Moving Insurance Explained: What's Covered and What's Not

"Are my belongings insured during the move?" is one of the most important questions to ask a mover — and one of the most misunderstood. What movers provide is technically valuation coverage, not insurance, and the free default covers far less than people assume. This guide explains the coverage types in plain English, what the default actually pays, when to buy more, and how claims work — so you're not surprised after something breaks.

Valuation Is Not Insurance

Federal rules require interstate movers to offer two levels of valuation — the mover's liability for your goods. It's not the same as an insurance policy (which would come from an insurer), and the distinction matters because the free default is minimal:

• Released Value Protection (the free default): covers your goods at $0.60 per pound, per item. Read that carefully — it's by weight, not value. A 10-pound TV that's worth $1,500 is covered for $6. For anything valuable-but-light (electronics, art, jewelry), released value is close to meaningless.
• Full Value Protection: the mover is liable for the replacement value, repair, or cash settlement of damaged items. It costs extra and usually carries a deductible, but it's real protection. Worth it for valuable households.

What the Free Coverage Really Means

Released value sounds like "covered," but at 60 cents a pound it rarely approaches what an item is worth. The mental model: the free default protects against catastrophic weight-based loss, not against your specific valuable things breaking. If you only take the default, you're effectively self-insuring most of your belongings' real value. That's a fine choice for a low-value move — and a costly surprise on a valuable one.

Your Other Coverage Options

• Homeowner's / renter's insurance: some policies cover belongings in transit — call your agent and ask specifically about moving. This is often the cheapest path to real coverage.
• Third-party moving insurance: standalone policies from specialty insurers for higher-value moves.
• Scheduled-item coverage: for appraised valuables — art, jewelry, collections — list them individually for true value protection (pairs with packing them right: art and high-value packing).

How to Protect Yourself Before the Move

• Document everything: photograph valuable items and their condition before the move — your evidence if you ever file a claim.
• Declare high-value items in writing: movers have high-value inventory forms; anything over a set value per pound should be listed.
• Keep the irreplaceable with you: jewelry, documents, heirlooms ride in your car, never the truck (the "do not load" pile in the checklist).
• Read the paperwork: the bill of lading states the coverage level — know which one you signed. We issue electronic paperwork so the terms are timestamped and clear, not handwritten at the door.

How Claims Work

If something's damaged: note it on the inventory/delivery paperwork before the crew leaves, document it with photos, and file the claim in writing within the required window (interstate moves fall under FMCSA timelines). Settlement follows the coverage you chose — replacement/repair under full value, or the weight formula under released value. This is exactly why choosing the right coverage up front matters more than how you argue afterward, and why a properly documented inventory is your friend.

Insurance FAQ

Are my belongings automatically insured when I hire movers?

They're covered by released value (60¢/lb/item) by default — minimal, weight-based protection, not true insurance. Real coverage means full value protection, your home policy, or third-party insurance.

Is full value protection worth it?

For a valuable household, yes — the default won't come close to replacing damaged electronics, furniture, or art. For a low-value move, the free default may be enough.

What's not covered?

Typically: items you packed yourself (in some cases), declared-but-unlisted valuables, perishables, and damage from your own packing. Declaring and documenting up front protects you.

Should I rely on my homeowner's insurance instead?

Sometimes it's the best value — but only if your policy explicitly covers transit. Call and confirm before assuming.

We'll walk you through your coverage options honestly before move day, in writing — no surprises. Get a free quote and ask us anything about protection. 817+ Google reviews, licensed and insured (USDOT #1718049, MDPU #31391) since 2002.