Westminster Removals Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Westminster Removals provides domestic and commercial removal and related services. By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before placing a booking.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following words have the meanings given below.
Company means Westminster Removals.
Customer means the person, company, or organisation that requests and or pays for the services.
Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, storage, delivery, waste removal, or associated services provided by the Company.
Goods means the items, furniture, personal belongings, or other property that are the subject of the Services.
Service Address means any address at which the Services are to be carried out, including collection and delivery addresses.
2. Scope of Services
The Company provides local and regional removal services, including loading, transportation, and unloading of Goods, and may also provide packing, unpacking, storage, and limited waste removal services as agreed in advance.
The specific Services to be provided, including any additional services such as packing materials, disassembly and reassembly, and access to storage, will be confirmed in writing in the booking confirmation.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Quotations
Any quotation provided by the Company is based on the information supplied by the Customer, including the volume and nature of Goods, access conditions, Service Addresses, and any special requirements. Quotations are normally given as a fixed price or an hourly rate, as specified in the quotation.
Quotations are valid for a limited period as stated in the quotation. If no period is stated, they are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, unless withdrawn earlier.
3.2 Acceptance of Booking
A booking is only confirmed when the Customer has accepted the quotation, agreed to these Terms and Conditions, and the Company has issued a written confirmation. The Company reserves the right to decline any booking at its discretion.
The Customer is responsible for checking that all details in the quotation and booking confirmation are correct, including dates, addresses, access information, and the Services requested. Any discrepancies must be notified to the Company as soon as possible and prior to the service date.
3.3 Changes to Booking
If the Customer wishes to change the booking, including the date, time, addresses, volume of Goods, or requested Services, the Customer must notify the Company promptly. The Company will try to accommodate changes but cannot guarantee availability.
Changes may result in an adjusted quotation and additional charges. Where a booking is materially changed, the Company may issue a revised quotation which must be accepted by the Customer before the Services proceed.
4. Access and Service Conditions
The Customer must ensure that the Company has suitable and safe access to the Service Addresses, including parking, loading and unloading areas, and that any necessary permits or permissions have been obtained in advance.
The Customer must inform the Company in advance of any potential access issues, including narrow streets, low bridges, restricted parking, internal access constraints such as staircases and lifts, and any other relevant local conditions that could affect the provision of the Services.
Any delays or additional work caused by inadequate or inaccurate access information may result in additional charges on a time spent or fixed-fee basis, as reasonably determined by the Company.
5. Customer Obligations
The Customer is responsible for
Ensuring that Goods are suitably packed, secured, and ready for transport, unless packing services have been specifically booked.
Labelling any fragile or high-value items clearly and notifying the Company of any items that require special handling.
Removing and securing any personal documents, money, jewellery, items of exceptional value, or important data before the Services commence.
Arranging appropriate insurance cover for Goods where necessary, subject to any cover that may be provided under section 10 of these Terms.
Ensuring that all Goods to be moved are owned by the Customer or that the Customer has full authority to move them.
6. Excluded Items
Unless previously agreed in writing, the Company does not carry or store
Any illegal items or substances.
Explosives, ammunition, flammable materials, or other hazardous substances.
Live animals, plants, or perishable goods requiring special conditions.
Valuables such as money, securities, deeds, stamps, coins, jewellery, precious metals, or fine art, where the single item value exceeds a reasonable amount for standard removals work.
Items specifically prohibited by law or local regulations.
If such items are moved or stored without the Companys knowledge, the Company accepts no responsibility for loss or damage, and the Customer will be liable for any related costs, claims, or penalties.
7. Payments and Charges
7.1 Payment Terms
The Customer must pay the charges for the Services in accordance with the quotation and booking confirmation. The Company may require a deposit at the time of booking and payment of the balance prior to or on the day of the Service, as specified in the confirmation.
Where Services are charged by the hour, the total charge will be based on the actual time taken, subject to any minimum charge set out in the quotation.
7.2 Methods of Payment
Accepted methods of payment will be set out in the quotation or booking confirmation and may include electronic payment, bank transfer, or card payment. Payment terms must be strictly adhered to. The Company reserves the right to withhold or suspend Services if payment has not been received in accordance with the agreed terms.
7.3 Late Payment
If any payment is not made when due, the Company may charge interest on the overdue amount at a reasonable rate consistent with applicable law, and may recover any reasonable costs incurred in obtaining payment. The Company may also refuse to release Goods held in storage or on its vehicles until all outstanding amounts are paid.
8. Cancellations and Postponements
8.1 Customer Cancellations
If the Customer cancels a booking, the following cancellation charges may apply, calculated as a percentage of the total quoted price.
More than 7 days before the service date No cancellation charge.
Between 2 and 7 days before the service date A reasonable percentage of the quotation, reflecting costs and lost bookings.
Less than 2 days before the service date Up to 100 percent of the quotation, at the Companys discretion.
Details of any specific cancellation scale may be included in the quotation or booking confirmation. Any deposit paid may be retained and offset against the cancellation charge.
8.2 Postponements
If the Customer wishes to postpone the Services, the Company will endeavour to agree a new date, subject to availability. Depending on the notice given and the new date, postponement charges may apply as set out in the quotation or the Companys current schedule of charges.
8.3 Company Cancellations
The Company may cancel a booking if
The Customer fails to comply with these Terms and Conditions.
The Company reasonably considers that carrying out the Services may be unsafe, unlawful, or impracticable.
Exceptional circumstances arise beyond the Companys reasonable control, including extreme weather, road closures, accidents, or operational disruptions.
In such cases, the Company will notify the Customer as soon as reasonably possible and will, where appropriate, offer a rebooking or refund of any amounts paid for Services not provided. The Company will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from such cancellation.
9. Delays and Waiting Time
The Company will take reasonable steps to complete the Services within the agreed time frame but does not guarantee arrival or completion times. Traffic conditions, access issues, and other factors may cause delays.
If delays arise which are outside the Companys control, including waiting for keys, completion of legal formalities, or access being unavailable, the Company may charge reasonable waiting time at the applicable hourly rate, together with any associated costs.
10. Liability and Insurance
10.1 Standard Liability
The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. The Companys liability for loss of or damage to Goods arising from its negligence or breach of contract will be limited to a reasonable amount per item or per consignment, subject to any higher limit or specific insurance cover expressly agreed in writing.
10.2 Exclusions of Liability
The Company will not be liable for
Loss or damage arising from the Customers failure to pack or secure Goods properly, unless packing Services were provided by the Company.
Loss or damage to Goods with pre existing defects, weaknesses, or instability, including items assembled from flat pack furniture with inherent limitations.
Loss or damage to the contents of drawers, cupboards, or containers left full, unless specifically agreed in advance.
Loss or damage arising from circumstances beyond the Companys reasonable control, such as extreme weather, road accidents not caused by the Company, or acts of third parties.
Indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profits, loss of income, or loss of opportunity.
10.3 Limitation of Liability
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes the Companys liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence or for any other liability which cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.
Subject to the above, the Companys total aggregate liability for all claims arising out of a single booking will not exceed a reasonable maximum limit related to the value of the Services, as specified in the quotation or as otherwise permitted by law.
11. Claims and Complaints
Any visible loss or damage to Goods or property must be reported to the Company on the day of the Service, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. Any complaint should be made in writing, providing full details of the issue and any supporting evidence.
The Customer must allow the Company a reasonable opportunity to inspect any alleged damage and, where appropriate, to arrange repairs or other remedial action. Failure to notify the Company within a reasonable period may affect the ability to investigate or resolve the complaint.
12. Waste Regulations and Disposal
The Company operates in accordance with applicable waste and environmental regulations. Where the Company agrees to remove waste or unwanted items, the following conditions apply.
The Customer must clearly identify which items are to be taken for disposal.
The Company will not collect hazardous or prohibited waste, including certain electrical equipment, chemicals, or regulated materials, unless explicitly agreed and permitted by law.
All waste removal will be carried out in accordance with relevant licensing, duty of care obligations, and local disposal rules. The Customer is responsible for any additional charges arising from the nature or volume of waste presented that differs from the description given at the time of quotation.
13. Storage Services
Where the Company provides or arranges storage, the terms of storage, including charges, access, and insurance, will be confirmed in writing. Storage charges are normally payable in advance on a recurring basis.
The Company reserves the right to exercise a lien over Goods in storage until all outstanding charges have been paid in full. If charges remain unpaid, the Company may, after giving reasonable notice, sell or dispose of Goods to recover its costs and any outstanding amounts, in accordance with applicable law.
14. Data Protection and Privacy
The Company will collect and process personal data only for the purposes of providing the Services, managing bookings, handling payments, and complying with legal obligations. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection law.
The Customer is responsible for ensuring that any personal information provided is accurate and up to date. The Company may retain certain records for a reasonable period for legal, accounting, and operational reasons.
15. General Provisions
15.1 Subcontracting
The Company may use carefully selected subcontractors to carry out all or part of the Services. These Terms and Conditions will apply to any Services performed by subcontractors on behalf of the Company.
15.2 Assignment
The Customer may not assign or transfer any rights or obligations under these Terms and Conditions without the Companys prior written consent.
15.3 Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
15.4 Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with the quotation and booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer in relation to the Services and supersede any prior discussions, representations, or agreements.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or the Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or the Services provided by the Company.
By confirming a booking with Westminster Removals, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
