Making a long-distance move is a big adventure, but it can also be stressful — especially when you’re concerned about your belongings traveling safely. If you’ve ever wondered, “What if something gets lost or damaged?” you’re not alone. But with the right valuation coverage and insurance, you can move with confidence. This post is a valuation and moving insurance guide to help you understand the risks, explore your options, and make informed choices so you can focus on the excitement of your new beginning instead of feeling worried.
Understanding the Risks of a Long-Distance Move
No move is without risks. From bumpy roads to unexpected weather, sometimes damage occurs when items are traveling hundreds — or even thousands — of miles. The federal government requires licensed moving companies to protect your belongings with valuation coverage. On top of valuation coverage, some people also get third-party insurance.
Here are a few reasons why:
- Accidents can happen during loading, unloading, or transit.
- Standard coverage may not fully protect valuable or sentimental items.
- Additional insurance can help some customers feel more confident when moving high-value or very sentimental items.
A great mover (like Central) takes every precaution to ensure every move is handled with care. We’ve got the training, equipment, and liability coverage to make sure you’re covered in case of the unexpected.
Types of Moving Insurance Coverage
It’s important to distinguish — valuation coverage isn’t the same as insurance. Like we mentioned earlier in this moving insurance guide, movers offer valuation coverage. Valuation coverage and insurance are two separate legal processes with different policy terms. With valuation coverage, you aren’t required to prove that the mover was negligent. The mover is responsible for your claims (within certain limits).
Movers offer two levels of valuation protection: released and full-value. Let’s talk about the differences between the two.
Released Value Protection
Released value protection is the most basic option, included at no extra cost by your moving company.
- What does it cover?
About $0.60 per pound per item, which means a $1,000 TV weighing 50 lbs is covered for just $30. - Is it enough?
For basic moves, it might be. But if you have high-value items, released value coverage might not be enough.
If you’re wondering if released value coverage is right for your move, talk with your moving company. We’re here to answer your questions and make sure you have the right coverage for your move.
Full-Value Protection
Next in our moving insurance guide, let’s talk about the second level of coverage offered by licensed movers: full-value protection. Under this level of value protection, items are covered at their current replacement value. If the unexpected occurs, the mover will either repair the item, replace it, or compensate you at its current market value (this is subject to certain conditions).
- What is full-value protection?
It’s a more comprehensive plan that covers the repair, replacement, or reimbursement of items that are lost or damaged. - What does it cost?
It’s pricier than released value coverage but can offer extra peace of mind. - Why choose it?
You’re protected for the actual, current market value of your belongings, not just their weight.
Third-Party Moving Insurance
Some moving companies offer extra, third-party insurance in addition to the required valuation coverage. Costs and levels of this separate coverage vary depending on the state and the company.
- What is it?
You can buy supplementary insurance from independent providers, especially if you have high-value or irreplaceable items. - Why consider it?
Additional insurance offers extra protection beyond what your moving company provides. It is sometimes required for items like fine art, jewelry, or collectibles.
If you have questions about additional insurance that we didn’t address in this moving insurance guide, talk with your mover. We can help you get the service you need.
What’s Typically Covered (And What’s Not)
With either valuation coverage or additional insurance, it’s important to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Generally, here are some guidelines.
Typically Covered:
- Loss, theft, or damage during transit
- Accidents involving the moving truck
Not Covered:
- Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, etc.)
- Items you pack yourself (unless professionally packed)
- High-value items (unless you specifically declare them)
Before the moving company begins loading your cargo, you can decide to increase your coverage from released to full-value.
Steps To Choose the Right Insurance
In this moving insurance guide, we’ve discussed why valuation coverage and insurance are important, as well as the differences between the two. But how do you decide which level of coverage is right for your move?
- Assess the value of your belongings.
Make a list of what you’re moving and estimate replacement costs — don’t forget sentimental items! - Review your moving company’s default coverage.
Don’t assume you’re fully covered; ask for specifics. A reputable company will answer your questions and make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not. - Read the fine print and ask questions.
What’s covered? What’s excluded? What’s the deductible for your third-party insurance? Make sure you’ve got all the answers you need. - Get everything in writing.
Insist on a written copy of your coverage details for your records. Be cautious of moving brokers or unlicensed movers who won’t provide you with written information.
If you need protection beyond your mover’s value coverage, ask them about third-party insurance options.
Moving Insurance Guide: Tips To Protect Your Move
Valuation coverage and insurance are important. But protecting your belongings goes beyond insurance. Here are other ways you can protect your move from start to finish:
- Create a home inventory.
Take photos or videos of your belongings before packing. This makes filing a claim easier if something goes wrong. - Consider professional packing services.
Even if you’ve got the best movers, incorrectly packing your boxes can lead to damage. Many moving companies offer packing services to make sure your items are correctly packed and protected — and it might even cost less than you’d expect! - Keep valuables with you.
Items like jewelry, important documents, or family heirlooms should travel with you — not in the moving truck. - Check your other insurance policies.
Sometimes, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance offers limited coverage for moves; ask your agent to be sure.
Common Insurance Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to coverage, don’t get caught off guard. Next in our moving insurance guide, let’s discuss common pitfalls to avoid:
- Assuming full-value coverage is automatic
It’s not — always confirm what’s included in your contract. A quality mover will make sure to offer you both options. - Not declaring high-value items
If you pack grandma’s diamond ring in a box without declaring it, it might not be covered in case of loss. - Skipping documentation
Without an inventory and proof of value, insurance claims might be denied or delayed. A reputable mover will create an inventory to document items loaded into the truck.
At the end of the day, it’s important for you to know that your items are covered and your moving partner will handle your move with care.
Making Sure You’ve Got the Coverage To Feel Confident
Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about your items arriving safely at your new home. It’s important that you understand your options and feel confident that you’ve got the right coverage for your move. A quality moving company will make sure you’re set up for a successful, low-stress move — without worries about coverage. Here at Central, we believe that you deserve to feel secure every step of the way. When in doubt, ask questions and double-check the details. We’re here to answer your questions!
CTA: Questions about valuation coverage options? Contact Central today to get the answers you need!