re fully protected, here are the most common pitfalls to avoid—and how SDC International Shipping helps you navigate them seamlessly.
❌ Mistake #1: Assuming Your Moving Company Automatically Covers Your Belongings
Many people believe that moving companies provide full coverage for lost or damaged items. However, most standard moving agreements only include limited liability, which typically reimburses by weight, not value.
🚨 Example: If a 50-pound TV is damaged, a basic liability policy might only cover $0.60 per pound, meaning you’d receive just $30 for a $1,000 TV.
✅ The SDC Solution: We offer comprehensive insurance plans that cover the full value of your household goods, electronics, and personal belongings.
💡 Want to know what’s covered? Explore International Moving Insurance.
❌ Mistake #2: Not Declaring High-Value Items Properly
If you don’t list and document high-value items, they may not be covered under a standard policy. Insurance providers require an itemized inventory with estimated values for expensive items like:
✔️ Artwork and antiques
✔️ Jewelry and watches
✔️ High-end electronics
✔️ Designer furniture
🚨 What Happens if You Skip This Step?
- If a high-value item is lost or damaged and isn’t listed, you won’t be able to claim its full value.
- Some policies have coverage limits per item unless declared separately.
✅ The SDC Solution: We assist with valued inventory preparation to ensure that all of your high-value items are protected.
💡 Need help valuing your belongings? Learn more about Overseas Artwork Shipping for high-end items.
❌ Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Type of Insurance
Not all insurance policies cover the same risks. Some people select Total Loss Insurance (which only covers complete shipment loss) when they actually need All-Risk Cargo Insurance (which covers individual item damage, theft, and accidents).
🚨 What Happens if You Pick the Wrong Insurance?
- If only some of your items are damaged or stolen, Total Loss Insurance won’t cover them.
- If your items are improperly packed and get damaged, some policies may not pay out.
✅ The SDC Solution: We help you choose the right policy based on your needs and shipment type.
💡 Not sure which insurance to pick? Get a custom moving quote with expert guidance.
❌ Mistake #4: Failing to Pack Items Securely (Self-Packing Risks)
Many people assume that as long as they have insurance, they don’t need professional packing. However, self-packed items are often excluded from coverage because insurers require that items be packed properly by professionals to minimize risk.
🚨 What Happens if You Self-Pack and Your Items Are Damaged?
- If items break due to insufficient padding or improper packing, the claim could be denied.
- Some insurance providers require documentation proving that items were professionally packed.
✅ The SDC Solution: Our professional packing services ensure that your items are packed to international shipping standards, making them eligible for full insurance coverage.
💡 Need professional packing? Check out our Packing Services.
❌ Mistake #5: Not Understanding Policy Exclusions
Every insurance policy has exclusions—things that aren’t covered. Some common exclusions include:
❌ Pre-existing damage (items already broken before shipping)
❌ Natural wear and tear
❌ Items not properly secured in the shipment
❌ Prohibited or restricted items
🚨 What Happens if You Don’t Check Exclusions?
- You might assume something is covered, only to discover later that it wasn’t part of your policy.
- Filing a claim for an excluded item could cause unnecessary delays in processing your other claims.
✅ The SDC Solution: We walk you through all policy details, so you fully understand what’s covered and what’s not before your move.
💡 Have questions about exclusions? Speak with an expert about your insurance coverage options.
How to Avoid These Insurance Mistakes with SDC
At SDC International Shipping, we make sure you’re fully protected with:
✔️ Transparent insurance policies—no hidden exclusions.
✔️ Professional packing to ensure insurance eligibility.
✔️ Help with valued inventory lists to cover all high-value goods.
✔️ Custom insurance plans tailored to your move.
📞 Ready to protect your move? Contact us today or request a free quote for expert insurance guidance.
How to Get Started with SDC International Moving Insurance
Now that you understand the importance of international moving insurance, it’s time to take action and protect your belongings with the right coverage. At SDC International Shipping, we make the process simple, transparent, and customized to your needs.
Here’s how to get started in just three easy steps:
📞 Step 1: Get a Free Moving Insurance Quote
Every international move is unique, and we tailor our insurance plans based on:
✔️ Your destination and shipping method (sea freight vs. air freight)
✔️ The value and type of your household goods
✔️ Whether you’re shipping a vehicle, artwork, or high-value items
✔️ Customs and insurance regulations in your destination country
💡 Start your move with peace of mind—Request your free quote today.
📝 Step 2: Select the Best Insurance Plan for Your Needs
Once you receive your quote, our specialists will help you:
✔️ Choose between All-Risk Cargo Insurance, Total Loss Insurance, or Named Perils Insurance.
✔️ Add coverage for vehicles, artwork, or high-value goods if necessary.
✔️ Ensure all policy details are clear so you know exactly what’s covered.
✔️ Prepare a valued inventory list to ensure your claim process is seamless if needed.
💡 Not sure which plan to choose? Read about International Moving Insurance to explore coverage options.
📦 Step 3: Pack, Ship & Enjoy Stress-Free Coverage
Once you’ve selected your insurance plan, we take care of the rest:
✔️ Professional packing to ensure all goods meet insurance standards.
✔️ Secure containerized shipping to minimize transit risks.
✔️ Real-time tracking so you always know where your shipment is.
✔️ Fast claims processing in the rare event of damage or loss.
💡 Want expert packing for full insurance protection? Explore our Packing Services.
Why Choose SDC for International Moving Insurance?
✔️ FMC-Licensed & Fully Insured – We are a trusted international moving company with decades of experience.
✔️ Global Coverage – We offer shipping insurance for moves to Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond.
✔️ Competitive Rates – Get affordable, comprehensive insurance tailored to your shipment.
✔️ Fast Claims & Dedicated Support – If something goes wrong, we ensure your claim is handled efficiently.
📞 Have questions? Call us today or request your free moving insurance quote to get started!
