Insurance

Insurance

Apply for insurance

Magna-Thomson International Movers is licensed as a Financial Services Provider (FSB Financial Service Provider number: 9364) which, in terms of the FAIS Act of 2002, entitles us to operate in an intermediary services capacity in short-term insurance.

Download a Form

Please print out and complete the forms above, then fax it back to the branch dealing with your move.
Click Here for details of your Nearest Branch
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At Magna-Thomson International we know that even the smallest move can contain goods that are invaluable and irreplaceable. Whilst we take the greatest care in handling and transporting your household effects there is obviously an inherent risk involved.  It therefore makes sense to have your consignment (all goods that you are moving) insured.

For complete insurance coverage while in transit, your possessions need to be insured at the full replacement value, relevant at the country of arrival. This ensures that the compensation will cover the cost of replacing or repairing your goods accordingly within your new country. Taking a look on our useful links section, you will find links that provide you with prices which are relevant to your country of arrival. You may use these links to define the replacement value of your goods and to insure them appropriately. Please note that we offer you excellent rates and cover. Our consultants will be pleased to advise you of the insurance for your goods. Feel free to speak to your move co-coordinator about this or contact us now.

Should you wish to arrange your own insurance cover, we urge you study the details of the policy with care so as to avoid any disappointment. Please note that a householder’s policy cover might differ much from the comprehensive transit cover.Back to top

Insurance: Valuing your Goods for International Transportation

How to value your goods

It is important to remember to obtain cover at full replacement cost at destination. The only exception to this is motor cars, which should be valued at the sound market value at destination, i.e. the value for which the same, or similar vehicle could be purchased in an undamaged condition. This means that you will need to make some enquiries to establish the comparable cost of living between South Africa and the country to which you are moving to. Information can be obtained from newspapers, from that country, mail order catalogues, or by asking a friend or relative already in that country to make some enquiries based on a list you send them. Failing the above, one could always resort to the Internet, see our useful links section.

Under-valuing your goods is likely to mean that your claim, should you need to make one, would be reduced accordingly. This is called ‘general average’. You will be required to detail all of the information on an Insurance Application Form. However, should you find the form to be too restrictive, or if you would prefer to complete you own valued inventory or spreadsheet, you are free to do so. Whichever method you opt for, note that the insurer’s liability for any item will be limited to the amount it has been valued at, and any item that is not declared and valued, is not insuredBack to top

Currency

currency

Currency

The form can be completed in either SA Rand or the currency of your destination country. If you choose to complete the form in Rand, then the rate of exchange used to convert any amounts into the other currency, in the event of a claim, will be that ruling on the date the certificate was issued, or on the last day of packing.Back to top

Complete the form in advance

Do not leave the completing of your insurance form until the last minute. There are many other things to be thinking about closer to removal date and it is almost impossible to fill in this form carefully at the time of the move. Rather, simplify the process by breaking it down into manageable size tasks. Start a few weeks in advance and then work on one room at a time, or say one room per day or every other day. This will then also provide you plenty of time to research values that you may not be sure of. Don’t forget to look in all cupboards, sideboards etc. It is in your interest to provide as much detail as possible to enable satisfactory settlement in the event of a claim.


If you require any further advice or information relating to insurance or indeed any other aspect of your move, please do not hesitate to contact us or email insurance@magnathomson.com.
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Insurance Cover

Look for the following:

  • All Risks Insurance;
  • Restricted Conditions (Total Loss): Loss of or damage to the subject-matter insured reasonably attributable to fire or explosion; vessel or craft being stranded, grounded, sunk or capsized, overturning or derailment of land conveyance; collision or contact of vessel craft or conveyance with any external object other than water; discharge of cargo at a port of distress;
  • Terms and Conditions / Exclusions.


Read carefully the terms and conditions of the policy. Even the most comprehensive All Risks’ policies have certain exclusions. Three of the more common exclusions to the normal cover are:

  • Mechanical or electronic derangement: Most policies will not pay out for repairs to an electrical appliance if there is no evidence of external damage;
  • Mould and Mildew: Most policies will not pay out this type of damage caused by damp when there is no clear evidence of water penetration into the container.

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