New Zealand Cargo Insurance

Once the last box is loaded and the lock goes on your container, your worldly goods head off on quite an epic adventure through storage facilities, ports, on the high seas and on roads.

The majority of containers arrive safely, but poor packing, haphazard loading and rough seas can wreak havoc on your shipment. We strongly recommend that you secure good, comprehensive shipping insurance for your possessions.

Most UK removal companies offer cargo insurance to their clients, which vary widely in both cost and cover. A generous chunk of what you pay often ends up in the hands of the removal company.

You can choose to arrange your own home contents transit insurance. We have worked with New Zealand company Orbit Protect to design a reasonably priced, comprehensive insurance product for migrants moving to New Zealand. The cost is 2.2% of the value of your goods, or £22 per £1000 insured.

You are insured for replacement value on furnishings less than ten years old and carpets, floor coverings, blinds, curtains and household appliances less than five years old, and present value on other goods (including computer equipment). If something does go wrong, you are dealing with a specialist transit insurer in New Zealand, not back in the UK. The excess is only £100 for professionally packed shipments. The highest level of risks are covered, including theft, water damage, breakage, scratching, denting, chipping and mechanical and electrical derangement.

The great thing about Orbit Protect is that they are happy to quote for other levels of cover on a case-by-case basis; if, for example, all of your household goods are over five years old, but you would still like replacement value cover, you are welcome to contact them and get a quote tailored to your specific needs.

Please see our article on What to Bring With You for more information on what to bring with you when you emigrate to New Zealand, and what to leave behind.

Broadbase International will work with you every step of the way to help you make a confident start to your new life in New Zealand. Please contact us if you have any questions about the financial side of life in New Zealand, and don't forget to order your free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.