Why We Upgraded Our Goods in Transit Insurance to £20,000 | ESV Removals

At ESV Removals we have upgraded our goods in transit insurance from £10,000 to £20,000. This gives Brighton Removals and Sussex Removals customers stronger protection, ensuring valuable and fragile items are safe throughout the move. Trust us to make your move secure, reliable, and stress free. Last Edited: January 2026.

At A Glance

  • £20,000 Goods In Transit Gives Most Moves Real Peace Of Mind: If you’re comparing Brighton and Sussex removals teams, prioritise companies that clearly state their Goods In Transit limit and Public Liability cover, and confirm how they handle high value items (£500+) so your protection is valid and properly documented before moving day.
  • The £500+ Declaration Step Prevents Confusion If The Unexpected Happens: If any single item is worth over £500, list it in advance with a rough value and a photo so your mover can plan protection and loading order properly, which matters most in tight Brighton and Sussex access where stair landings, narrow turns and longer carry routes increase handling risk.
  • At ESV We Back Careful Handling With Verifiable Cover: At ESV we upgraded from £10,000 to £20,000 Goods In Transit per van, we carry £5m Public Liability, and Peter is your direct contact from quote to final box on 07552 555 820 or via www.eastsussexvan.com, plus follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes moves and practical packing tips.

ESV Removals Doubles Goods in Transit Insurance to £20,000 for Brighton and Sussex Moves

At ESV Removals Ltd we understand that moving home or office in Brighton or across Sussex can feel overwhelming. Your belongings are not just objects. They are memories, investments, and part of your daily life. That is why we upgraded our goods in transit insurance from £10,000 to £20,000.

This change is not just about numbers. It is about peace of mind and giving our customers complete confidence when they choose our Brighton Removals and Sussex Removals services.

What Goods in Transit Insurance Means

Goods in transit insurance covers everything we move from one place to another. Even though we take great care with every item, accidents can happen during loading, transport, or unloading. Insurance ensures that if something unexpected happens your belongings are financially protected.

AXA’s research estimates the average contents value of a one bed at £15,713, so a £20,000 Goods in Transit limit per van gives a decent buffer for many Brighton moves and loads.

Source: AXA

Imagine moving a fragile antique mirror or a high value television. Even with the most careful handling there is always a small chance of damage. With £20,000 insurance cover you can relax knowing your possessions are protected.

Local Pro Tip: Insurance Is Peace Of Mind, But Handling Is Still The Main Game

If you are comparing movers, ask what their goods in transit cover is and what the process is if something happens.
We upgraded our goods in transit cover from £10,000 to £20,000 because higher value and fragile moves are common across Brighton and Sussex.
Even so, the best result is always zero incidents, so good planning, clear access, and sensible loading order matter.

Why We Made The Upgrade

Some platforms set £10,000 Goods in Transit per vehicle as a baseline requirement, so moving to £20,000 puts us comfortably above that common benchmark.

Source: Business Choice Direct

There are several reasons we decided to double our insurance coverage

Peace Of Mind

Moving is already stressful. Higher cover means you can focus on your new home instead of worrying about your belongings.

Protection For High Value Items

Many of our Brighton and Sussex customers own antiques, designer furniture, or expensive electronics. The upgraded cover allows us to move these items safely without compromise.

Professional Service

Increasing our cover shows that we take our removals business seriously. It is another step in making our Brighton Removals and Sussex Removals service reliable and trustworthy.

Support For Larger Moves

Bigger homes and office relocations involve more possessions. The extra cover means most Brighton and Sussex moves have strong protection in place, and for higher value households we simply confirm declared values in advance.

How This Benefits You

When you book ESV Removals Ltd for Brighton Removals or Sussex Removals you are choosing more than just a removals team. You are choosing a service that puts your peace of mind first.

Our upgraded insurance means your items are covered for accidental damage or loss, and fragile or high value possessions can be transported safely. It also ensures that larger moves are fully protected, giving you the freedom to enjoy your new home without added stress.

Local Pro Tip: Reduce Carry Distance In Permit Zones To Reduce Risk

If you are in a Brighton and Hove permit area, the safest move is the one with the shortest walk to the van. Short carry routes mean fewer knocks, fewer stair landings, and less chance of accidental damage.
Before we arrive, check your street for restrictions and think about where the loading point can legally be closest to your entrance. If it is awkward, tell us early so we can plan around it.

Real Life Examples

Here are a couple of examples of why strong insurance matters

One customer in Brighton asked us to move a large glass display cabinet filled with ornaments. With careful handling it arrived safely, but it is the kind of fragile item that would be costly to replace without the right cover in place.

Another customer in Sussex trusted us with a marble dining table and several high end mirrors. These items are heavy, awkward to move, and at risk of accidental damage. Our £20,000 cover gave the customer complete confidence that everything was fully protected.

Our house move across Lewes was made so easy by Peter. All our possessions were well looked after and couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Will certainly use him again.

Source: Google Reviews

These cases are rare but they show why having the right cover is so important

Local Pro Tip: Protect Glass and Mirrors For Brighton Stairwells

If you are moving glass, mirrors, or display cabinets, keep them as last out and first on so they are not squeezed during the busiest part of loading.
This matters in older Brighton and Sussex buildings where stairwells are narrow and turns are tight. Clear the hallway, remove a few wall frames, and keep one clear landing zone so the item never has to be rested on a risky edge.

Declaring Valuable Items Over £500

If you have any items valued over £500, we ask that you fill out a quick pre-move form. This helps us keep track of high-value possessions and makes sure they are fully covered under our goods in transit insurance.

ESV Removals valued inventory form for items over £500 - goods in transit insurance Brighton
Valued inventory form for items worth over £500, to be completed and signed before your moving day.

This includes things like antiques, artwork, designer furniture, jewellery, or high-end electronics. By letting us know about these items in advance, we can take extra care during your move and make sure they are properly protected.

The form is simple to complete and gives you confidence that your most valuable belongings are accounted for. It also helps us plan the move safely and ensures that, if anything unexpected happens, your high-value possessions are fully recognised and covered.

Local Pro Tip: The £500 Plus Form Is The One Thing You Should Not Skip

If you have any single item worth over £500, the most important step is getting it onto our £500 declaration form before moving day. It takes minutes, but it is what links that item to your goods in transit cover and makes everything clear if the unexpected ever happens. Send us the item name, rough value and a quick photo, and we will plan the handling and loading order around it so the right items get the right care.

Our Promise To You

Our goal is simple. We want your move to be smooth and stress free. By upgrading our insurance we are showing that your trust in us is well placed. We treat every possession with care and now that care is supported by stronger protection

Every move in Brighton and across Sussex matters to us. You deserve a removals service that takes your belongings as seriously as you do

Why Choosing a Fully Insured Company Matters

Not every removals company offers the same level of insurance. By choosing a company with higher cover you are reducing risk and protecting your investments. Our £20,000 goods in transit insurance sets us apart and shows our commitment to providing a reliable service

When you book ESV Removals Ltd for Brighton Removals or Sussex Removals you are choosing a professional team that is prepared for anything. Every item we move is handled with care and fully protected

How to Book Your Move

Booking a move with ESV Removals Ltd is simple. Get in touch to arrange a free quote and talk to us about your move. Our team will guide you through the process and explain how our £20,000 insurance ensures your belongings are safe from start to finish

Whether you are moving a one bedroom flat in Brighton or a large family home in Sussex our insurance upgrade gives you complete peace of mind

Moving is a big step and choosing the right removals company makes all the difference. At ESV Removals Ltd we are committed to making every move reliable, secure, and stress free. With £20,000 goods in transit insurance your possessions are protected every step of the way

If you are planning a move in Brighton or Sussex choose ESV Removals Ltd for a service you can trust. With us your move is in safe hands and supported by the peace of mind that comes with our upgraded insurance cover

Key Terms

Doubled Goods In Transit Limit

The specific upgrade from £10,000 to £20,000 per van, and what that change means in practice for customers moving in Brighton and Sussex.

£20,000 Per Van Cover

The idea that cover applies per vehicle, which matters on larger loads and when planning how valuables are distributed in the load.

£500 Plus Declaration Form

The pre move step that records any single item valued over £500 so high value belongings are clearly documented before moving day.

Declared Value Handling Plan

The process of using declared values to decide loading order, extra protection, and where items sit in the van.

AXA One Bed Contents Benchmark

The reference point used in the article to show typical contents value for a one bedroom home and why £20,000 provides a buffer.

Baseline Platform Requirement £10,000

The industry benchmark mentioned in the draft where some platforms set £10,000 goods in transit as a minimum, and why moving above it matters.

Permit Zone Carry Distance Risk

The link between Brighton and Hove permit areas, longer walking distance to the van, and higher chance of knocks or drops.

Stairwell Landing Zone

Creating one clear safe resting point in narrow Brighton and Sussex stairwells so fragile items are never balanced on an edge.

High Value Mixed Material Items

The specific examples like marble dining tables and large mirrors, where weight, awkward shape and surface finish make planning and protection more important than speed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Goods In Transit Cover

What Does Goods In Transit Insurance Actually Cover On A Brighton Or Sussex Move?

Goods In Transit insurance covers your belongings while we are loading, travelling, and unloading. It is there for the rare situations where accidental loss or damage happens despite careful handling. Our limit is £20,000 per van, which gives a strong buffer for many Brighton flat moves and Sussex house moves, especially where access is tight or items are fragile.

Why Did You Increase Your Goods In Transit Insurance From £10,000 To £20,000?

We doubled it because higher value, fragile and design led homes are common across Brighton and Sussex. Customers often have antiques, art, mirrors, and expensive electronics, and we want the cover to match the reality of modern moves. It also helps when a job is a larger load or an office move, where overall contents value can climb quickly.

Is £20,000 Goods In Transit Enough For Most House Moves?

For many one to two bedroom moves, £20,000 per van is a solid level of protection. The key is matching cover to the value of what is actually being transported on that vehicle. If your household has several high value items, we simply ask you to declare items over £500 in advance so everything is clear and properly recorded.

Why Is £20,000 A Meaningful Upgrade In Real Numbers?

The article references an AXA benchmark that puts the average contents value of a one-bed at £15,713, which helps show why £20,000 per van can cover many everyday loads with breathing room.

Do You Also Have Public Liability Insurance, And What Does It Cover?

Yes. Alongside Goods In Transit cover, we carry £5 million Public Liability insurance, which relates to third-party incidents such as accidental damage to communal areas, entrances, hallways, and shared access spaces. It is especially relevant in Brighton and Hove flats, narrow stairwells, and busy residential streets where there are more shared areas.

What Happens If Something Is Damaged During The Move?

Tell us straight away so we can log it clearly and act quickly. We will take photos, confirm what happened, and guide you through next steps with the insurer where needed. Clear documentation and declared values make any rare claim far smoother.

Why Do You Ask Customers To Declare Items Worth Over £500?

We ask you to list any single item over £500 because it keeps high-value items clearly recorded and links them to the handling plan. It is a simple step that helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps things clear if the unexpected ever happens. Declaring items over £500 helps link those specific items to the insurance process and ensures they receive the right handling plan. It only takes minutes, and it is the one admin step that can make a big difference if the unexpected ever happens.

What Kinds Of Items Should I Declare On The £500 Plus Form?

Declare anything with a single item value over £500, including antiques, artwork, designer furniture, jewellery, and high end electronics. If you are unsure, it is better to list it and keep things simple. A quick item name, rough value, and a photo is usually enough for us to plan protection and loading order properly.

How Do You Reduce Risk For Fragile Items Like Mirrors And Glass Cabinets In Brighton Homes?

We reduce risk by planning the handling route and controlling the busiest moments of loading. In older Brighton and Sussex properties, stairwells and turns can be tight, so we often keep glass and mirrors as last out and first on. Clearing hallways and keeping one safe landing zone helps prevent items being rested on risky edges.

Do Permit Zones And Carry Distance Affect The Chance Of Damage?

Yes, shorter carry routes usually mean fewer knocks, fewer stair landings, and a smoother move. In Brighton and Hove permit areas, the safest move is often the one with the closest legal loading point to your entrance. If parking looks awkward, tell us early so we can plan a sensible loading position and avoid unnecessary handling.

How Do I Book A Fully Insured Brighton Or Sussex Move With You?

Booking is simple, tell us your addresses, move date, and what you are moving. Call Peter on 07552 555 820 or book via www.eastsussexvan.com, and mention any fragile items, tight access, or items over £500. We will advise on access planning, confirm your insurance cover, and keep the day calm, careful, and well organised.

About the author...

Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. He holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in English Literature and Digital Media from the University of Brighton. Peter oversees every move from first message to the last box and brings local know how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by hundreds of five star Google reviews. The company follows an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where available, reuses boxes and runs paperless bookings. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com