Moving damage: furniture damaged or lost, who is liable?

If you hire a moving company, it is liable for damage to the moving goods, but under the special rules of transport law, often with liability limits. Very short deadlines are important: visible damage you must report immediately, hidden damage within a few days, otherwise you lose claims.

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The moving company is liable for loss and damage to the moving goods during transport, under the rules of freight law (forwarding/moving contract). Liability in principle exists even without proof of fault in the individual case.

Short notification deadlines apply: externally visible damage you must report at delivery, non-visible damage as a rule within a few days. If you miss that, claims can lapse. In addition, there are maximum liability limits.

What you should do now

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1. Check immediately
Inspect the moving goods at delivery and record visible damage immediately in writing (handover protocol).
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2. Give notice in time
Report visible damage immediately, hidden damage promptly (as a rule within a few days) in writing.
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3. Document the damage
Photograph the damage and quantify it (repair or replacement costs).
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4. Assert claims
Assert the damage in writing with the company; note liability limits and check additional insurance.

How to spot the scam

Damage is not recorded in the protocol at delivery.
The short notice deadline for hidden damage is missed.
There are no photos or quantification of the damage.

Frequently asked questions

Is the moving company liable for damage?

Yes, for loss and damage to the moving goods during transport, under the rules of freight and moving law. Liability in principle exists even without proof of a specific fault, but is subject to maximum liability limits.

Which deadlines must I observe?

Very short ones: externally visible damage you must report at delivery, non-visible (hidden) damage as a rule within a few days in writing. If you miss these notice deadlines, your claims can lapse.

How high is the liability?

In moving law, maximum liability limits apply, which are often based on the volume. For valuable items that can be too little. So check an additional transport insurance and document valuable pieces before the move.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.