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It's common practice in the International Removals Industry for you to be asked to pay for your move up front, so what happens if the unexpected happens?
What if your mover goes out of business after you've paid or even worse after they've collected all your worldly goods?
Whilst your credit card company may offer some financial protection (it's always worth checking with your card provider to make sure) there is another way to make sure your payment is protected if you've not paid with a credit card but have paid by another means.
The BAR Advance Payment Guarantee - Pre-payment protection for International Removals
The BAR Advance Payment Guarantee means your international removal company provides an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) as a safety net so that in the unlikely event that we suffer financial failure before your move is completed that you have not lost any payment already made.
You can view Bournes APG certificate and details or visit the BAR advance payment guarantee page to find out more, including the full terms and conditions of the scheme.
Which Removals companies provide the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee?
Possibly THE most important thing you need to know about the advance payment guarantee is that NOT ALL BAR MEMBERS CAN OFFER A GUARANTEE FOR INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS.
The BAR has two levels of membership for Household Goods removals. BAR National members and BAR Overseas Members, the moves for which your pre-payment is guaranteed for will be determined by this membership.
All BAR members offer the pre-payment guarantee on moves that take place wholly within the UK, but only members of the overseas group can offer it on moves with any part taking place outside of the UK.
So be careful to check which level of membership your preferred removal company has to see if you're covered for your International or European Removal.
How do I check if my removal company offers the Advance Payment Guarantee for overseas moves?
You can ask to see your movers APG certificate. Check the certificate is in date and has the correct level of cover shown. Alternatively, you can check the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee logo they are displaying, it will state the level of cover underneath. Here's ours:
If you want to be extra vigilant you can also check their membership is current and valid. Sounds silly, but it's really easy for a company to be slow at removing a logo from their website, stationery or brochures. Whilst the BAR police this as best as possible its best to check to make sure.
You can do this by checking on the BAR Overeseas Website or by calling the BAR Head Office.
What are the other benefits of moving with a BAR Overseas member?
Find out why you should move with a BAR Overseas Removal Company
What do I do if I need to get assistance under the Advance Payment Guarantee?
Just contact the BAR and they will be happy to assist.
