Transit Insurance for Household Goods: Why You Must Never Skip It

What is Transit Insurance and Why Does it Matter?

Transit insurance, also known as Goods-in-Transit (GIT) insurance, is a policy that covers your household belongings against loss, theft, or damage while they are being transported from one location to another. Unlike standard home insurance, transit insurance specifically covers the risks associated with loading, transit, and unloading of your goods.

1. What Does Transit Insurance Actually Cover?

A standard Goods-in-Transit insurance policy for household relocation in India typically covers the following risks:

• Accidental damage during loading and unloading operations.
• Damage caused by fire, lightning, or an explosion during transit.
• Theft or burglary of goods from a parked vehicle.
• Damage due to a road accident, overturning, or collision of the transport vehicle.
• Water damage (flooding of the vehicle or exposure to rain).

2. What is Typically NOT Covered?

It is equally important to understand the exclusions in most transit insurance policies:

• Damage to fragile items (glassware, ceramics) if not professionally packed.
• Mechanical or electrical breakdown of appliances during transit.
• Damage to perishable goods like food or plants.
• Pre-existing damage to items before packing was done.
• Losses due to war, strikes, or government confiscation.

3. How to File a Transit Insurance Claim

If you discover damaged or missing goods upon delivery, follow these steps immediately:

• Note all damages in writing on the Proof of Delivery (POD) document before signing it.
• Take photographs and video evidence of damaged items before they are moved.
• Notify your insurance company within 7 days of discovery of damage.
• Submit the completed claim form along with the original insurance policy, POD with noted damages, invoices or valuations for damaged items, and police FIR (in case of theft).

Expert Tip: Always keep a detailed inventory list with photographs of all high-value items before your move. This becomes your strongest proof during a claim.