Moving insurance explained
"Moving insurance" almost always means one of two very different things: released-value protection (free, but covers only 60 cents per pound per item) or full-value protection (costs extra, but covers actual repair or replacement value). Knowing the difference before you book is the single biggest factor in whether a damage claim actually covers your loss.
The two types of moving coverage
| Released-value protection | Full-value protection | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included free | Typically 1-2% of shipment value |
| Coverage | 60 cents per pound, per item | Repair, replace, or reimburse at current value |
| Required by law? | Movers must offer it | Movers must offer it as an option |
Under released-value protection, a 50-pound television worth $1,500 is covered for just $30 (50 lbs × 60 cents) if it's destroyed — regardless of what it actually cost. That's the gap full-value protection is designed to close.
Third-party moving insurance
Separate from what your mover offers, you can buy moving insurance directly from a third-party insurer, or check whether your homeowners/renters policy has a "belongings in transit" rider. Third-party coverage is worth considering for high-value shipments, since it's independent of the moving company and can sometimes be cheaper than full-value protection through the mover — but always compare what's actually covered, not just the price.
What's usually excluded, regardless of coverage type
- Cash, jewelry, and important documents — these should travel with you, not on the truck, and typically aren't covered even if lost
- Items you packed yourself (in a "PBO" — packed by owner — box), unless the box itself shows visible external damage
- High-value art, antiques, or collectibles beyond a standard per-item cap, unless declared and separately valued in advance
- Damage from inherent defects — an item that was already fragile or improperly assembled before the move
How to decide which coverage you need
For a modest household with mostly ordinary furniture, released-value protection combined with careful packing may be an acceptable risk. For anything with meaningful replacement cost — electronics, furniture you can't easily re-buy, or a shipment where damage claims elsewhere gave you pause (see real damage-claim patterns in our mover reviews) — full-value protection or third-party coverage is worth the added cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is basic moving insurance really free?
Released-value protection is included at no extra cost by federal law — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item, regardless of actual value. A 50-pound TV worth $1,500 would only be covered for $30 if it's damaged.
How much does full-value protection cost?
Typically 1-2% of your shipment's total declared value. For a shipment valued at $50,000, that's roughly $500-$1,000 — but it means damaged or lost items are repaired, replaced, or reimbursed at current value instead of a per-pound formula.
Does my homeowners or renters insurance cover a move?
Sometimes, but usually with real limits — check your policy specifically for 'belongings in transit' coverage, and don't assume it applies. Many policies exclude moves entirely or cap coverage well below full-value protection.
What isn't covered by any standard moving insurance?
High-value items like jewelry, art, antiques, and collectibles typically need to be declared separately and may require additional coverage. Items you packed yourself are also often excluded from damage claims unless the box itself shows external damage.
How do I file a moving insurance claim?
Document damage with photos immediately, note it on the delivery inventory sheet before signing, and file a written claim with the moving company promptly — most have a filing window (often 9 months under federal rules for interstate moves). Keep copies of everything you submit.