NEW INSURANCE REGULATIONS

The date of 14 January 2005 saw a change in the removal world, in that the law changed as regards the charging of insurance to our clients.

Since before we can all remember here at Gosdens insurance has been charged, if required by the client, as an additional item exempt of VAT. The majority of our client's have in the past opted for this cover, which allows a claim to be made to the insurers in the event of any damage to effects caused during removal or storage. The number of claims made has always been quite low, but unfortunately however carefull a remover can be when moving many thousands of pieces of furniture and packing delicate glass, china etc the occasional accident is bound to occur. For this reason it has always been recomended to our clients that they pay the additional charge for insurance cover.

Now there has been a change in the law and increased regulation, which has been imposed by the Financial Services Authority and means that we are not even permitted to advise on insurance matters.

As a result of this, important changes have had to be made to both new and existing clients of Gosdens. As from 14 January 2005, our contract conditions became invalid, and revised conditions were introduced.

So what now happens if there is a problem? Are your goods no longer insured?

Don't worry the new terms and conditions under which your effects will be removed and/or stored have been changed in that for an additional fee these terms can include an extended liability on our part, which allows us to make a claim to our insurers in the event of any problem.

For existing storage clients the charge for storing effects will be at the same rate as previously charged for storage and insurance, but will now all be subject to VAT. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do about the rate of VAT charged.

We can assure you that we do hold liability insurance to cover our liabilities for loss and damage under the new contract terms and if you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact our insurance brokers. We can supply their name and address on request.

You will appreciate that these are changes that have been forced upon us and that we are trying to deal with them as best we can, whilst maintaining the highest level of customer service possible.

Written and maintained by staff at Gosdens Removals Email: gosdens@gosdensremovals.co.uk