Which Documents Should You Check Before Paying an Advance to Any Mover Company?

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October 8, 2026
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Which Documents Should You Check Before Paying an Advance to Any Mover Company?

Short answer: Before you pay any advance, check six things: a written quotation, the company’s GST registration, a booking confirmation, the consignment note (LR) format, the insurance details, and a proper payment receipt. If a mover can’t show these, don’t transfer the money.

Most moving complaints in India start at the same moment: someone paid an advance on a phone call, with nothing in writing. Here is what to check, in plain language.

Why the advance is the riskiest step

Once you pay, your bargaining power drops. If the price changes later, or the truck never arrives, you have nothing to show. A few papers collected before payment protect you far better than any phone promise.

The documents to check, one by one

1. A written quotation

A verbal rate means nothing. The quote should list the services (packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking), the total amount, GST, insurance charges and any extra charges, such as long carry or stairs with no lift. If the quote says only “approx. rate”, ask for a final figure in writing.

2. GST registration and company details

A genuine mover has a GSTIN, a registered business name and a physical office address. You can verify a GSTIN on the official GST portal in under a minute. Also check that the name on the quote matches the name on the bank account you’re paying. A mismatch is a warning sign.

3. Booking confirmation or work order

This should state your move date, pickup and drop addresses, service type, vehicle size and the advance amount received. Think of it as your proof that the booking exists.

4. Consignment note (LR / bilty) format

Under the Carriage by Road Act, the carrier issues a consignment note for the goods. Before paying, ask to see the format. It should carry the company’s GSTIN, route, declared value and terms. One more thing worth reading: whether the terms say anything about paying the full amount in advance.

5. Insurance papers

“We provide insurance” is not a document. Ask for the policy or certificate from an IRDAI-licensed insurer, and check what is covered, the declared value and whether you pay for it separately. An “in-house cover” with no insurer’s name is not the same thing as real transit insurance.

6. Inventory list

This is usually prepared at the time of packing, but ask now how it will be done. A numbered inventory, signed by both sides, is what you’ll rely on if a carton goes missing or a cabinet arrives scratched. Take your own photos too, before packing begins.

7. Payment receipt

Whatever you pay, get a receipt with the date, amount, your name, the company’s name and the purpose (“advance for booking”). Prefer UPI or bank transfer to a company account, since it leaves a trail. Be careful with large cash payments and personal accounts.

Quick reference table

Document	What to look for	Red flag
Written quote	Itemised charges, GST, insurance	“Final price on moving day”
GST details	Valid GSTIN, matching name	Name differs from payee account
Booking confirmation	Date, addresses, advance amount	Only a WhatsApp “ok”
Consignment note	GSTIN, route, declared value	Refuses to show the format
Insurance	Named IRDAI-licensed insurer	Vague “we cover everything”
Receipt	Date, amount, company name	“Receipt later”

What about “IBA approved”?

You’ll see this badge on many mover websites. It isn’t a government licence. It means the company is empanelled by the Indian Banks Association, which matters for bank-related relocations. It’s a useful credibility point, but ask for the actual proof, and don’t treat it as a substitute for GST, insurance or a written quote.

How much advance is reasonable?

There’s no single legal figure, and practice varies by distance and service. A sensible approach is a modest booking amount now and the balance linked to loading or delivery, all written on the quote. Be cautious if a company demands the full amount upfront, especially before any inventory or loading has happened.

Red flags that should make you pause

Quote given only on call, with pressure to “book today”
No office address, or an address you can’t verify
Payment requested to a personal account
Refusal to share GST details or an insurance certificate
Unusually low rates compared with every other quote
No clear answer on who will pack, who will drive and which vehicle will come

A 5-minute check before you pay

Get the quote in writing (WhatsApp or email is fine).
Verify the GSTIN on the GST portal.
Ask for the insurance details and the insurer’s name.
Ask for a sample consignment note.
Pay by UPI or bank transfer and keep the receipt.

Get at least three quotes and compare them line by line, not just by the final number.

Final thoughts

A good mover will never mind these questions. Transparent companies expect them. At DCM Packers and Movers, based in Manimajra, Chandigarh, customers are always welcome to ask for the quote, GST and insurance details before confirming a booking. If you’d like to compare your current quote, you can contact us and we’ll walk you through it, with no pressure.

FAQs

Should I pay an advance to a mover before the move?
Usually a small booking advance is normal, but it should be written on the quote and backed by a receipt. Avoid paying the full amount before any work begins.

Which documents should I ask for before paying packers and movers?
Ask for a written quotation, GST details, booking confirmation, consignment note format, insurance certificate and a payment receipt.

Is a GST invoice mandatory when hiring packers and movers?
Registered movers are expected to issue a GST invoice. Ask for one, and verify the GSTIN on the official portal.

What is a consignment note (LR) in packers and movers?
It’s the transport document issued by the carrier for your goods, showing route, consignment details, declared value and terms. It’s useful proof in case of loss or damage.

Is transit insurance included in the moving price?
Not always. Many quotes charge it separately. Ask for the policy from an IRDAI-licensed insurer and check what it covers.

How can I check if a packers and movers company is genuine?
Verify the GSTIN, confirm the office address, read recent reviews, ask for insurance papers, and compare at least three quotes.

Can I pay a mover in cash?
It’s safer to pay by UPI or bank transfer to the company account, since it leaves a record. If you do pay cash, insist on a signed receipt.

What should I do if a mover refuses to give anything in writing?
Treat it as a red flag and consider another company.

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Which Documents Should You Check Before Paying an Advance to Any Mover Company?