What is the British Association of Removers?
The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the trade association for professional removal companies in the UK. Member companies agree to follow BAR's code of practice, which sets out how they should deal with customers before, during and after a move.
Anyone can set up as a remover with a van and a phone number. Choosing a BAR member is a simple way to make sure you are dealing with an established business that has signed up to recognised standards and is answerable to a trade body as well as to you.
The main benefits of choosing a BAR member
- A code of practice. Members agree to follow BAR's code of practice, covering things like clear quotations and terms, how your move is carried out and how complaints are handled.
- Protection for money paid in advance. On inland domestic moves, the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee is designed to protect the money you have paid in advance if a member company cannot carry out your move, for example because it stops trading.
- Clear terms. You should receive a written quotation and the terms that apply to your move, including the cover for your belongings, before you book.
- Somewhere to turn if things go wrong. If a problem cannot be sorted out with the company directly, there is a recognised complaints route rather than a dead end.
You can read more about each of these on our accreditations page.
What the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee covers
Many removal companies ask for a deposit or full payment before moving day. The BAR Advance Payment Guarantee is there to protect that advance payment on an inland domestic move with a BAR member, if the company cannot carry out the move after you have paid.
It does not apply to moves abroad. If you are moving overseas, check the terms in your quote carefully, and remember that marine insurance for goods shipped by sea is something you arrange yourself.
How to check a removal company is a BAR member
Don't rely on a logo on a van or a website alone. Check the company on the BAR website, bar.co.uk, which lists its members, or call BAR on 01923 699480.
When you get quotes, it's also worth asking:
- Will you survey my home before giving a written quote?
- What cover do my belongings have while they are in your care, and what do I need to declare?
- Who will carry out the move?
- What happens if something is damaged?
1st Choice Removals and BAR
1st Choice Removals has been a member of the British Association of Removers since 2011, and we offer the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee on inland domestic moves. We are also certified to BS EN 12522, the European standard for furniture removal services, and members of the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman.
We are a family-run removals and storage company at Canford Business Park near Wimborne, moving homes across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Dorset since 1990. Get a quote: a free home visit in a BH postcode or DT11, or short room videos or photos from anywhere else. You can also call 01202 570970.