When relocating overseas, your household goods travel thousands of kilometers by sea or air—crossing ports, terminals, and customs. While every care is taken during packing, handling, and transport, unexpected risks remain. That's why we recommend comprehensive marine transit insurance for your international move.
Why Insurance Is Essential for International Moves
Even with expert packing and globally coordinated logistics, international moving involves complex and uncontrollable variables. Your goods will travel thousands of kilometers across ports, transport terminals, and borders—each point presenting potential risk.
Inherent Risks of International Transit
Transit Hazards
Rough seas, air turbulence, and vessel accidents during your international shipment
Handling Risks
Port mishandling, crane damage, accidental breakage, or drops during loading and unloading
Transshipment Exposure
Extended exposure during transshipment between vessels or terminals
Security & Environment
Theft, water ingress, or weather-related damage during handling and storage
Important Note: While customs delays are a routine part of international shipping, they are not covered by marine transit insurance, nor is any inconvenience they may cause. However, what is covered is the risk of physical damage or loss during these stages, which is why we highly recommend a tailored marine transit insurance policy.
What Is Marine Transit Insurance?
Marine transit insurance covers your household goods and personal effects against accidental loss, damage, or destruction during international transport—whether by sea or air. Coverage typically begins from the time your goods are uplifted at your residence until final delivery at your new home overseas.
We work with leading insurers like Vero Marine Insurance. The policies we facilitate are tailored for international relocations and include various protective extensions beyond basic cover.
What's Covered?
Accidental Loss or Damage
Full coverage for physical damage during transit
Optional Storage Coverage
Protect your goods during temporary storage (up to 60 days)
General Average & Salvage
Coverage for shared shipping liabilities
Optional Pairs & Sets Clause
Full set replacement for matched items
Air Freight Replacement
Up to NZ$5,000 for expedited replacement
Specialty Items
Limited cover for wine, artwork, and collectibles (must be declared)
Temporary Accommodation
Support post-claim in specific circumstances
Electrical & Mechanical
Coverage for failure and malfunction (additional deductible applies)
How Claims Are Settled
Replacement Value at Destination
For household items less than 10 years old
Depreciated Value
For older goods
Pro-Rata Value
For partial sets unless full set clause is selected
Average Clause Application
If underinsured, claim payouts are reduced proportionately
Key Exclusions
Valuables & Documents
Cash, jewellery, watches, and documents
Perishables & Living Items
Food, plants, and animals
Undeclared High-Value Items
Items over NZ$10,000 must be declared
Self-Packed Goods
Higher deductible and limited cover applies
On-Deck Cargo
Not in sealed ISO containers
Deductibles (Excess)
Professionally Packed
Household goods and personal effects
Self-Packed
Goods packed by the owner
Motor Vehicles/Boats
1% of sum insured
How to Get Covered
Complete a Valuation List and Proposal form, declaring the replacement value of each item at destination. You can choose:
Full Cover
(All Risk)
Total Loss Only
Limited protection
Restricted Cover
By request
Our Expertise in Insurance Facilitation
While MoverFocus is not an insurance provider, we work with leading underwriters and brokers to arrange policies on your behalf. Our founder, Warwick Woodley, brings over 40 years of experience and served as a FIDI Academy trainer—meaning your move is guided by industry-leading standards.
"I trained international movers around the world. Now, I'm using that knowledge to build something better – something more human."
— Warwick Woodley, Founder of MoverFocus and former FIDI Academy Trainer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is customs delay covered by marine insurance?
No. Delays caused by customs are not insurable. Only physical loss or damage is covered.
Can I insure only certain items?
Yes. You may choose to insure selected high-value or irreplaceable items. We'll guide you through the process.
What if I under-declare the value of my goods?
Your claim may be reduced under the Average Clause, which applies a proportional payout.
Does the policy cover items I pack myself?
Yes, but coverage is limited, and deductibles are higher. Full cover applies to professionally packed goods only.
Can I get insurance if I'm only using air freight?
Absolutely. Our policies apply to sea, air, and storage in transit.
How long does coverage last?
Cover begins at your residence and ends once goods are delivered to your destination address, or after up to 60 days in storage (if selected).
Ready to Move? Let's Protect What Matters Most
Speak with our team today to request a tailored insurance quote, get help completing your valuation list, and understand exactly what's covered and what's not.