The word "insurance" gets used loosely in the moving world, and that confusion costs families money when something breaks. Here's what actually protects your belongings — in plain English.
What most movers include is valuation — the mover's maximum liability for loss or damage, set by federal rules for interstate moves. It isn't a true insurance policy. There are two standard levels, and you choose one on your paperwork.
Released value is included at no extra cost, and it's minimal: for interstate moves it pays about 60 cents per pound, per item. If a 10-pound lamp worth $300 is destroyed, you're owed about $6. It's better than nothing, but it is not real protection for a home full of belongings.
Under full value protection, the mover is liable for the replacement value of the item — they must repair it, replace it, or pay you its current value. It costs extra, and it usually comes with a deductible, but for a typical household it's the difference between a token payout and being made whole. Ask for the price in writing and compare it against the value of what you're moving.
If you're moving high-value items — art, antiques, collections, expensive electronics — consider a separate policy from a third-party insurer. Check whether your existing homeowner's or renter's policy extends to items in transit; some do, many don't. For anything irreplaceable, dedicated coverage is worth it.
Released value is a floor, not a safety net. For most families, full value protection — or third-party coverage for the truly valuable items — is the smart choice. And it all starts with hiring a mover whose insurance is genuinely on file, which you can confirm on our Verify a Mover page.
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