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Moving creates risk of loss or damage to belongings. Understanding valuation coverage options and the claims process helps ensure adequate protection and fair resolution if problems occur. Movers offer valuation coverage, not insurance. The distinction matters for protection and claims.

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Valuation vs Insurance

Valuation is the mover’s liability for loss or damage. It determines the maximum amount a mover will pay if something goes wrong.Technically not insurance. Governed by federal regulations for interstate moves.
Actual insurance policies can be purchased separately from third-party insurers.
  • More comprehensive coverage
  • Claims paid by insurance company
  • May cover more scenarios
  • Purchased separately from moving contract
Valuation limitations may not provide adequate protection:
  • Limited by weight rather than value
  • Excludes certain items
  • Has deductibles
  • Requires proving mover’s fault
Separate insurance may provide better protection for valuable items.

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Valuation Options

Minimum coverage required for interstate moves.Coverage: 60 cents per pound per itemExample: 50-pound TV worth $1,000 damaged = $30 maximum payoutCost: Usually included in move costProtection level: Minimal. Not recommended for anything valuable.
Mover responsible for replacement value of lost or damaged items.Coverage options:
  • Replacement with similar item
  • Repair of damaged item
  • Cash settlement at current value
Cost: Typically 1-2% of declared shipment valueExample: $50,000 declared value at 1% = $500 for full protectionDeductible: May range from $0 to $500+Protection level: Significantly better than released value.
You declare total shipment value. Mover’s liability limited to declared amount.Important: Declaring lower value to save money means lower payout if claim.Minimum declaration: Usually $6 per pound times shipment weight.
Released value protection (60 cents per pound) provides almost no real protection. A 100-pound dresser worth $2,000 would pay only 60 if destroyed. Always consider full value protection for interstate moves.

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Understanding Full Value Protection

  • Items damaged during move
  • Items lost during move
  • Items destroyed during move
Mover must repair, replace, or pay current market value.
Common exclusions:
  • Items packed by owner (mover may dispute cause)
  • Items with pre-existing damage
  • Mechanical/electrical failure of appliances
  • Items on excluded list (see below)
  • Acts of God in some cases
  • Items not on inventory
High-value items often excluded or limited:
  • Jewelry
  • Cash and coins
  • Important documents
  • Antiques (may require separate appraisal)
  • Artwork
  • Collectibles
  • Furs
  • Firearms
Check policy for specific exclusions and declare high-value items separately.
Full value protection often has deductibles:
  • $0 deductible: Higher premium
  • $250 deductible: Moderate premium
  • $500 deductible: Lower premium
Higher deductible = lower cost but more out-of-pocket per claim.
Full value protection cost based on:
  • Declared value of shipment
  • Deductible chosen
  • Mover’s loss history
  • Item-specific coverage
Typically 1-2% of declared value.

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Third-Party Moving Insurance

Separate insurance makes sense when:
  • Moving very valuable items
  • Mover’s coverage has significant exclusions
  • You want broader protection
  • You’re doing a DIY move
  • Moving antiques, art, or collectibles
Full replacement value: Items replaced at current retail cost.Actual cash value: Depreciated value of items.Total loss: Pays declared value if entire shipment lost.Pairs and sets: Coverage if one piece of set is damaged.
Companies offering moving insurance:
  • MovingInsurance.com
  • Bakers Insurance
  • Relocation Insurance Group
  • Some homeowners insurance riders
Compare coverage, exclusions, and claims processes.
Third-party insurance typically:
  • 1-5% of coverage amount
  • Varies by provider and coverage type
  • May have minimum premiums
Compare to mover’s full value protection cost.

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Before the Move

Create evidence of condition before move:
  • Photograph all valuable items
  • Video walkthrough of belongings
  • Document serial numbers
  • Note any pre-existing damage
  • Keep receipts for valuable items
Documentation essential for claims.
Detailed list of everything being moved:
  • Item description
  • Condition
  • Approximate value
  • Location (which room)
Compare to mover’s inventory at delivery.
Items worth more than $100 per pound should be declared separately.
  • Jewelry
  • Electronics
  • Artwork
  • Collectibles
  • Antiques
Undeclared items may not be fully covered.
Before signing:
  • Understand valuation type
  • Know deductible amount
  • Review exclusions
  • Ask about claims process
  • Get coverage in writing
Items you pack yourself may have limited coverage. Movers can claim damage resulted from improper packing. Consider having movers pack valuable or fragile items for better claim protection.

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At Delivery

Before signing delivery receipt:
  • Check all items against inventory
  • Note missing items
  • Inspect furniture for damage
  • Open boxes with visible damage
  • Note all damage on paperwork
Signing without exceptions may limit claims.
If damage found:
  • Photograph damaged items
  • Note on delivery receipt
  • Keep damaged items
  • Don’t repair or dispose
  • Note inventory number
Write exceptions on delivery paperwork:
  • “Received with damage: [description]”
  • “Missing: [item description]”
  • “Unable to inspect all boxes at delivery”
Be specific and complete.

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Filing Claims

For interstate moves:
  • Written claim deadline: 9 months from delivery
  • Mover response deadline: 30 days to acknowledge
  • Mover settlement deadline: 120 days to offer settlement
File promptly. Don’t wait until deadline.
Claims should include:
  • Written claim form (from mover)
  • Photos of damage
  • Copy of inventory with notations
  • Copy of bill of lading
  • Proof of value (receipts, appraisals)
  • Repair estimates if applicable
  • Description of damage
  1. Request claim form from mover
  2. Complete form with all details
  3. Include documentation
  4. Submit via certified mail (keep proof)
  5. Mover acknowledges within 30 days
  6. Mover investigates
  7. Settlement offer within 120 days
  8. Accept, negotiate, or dispute
Mover may offer:
  • Repair of damaged item
  • Replacement with similar item
  • Cash payment
  • Partial settlement
You don’t have to accept first offer.
Options if settlement is unsatisfactory:
  • Negotiate with mover
  • Request arbitration (required for interstate movers)
  • File complaint with FMCSA
  • Small claims court (for smaller amounts)
  • Legal action (for larger amounts)

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Dispute Resolution

Interstate movers must offer arbitration:
  • Neutral third party decides dispute
  • Binding or non-binding options
  • Usually faster than court
  • Lower cost than litigation
May be required before other legal action.
File complaints with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:
  • Documents mover’s complaint history
  • May prompt mover to settle
  • Can result in enforcement action
  • Doesn’t directly recover your money
File at: nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov
For smaller disputes:
  • Limits vary by state (typically $5,000 - $15,000)
  • Lower cost than regular court
  • No attorney required
  • Faster resolution
Must sue in correct jurisdiction.

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Protecting Specific Items

  • Back up data before move
  • Original packaging ideal
  • Photograph serial numbers and condition
  • Consider removing hard drives
  • Keep with you if highly valuable
  • Get appraisals before move
  • Consider specialty art movers
  • Custom crating recommended
  • Third-party insurance for high value
  • Declare specifically on inventory
  • Don’t ship with mover
  • Keep with you during move
  • If must ship, declare separately
  • Consider separate insurance
  • Photograph everything
  • Never ship irreplaceable documents
  • Take with you
  • Make copies of critical papers
  • Use fireproof bag or box
  • Keep with you throughout move

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