Insurance Guide
Transit Insurance Explained: Protecting Your Vehicle & Goods
Insurance is the part of a move nobody thinks about until something goes wrong. Here's what it really covers.
We've moved thousands of cars and homes since 2014, and the rare damage claim almost always comes from a customer who didn't understand their cover. Transit insurance is not a gimmick — but it has edges, and knowing them protects you. Whether you're shipping a Civic or a full household, the logic is the same.
For vehicles, our vehicle recovery and towing work and car transport both carry transit cover; for goods, see how it folds into a household move.
What Transit Insurance Actually Covers
- Scratches or dents caused during loading or transit
- Damage from a road incident while in our custody
- Theft of the vehicle or goods from the truck
- Fire or flooding of the carrier
- Not covered: pre-existing damage you didn't declare
How the Premium Is Worked Out
Cover is priced on the declared value of what you're moving — typically a small percentage of it. Declare a car at its real market value, not a low figure to save a few rupees; if you under-declare and a claim comes, the payout follows the declared value, not the real one. For a household, we insure the declared value of the goods listed on the inventory.
Included vs Optional
Every vehicle we transport carries basic transit cover as standard — it's part of the job, not an upsell. For goods and for high-value or fragile loads, cover is offered and we genuinely recommend it. Ask for the policy wording in writing before you pay, so there's no debate later about what was included.
Excess and Making a Claim
Like any policy, transit cover has an excess — the first amount you bear, with the insurer paying the rest. To claim, the damage must be noted on the delivery report at the time, photographed, and reported within the window on the policy (usually 24–48 hours). A clean inventory and condition report are what make a claim smooth instead of a fight.
The Honest Caveats
Insurance covers the carrier's custody, not your packing choices. If you wrap your own TV in a bedsheet and it cracks, that's on the packing, not the transit. And personal items left in a car are never covered — take them out. For the full picture on what happens after a knock, read our car damaged in transit claims guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does transit insurance cover?
It covers physical loss or damage to your vehicle or goods while in the carrier's custody — scratches from loading, transit dents, theft from the truck, or fire. It does not cover pre-existing damage or items you packed poorly without our material.
How is the premium calculated?
On declared value, usually a small percentage (commonly around 1–2%). You declare the value of the car or goods, and the premium is worked off that. Under-declaring saves little and hurts your claim.
Is insurance included or optional?
For vehicles we include basic transit cover on every shipment. For goods and high-value loads, cover is offered and we recommend taking it. Always confirm in writing what is included.
What is an excess, and how do I claim?
Excess is the first amount you bear; the policy pays the rest. To claim, note the damage on the delivery report, photograph it, and inform us within the window stated on the policy — usually 24 to 48 hours.
Does it cover my personal items left in the car?
No. Personal belongings left in a vehicle are not covered and we ask you to remove them. Only the vehicle itself is insured under a car transport policy.
Move Covered, Not Exposed
Every Sohail Brothers shipment includes transit cover. Get a quote with insurance itemised clearly.