Moving Insurance & Valuation Explained (2026 Costs)
Movers must include “released value” protection free — but it pays only 60 cents per pound per item, so a destroyed 60-lb, $1,500 TV nets you $36. Full value protection, costing roughly 1% to 3% of your shipment’s declared value, requires the mover to repair, replace, or pay current value.
Coverage is the single most misunderstood part of hiring movers, and the gap between the two options can be thousands of dollars. Here’s exactly how valuation works in 2026, what’s excluded, and how to file a claim that gets paid.
What’s the Difference Between Released Value and Full Value Protection?
“Valuation” is the mover’s contractual liability level — not a true insurance policy. Under federal rules administered by the FMCSA, interstate movers must offer you both of these options:
| Coverage | Cost | What a Damaged 60-lb TV Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Released value (basic) | Free (required by law) | $36 ($0.60/lb × 60 lbs) |
| Full value protection (FVP) | ~1 – 3% of declared value | Repair, replace, or current cash value |
| Third-party moving insurance | ~1 – 5% of insured value | Per the policy you buy |
The math makes the choice obvious for most households. A typical 7,000-lb shipment declared at $50,000 might cost $500–$1,000 to cover with FVP — versus released value paying a maximum of $4,200 total and pennies on any individual valuable item. Note that under FVP, movers may limit liability for items of extraordinary value (over $100 per pound) unless you list them — more on that below. Budget for coverage as part of your overall moving cost, especially on a long-distance move where everything rides on one truck for days.
What Are FMCSA’s Valuation Rules for Interstate Moves?
Federal law gives interstate customers specific rights:
- Both options must be offered. A mover who only mentions the free coverage is violating the rules.
- FVP is the default. You get full value protection unless you affirmatively waive it in writing and select released value.
- Written disclosure is required. The mover must provide the FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, available via Protect Your Move.
- Intrastate (within one state) moves follow state rules, which usually mirror this structure — check your state’s regulator.
Should You Buy Third-Party Moving Insurance?
Separate transit insurance from an independent insurer can make sense when:
- You chose released value but want real coverage anyway (the combination is often cheaper than FVP for low-weight, high-value shipments).
- You’re moving fine art, collections, or instruments like a piano whose value far exceeds standard limits.
- You want coverage for perils movers’ valuation excludes (e.g., some natural disasters in storage).
Also check whether your homeowners or renters policy covers goods in transit — many provide partial coverage. The FTC’s consumer guidance recommends confirming all coverage in writing before move day, not after a loss.
What Does Moving Valuation NOT Cover?
The exclusions catch people off guard:
- Boxes you packed yourself (PBO — “packed by owner”): Movers generally aren’t liable for damage inside cartons they didn’t pack unless there’s visible external damage. If it’s fragile and valuable, let the pros pack it.
- Cash, jewelry, documents, and medications: Excluded or capped — transport these yourself.
- Items of extraordinary value: Anything worth more than $100/lb (jewelry, watches, furs, fine art) must be declared on a high-value inventory form before loading, or the mover’s liability is limited.
- Perishables, plants, and hazardous materials.
- Damage you don’t note at delivery becomes much harder to claim — inspect before the crew leaves.
How Do You File a Moving Damage Claim?
- Note damage on the delivery inventory before signing, with photos.
- File a written claim with the mover. For interstate moves you have 9 months from delivery under federal rules — but file immediately while evidence is fresh.
- The mover must acknowledge within 30 days and pay, deny, or make an offer within 120 days.
- Escalate if stonewalled: complaints go to the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database via Protect Your Move; disputes can also go to arbitration, which interstate movers must offer. The escalation playbook in our scammed-by-a-contractor guide applies to movers, too.
How to Protect Yourself Before the Truck Arrives
- Photograph and video everything valuable, including serial numbers.
- Complete the high-value inventory form for anything over $100/lb.
- Get the valuation election in writing on the estimate and bill of lading.
- Verify the mover — registration, complaint history, and ProMover certification via moving.org — using our questions to ask a moving company checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moving insurance required? Movers must include free released-value protection ($0.60/lb), and interstate movers must also offer full value protection. Buying more coverage is optional but wise for valuable shipments.
How much does full value protection cost? Typically about 1–3% of your shipment’s declared value — for example, $500–$1,500 on a $50,000 declaration, varying by mover and deductible.
What does released value protection actually pay? $0.60 per pound per item. A 60-lb TV pays $36; a 10-lb laptop pays $6 — regardless of what the items are worth.
How long do I have to file a moving damage claim? Nine months from delivery for interstate moves under federal rules. File in writing immediately; the mover must acknowledge within 30 days and resolve within 120.
Are boxes I packed myself covered? Usually not for internal damage, unless the carton shows external damage. Have movers pack anything fragile and valuable if you want it covered.
Last updated: June 2026. Valuation rules per the FMCSA’s valuation and insurance guidance and Protect Your Move program; consumer guidance from the FTC; industry standards via moving.org. Cost ranges are national averages. Confirm coverage details with your mover and insurer.