How to Choose a Removals Company Without Getting Ripped Off

The best way to avoid being ripped off by a removals company is to get independent written quotes from at least three firms, verify they're members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) or hold Professional Indemnity Insurance, and check their references thoroughly before signing anything. In my fifteen years as an electrician in North East England, I've seen more than a few botched house moves—damaged consumer units, crushed EV chargers, snapped cables in walls—and most could have been prevented by choosing the right firm from the start.

Moving house is stressful enough without worrying your electrics have been damaged in transit. Yet many homeowners don't think about the risks to their electrical installations until something goes wrong. Your consumer unit, wiring, EV charger, or built-in appliances are valuable assets, and the people handling them need to be competent and insured.

Why Choosing the Right Removals Company Matters for Your Home

Your electrical installations are more than just wires and switches. They're safety-critical systems that keep your home functioning. A careless removals crew can damage:

• Consumer units (fuse boxes) – crushing or impact damage can make them unsafe and require costly remedial work or complete replacement.
• In-wall cabling – rough handling of fitted wardrobes or built-in units can sever cables, creating fire risks or dangerous faults that won't show up until after you've left.
• EV chargers and charging infrastructure – these aren't cheap to relocate or repair, and improper disconnection can damage both the charger and the car.
• Kitchen and bathroom appliances – built-in ovens, hobs, and extraction units rely on proper wiring. Damage during removal often isn't obvious until you switch them on.
• Boilers and heating systems – these must be handled carefully and reconnected by Gas Safe engineers if moved.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a removals company causes damage to your home, you have rights. But proving fault, pursuing a claim, and managing the downtime is a nightmare nobody wants. Prevention is far simpler and cheaper than litigation.

A professional, insured removals firm will treat your electrical installations with the respect they deserve. They'll protect cables, avoid crushing consumer units, and co-ordinate with specialists (like us at Energy North Ltd) if complex electrical work is involved.

Check Their Insurance and Professional Credentials

This is non-negotiable. Before you book anyone, ask directly:

1. Are they members of the British Association of Removers (BAR)?

BAR membership is a gold standard in the industry. Members must meet strict standards, carry adequate insurance, and are bound by a code of practice. You can verify membership on the BAR website (www.bar.co.uk). If they're not listed, it's a red flag.

2. Do they hold Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Any reputable removals firm should hold Professional Indemnity Insurance with a minimum cover of £500,000 to £1 million, depending on the scale of their business. This covers damage they cause to your property during the move. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate—a genuine firm won't hesitate. Check the expiry date and the policy details carefully.

3. Are they FCA regulated or bonded?

Some removals companies register with the Financial Conduct Authority if they offer payment terms or protection schemes. Others operate under a bonding scheme. Either way, this adds a layer of consumer protection. If something goes wrong and the company folds, you have recourse.

4. Can they provide an EPC and Building Regulations compliance proof?

If your move involves any remedial electrical work—disconnecting and reconnecting an EV charger, for example—the removals firm should work with qualified electricians and ensure all work is certified under Building Regulations. Ask to see credentials. Any electrician working on your installation should be Part P certified or working under a scheme such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or BSI.

Get Written Quotes From at Least Three Companies

Never accept a verbal quote. Always ask for a detailed written quotation that breaks down:

• Labour costs (hourly rate or flat fee for the move)
• Transport costs (vehicle size, fuel surcharge, mileage)
• Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.)
• Specialist equipment (piano movers, fragile item handlers, etc.)
• Insurance excess
• Cancellation or postponement fees
• Any VAT or additional charges

Typical removal costs in the North East range from £800 to £3,500 for a house move, depending on property size, distance, and complexity. If a quote is suspiciously cheap—say £300 for a three-bedroom house across 50 miles—it's often a sign they're inexperienced or don't plan to do the job properly.

Compare the three quotes side by side. The cheapest isn't always the best value. Look for consistency in what's included. If one quote is half the price of the others, find out why before committing.

Red Flags That Signal a Dodgy Removals Firm

Watch out for these warning signs:

• No insurance details – if they refuse to show you a certificate or claim they're "self-insured," walk away.
• No fixed address or phone number – use Google Maps to verify their location. A removals firm operating out of a residential address or with a mobile-only contact is risky.
• No online presence or reviews – legitimate firms have websites and verifiable customer feedback. Zero reviews or only positive 5-star reviews (a sign of fake reviews) are suspicious.
• Pressure to pay upfront in cash – legitimate firms accept bank transfers, cheques, or cards. Cash-only deals often indicate they're avoiding a proper paper trail.
• Vague about what they'll handle – if they won't commit in writing to protecting your electrical installations or won't discuss specialist handling, they're not professional enough.
• No inventory checklist – a reputable firm will create a detailed list of items before they load the van. This protects both parties and provides evidence if anything goes missing or is damaged.
• Unwilling to discuss damage procedures – ask them upfront: "What happens if you damage my consumer unit or EV charger?" A dodgy firm will get defensive or evasive.

Hidden Costs and How to Spot Them Before You Agree

Many people get stung by charges that weren't mentioned in the original quote. Common hidden costs include:

• Access difficulties – if your old or new property has narrow doorways, stairs, or requires specialist equipment (like a crane or hoist), the firm may add charges. Ask about this upfront.
• Parking permits – moving in central Newcastle or another city with permit zones? The firm may charge you for permits they buy on the day.
• Waiting time – if the removals crew arrives and the old property isn't ready or the new one isn't accessible, they may charge hourly rates for standing time.
• Specialist handling – if you have items requiring careful treatment (antiques, art, electronics, or electrical equipment), ask whether this is included or costs extra.
• Fuel surcharge – some firms add a fuel surcharge to every job. This should be stated in the quote, but verify the current rate.
• Weekend or bank holiday premiums – moving on a Saturday or Christmas Eve often costs 10–20% more. Check before you book.

Always ask: "Is there anything not included in this quote?" Get the answer in writing. Request a clause stating that no additional charges will be levied without your written consent.

Verify Their Track Record and Customer Reviews

Check:

1. Google Reviews and Trustpilot – read a cross-section of recent reviews (last 6–12 months). Look for patterns. If you see repeated complaints about damage, broken promises, or poor communication, trust the pattern.

2. Ask for references – any firm worth their salt will give you contact details for three or four recent customers. Call them. Ask specifically: "Were they careful with your belongings? Did any damage occur? How did they handle it?"

3. Trading Standards and Citizens Advice – check whether the firm has any outstanding complaints registered with your local Trading Standards office or Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Search online for the company name + "Trading Standards" or your local council's consumer protection team.

4. Better Business Bureau or similar bodies – not all removals firms are registered, but if they are and have a poor rating, that's worth knowing.

5. Social media and local forums – North East Facebook groups and Nextdoor often have discussions about local removals firms. You may find honest feedback from neighbours.

What to Do if Your Electrical Installations Are Damaged During a Move

If something goes wrong during the move, act quickly:

1. Document everything – take photos and video of the damage immediately. Note the date, time, and describe what happened.

2. Notify the removals firm in writing – send an email (keep copies) describing the damage within 48 hours. Use the procedure outlined in their terms and conditions. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires damage to be reported promptly to preserve your rights.

3. Get a professional assessment – if your consumer unit, wiring, or an appliance is damaged, arrange for a qualified electrician to inspect it. We've helped dozens of customers at Energy North Ltd document damage for insurance claims. An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) can prove pre-existing faults or new damage.

4. Submit a formal claim – send the removals firm a formal claim letter, including the electrician's report, photos, quotes for repair or replacement, and the invoice for the original item if you have it. Give them 30 days to respond.

5. Escalate if needed – if they refuse to pay or ignore you, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service or take small claims court action (up to £10,000 in England and Wales). Many insurance disputes can be escalated to an ombudsman service if the firm is regulated.

6. Know your rights – the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you the right to reject services that aren't carried out with reasonable care. If the damage is serious, you may have grounds for a refund or compensation, not just repair costs.

FAQs

Q: Can I hire a removals company that isn't a BAR member?

A: Yes, but it's riskier. BAR membership ensures they meet industry standards and have professional insurance. If you use a non-member, insist on seeing their Professional Indemnity Insurance certificate and check their reviews carefully. Never use an uninsured firm, regardless of BAR status.

Q: What should I tell the removals company about my electrical installations?

A: Tell them upfront if you have an EV charger, a consumer unit in an awkward location, in-wall cabling that shouldn't be crushed, or high-value built-in appliances. Provide a written note highlighting these items and requesting careful handling. Ask them to confirm in writing that they understand the risks.

Q: Do I need to hire a specialist electrician for EV charger relocation?

A: Yes. EV chargers must be disconnected and reconnected by a qualified electrician. Don't let the removals firm or a general handyperson touch it. Improper disconnection can damage the charger or the car's charging system. Always hire a Part P certified electrician or one registered with NICEIC, ELECSA, or BSI.

Q: What does Professional Indemnity Insurance actually cover?

A: It covers accidental damage the removals firm causes to your property or belongings during the move. It typically includes damage to walls, floors, electrical systems, appliances, and fixtures. It usually does not cover items that are simply lost or minor wear and tear. Check the policy wording—it varies by insurer.

Q: How long do I have to claim if something is damaged?

A: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you should report damage within a reasonable time—typically within 30 days, though sooner is better. For electrical damage, this is critical because hidden faults can develop. After 30 days, the removals firm may argue the damage is pre-existing or unrelated to their work. Always report immediately and in writing.

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Choosing a removals company is ultimately about protecting your home and your peace of mind. A few hours spent vetting firms upfront will save you weeks of stress and potentially thousands of pounds in damage repairs.

If your electrical installations are damaged during a move or you need professional advice on relocating electrical systems safely, [get in touch with Energy North Ltd](https://energynorth.uk). We're qualified electricians serving North East England, and we help homeowners deal with move-related electrical issues every month. We can also inspect and certify your electrics after a move to ensure everything is safe and compliant.