Moving Insurance Explained

Every interstate mover must offer two levels of liability coverage under federal law (FMCSA regulations). Understanding the difference between Released Value and Full Value Protection can save you thousands if something goes wrong.

Updated 2026-07-31

The Two Types of Moving Coverage

Released Value Protection

Cost: Free (included by default)

Coverage: $0.60 per pound per item

Example: A 50-lb TV worth $1,200 is covered for just $30

Pros

+No additional cost
+Automatically included on every interstate move
+No paperwork required to activate

Cons

-Payout is almost always far below actual value
-Heavy items get more than light items regardless of value
-A 10-lb laptop worth $2,000 is covered for only $6

Full Value Protection

Cost: Typically 1%-2% of declared value

Coverage: Current market value (repair, replace, or cash)

Example: A $1,200 TV is covered for $1,200 (minus any deductible)

Pros

+Items covered at actual current market value
+Mover must repair, replace, or pay cash value
+Much more meaningful protection for expensive items

Cons

-Costs extra (usually $200 to $600 for typical household)
-Often includes a deductible ($250 to $500)
-Still excludes owner-packed boxes in most cases

Real Dollar Examples

The table below shows how payouts differ between Released Value and Full Value Protection for common household items.

Item	Weight	Market Value	Released Value Payout	Full Value Payout
65-inch TV	50 lbs	$1,200	$30	$1,200
Laptop	5 lbs	$2,000	$3	$2,000
Leather Sofa	200 lbs	$3,000	$120	$3,000
Dining Table	150 lbs	$2,500	$90	$2,500
Antique Dresser	180 lbs	$5,000	$108	$5,000
Mattress (King)	100 lbs	$1,800	$60	$1,800

Full Value payouts shown before any deductible. Actual payout may be reduced by a $250 to $500 deductible depending on the mover's policy.

When to Buy Additional Coverage

Full Value Protection from the mover covers most situations. Consider adding third-party moving insurance if:

1.You own high-value art, antiques, collectibles, or musical instruments worth more than $5,000 per item.
2.The mover's Full Value Protection has a high deductible ($500+) or excludes categories of items you care about.
3.You are packing your own boxes. Most mover-provided coverage does not cover items in owner-packed boxes. Third-party policies often do.
4.Your homeowner's or renter's insurance has a high deductible or explicitly excludes items in transit with a professional mover.
5.You want coverage for delays, temporary storage, or natural disasters during transit, which mover liability typically does not cover.

What Moving Insurance Typically Does NOT Cover

xOwner-packed boxes. If you packed it yourself, the mover is generally not liable for damage to items inside. Only the box exterior damage may be covered.
xPre-existing damage. Scratches, dents, or wear that existed before the move are not covered. Document item condition with photos before the movers arrive.
xActs of God. Natural disasters, severe weather, and earthquakes during transit are excluded from most mover liability coverage. Third-party policies may cover these.
xUndeclared high-value items. Items worth more than $100 per pound (jewelry, rare collectibles) must be declared on the High Value Inventory form. If not declared, the mover's liability is limited.
xHazardous materials and perishables. Items the mover is not supposed to transport (propane, paint, food) are excluded from all coverage types.

Inadequate insurance is one of the biggest red flags when evaluating a mover. Learn more about mover red flags.

How to File a Damage Claim

1.Document damage at delivery. Inspect items as they come off the truck. Note all damage on the bill of lading before signing. Take timestamped photos and video of every damaged item.
2.File within 9 months. Federal law gives you 9 months from delivery to file a written claim with the moving company. File as soon as possible. Do not wait.
3.Include documentation. Your claim should include: photos of damage, your signed inventory list, the bill of lading with noted damage, repair estimates or replacement cost evidence, and the original value of each item.
4.30-day acknowledgment deadline. The mover must acknowledge your claim in writing within 30 days of receiving it. If they do not, follow up in writing and note the missed deadline.
5.120-day resolution deadline. The mover must make a settlement offer or deny the claim within 120 days. If they miss this deadline or you disagree with the offer, you can request arbitration or file a complaint with the FMCSA.

For a full step-by-step complaint process, see our guide to filing a moving complaint.

Third-Party Moving Insurance Options

These companies sell standalone moving insurance policies separate from your mover's liability. They typically cover owner-packed boxes, natural disasters, and items the mover's coverage might exclude.

Provider	Starting Price	Notable Features
MovingInsurance.com	~$100+	Full replacement, owner-packed coverage, online claims
Baker International Group	~$150+	Covers international and domestic, all-risk policies
Moved (moved.com)	~$120+	Digital claims process, covers storage in transit

Prices are approximate and vary by shipment value and distance. Get quotes from multiple providers before purchasing.

Moving Insurance Checklist

Ask your mover about both Released Value and Full Value Protection options before signing
Get the Full Value Protection cost and deductible amount in writing
Check your homeowner's or renter's insurance for in-transit coverage
Create a High Value Inventory form for items worth over $100/lb
Photograph every valuable item before packing, with timestamps
Consider third-party moving insurance if you are packing your own boxes
Keep all insurance documents, receipts, and photos accessible during the move (not on the truck)
Inspect everything at delivery and note damage on the bill of lading before signing

For the complete moving timeline, see our week-by-week moving checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Released Value Protection?+

Released Value Protection is the minimum liability coverage that every interstate moving company must offer at no extra charge. It covers your belongings at $0.60 per pound per item. That means a 50-pound TV worth $1,200 would only be covered for $30 (50 lbs x $0.60). It is essentially free, but the payout is almost always far below the item's actual value.

What is Full Value Protection?+

Full Value Protection means the mover is liable for the current market value of any item they lose or damage. The mover can repair the item, replace it with an equivalent, or pay you the current market value. This coverage costs extra, typically 1% to 2% of the total declared value of your shipment. You choose a minimum declared value (often $10,000 or $6 per pound times the shipment weight, whichever is greater).

How much does Full Value Protection cost?+

Most movers charge between 1% and 2% of the total declared value. For example, if you declare $30,000 in total value, expect to pay $300 to $600 for Full Value Protection. Some movers include a deductible ($250 to $500 is common), which lowers the premium but means you pay out of pocket for smaller claims.

Does homeowner's or renter's insurance cover a move?+

Some homeowner's and renter's policies cover belongings during transit, but coverage varies widely. Check your policy or call your insurer before the move. Many policies have sublimits for items in transit and may not cover professional mover negligence. If your policy does provide coverage, it may still make sense to carry Full Value Protection as a primary layer.

What items are typically excluded from moving insurance?+

Most moving coverage excludes items packed by the owner (the mover only covers items they packed themselves), pre-existing damage, natural disasters, items of extraordinary value not declared in advance (jewelry, art, collectibles over a certain threshold), and hazardous materials. Perishable items, plants, and pets are also excluded.

How do I file a damage claim with my moving company?+

File a written claim within 9 months of delivery. Include photos of the damage, your inventory list, the bill of lading, and repair or replacement cost estimates. The mover must acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it (offer settlement) within 120 days. If you are unsatisfied with the resolution, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA or pursue arbitration.

Should I buy third-party moving insurance?+

Third-party moving insurance is worth considering if you own high-value items (electronics, art, antiques) or if the mover's Full Value Protection has a high deductible. Companies like MovingInsurance.com and Baker International Group offer policies starting around $100 to $300 for full replacement coverage. These policies are separate from the mover's liability and can cover gaps that mover-provided coverage does not.