{"id":2817,"date":"2023-12-15T17:13:07","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T17:13:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssdcmoving.local\/?p=2817"},"modified":"2026-02-09T21:52:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T21:52:19","slug":"moving-insurance-benefits-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selfstorage.com\/blog\/moving-insurance-benefits-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Essential Guide to Moving Insurance: Types and Advantages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Moving is expensive, time-consuming, and risky if you don\u2019t plan ahead. From DIY moves down the street to professional movers<\/a> relocating you across the country, there are plenty of opportunities for your belongings to get damaged in transit. Luckily, it\u2019s easier than ever to take out a moving insurance policy and protect your investments in case your things don\u2019t come out of the box in the shape they went in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll help you make sense of what moving insurance is and why it matters. We\u2019ll go over the different options available and answer some frequently asked questions so you\u2019re ready to navigate insurance providers and find the right policy for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is moving insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Definition<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Moving insurance is a specific type of short-term insurance coverage that a customer takes out when moving. If any covered items are lost, damaged, or stolen in transit from one location to another, this type of policy will financially compensate the client to cover their losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few frequently asked questions about moving insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What moving insurance is available through my moving company?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, federal law states that movers going from one state to another must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage. These options are released value protection<\/strong>, a basic liability policy that doesn\u2019t cost you anything extra but only provides limited compensation for damaged items, and full value protection<\/strong>, a liability option that costs extra but holds the moving company fully responsible for anything damaged or lost in transit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, keep in mind that these options are only required if you\u2019re moving across state lines. <\/a>Moving to another place in the same state means the company doesn\u2019t have to offer you these options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FMCSA has a \u201cYour Rights and Responsibilities When You Move\u201d<\/a> booklet (movers are required to provide a copy when you move) that has more detailed information on the types of coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What types of valuation protection can I get through moving companies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Released value protection<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Released value protection is a basic option provided by moving companies<\/a> at no additional cost to you. Under this coverage, the moving company assumes liability for your belongings at a predetermined rate, which is no more than 60 cents per pound per item. This means you\u2019ll only receive a small amount of money in compensation for broken items; for example, a 25-pound television valued at hundreds of dollars will only be covered for $15 (25 pounds x 60 cents).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not very worried about the value of your items and you\u2019d rather not pay any extra, consider signing up for released value protection. You\u2019ll need to specifically request it when signing your documents, as most moving companies default to full value protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full value protection<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under this valuation coverage, you\u2019ll pay an extra cost in exchange for the moving company taking responsibility for any repair or replacement costs of any lost or damaged items, up to the declared value of your entire shipment. If an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed during the move, the moving company may choose to repair the item, replace it with a similar item, or provide a cash settlement for the current market value of the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some high-value items may not be covered under these policies\u2019 terms and conditions. For example, movers are allowed to limit their legal responsibility to loss or damage to items of \u201cextraordinary value\u201d (items valued at more than $100 per pound, such as jewelry, china, or furs). If you specifically list these items on the shipping documents, they are still responsible for the safe delivery. Ask for a written explanation of any limitations before you move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is valuation the same thing as insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it covers many of the same bases, valuation is not<\/strong> the same as insurance. Moving company <\/a>valuation policies are more limited than insurance policies, and full value protection only covers up to the amount of money you\u2019ve valued your belongings at. For extra protection, consider taking out a third-party policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does my homeowners or renters policy cover my items in transit?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes. Generally speaking, homeowners or renters insurance policies do not cover your belongings in a move; once the items are considered \u201cin transit\u201d, they\u2019ll only be covered by specific moving insurance. However, some policies provide limited protection for items in transit, so check with your agent to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that homeowners or renters insurance does provide coverage if a moving company <\/a>damages your items while they\u2019re packing them at your old home. Once they\u2019re on the truck and in motion, you\u2019ll need moving insurance to continue covering them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I buy supplemental insurance to better protect my belongings through the moving company?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t buy supplemental insurance through a moving company<\/a>, as they aren\u2019t authorized to sell insurance. However, it\u2019s easy to get coverage through a third party if you want to make up the difference between the federally required valuation protection the moving company provides and the value you place on your items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a customer might choose released value protection through the moving company to cut costs, then take out a moving insurance policy through their main insurance provider to cover any damages or high-value items the moving company won\u2019t cover under full value protection. You can also take out these policies in higher amounts if you need the extra compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I choose the best moving insurance option for me?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no way to know or plan for accidents and mishaps during a move, and different insurance and valuation options will suit different moving needs. If you\u2019re ready to start shopping for coverage, the following questions will help you estimate the value of your belongings and find the coverage you need at the best price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I value my household goods?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re purchasing full value protection or taking out a third-party policy, you\u2019ll need to estimate how much your belongings are worth before you do anything. Make a detailed inventory list of everything you\u2019re moving<\/a> and do a little research to estimate the value of each item, then add them all together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What doesn\u2019t valuation protection cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Valuation only covers mistakes or accidents that licensed movers at the company make, meaning it isn\u2019t going to cover things like natural disasters<\/a> (earthquakes, fires, floods, etc.) or anything else out of the movers\u2019 control. To get around liability limits or get natural disaster coverage, try taking out a third-party policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does full value protection work if one of my items is damaged during the move?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the moving company damages one of your items, they\u2019re liable for the current market value of the item. They will do one of the following as a solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n