Moving company insurance vs valuation

Does the moving company's insurance cover my belongings?

Not by itself. FMCSA distinguishes a mover's business liability insurance, which generally concerns its facilities, vehicles, equipment and employees, from the liability it assumes for your household goods. Interstate movers must offer two valuation levels for loss or damage to a shipment: Full Value Protection and Released Value. Neither valuation level is a separate insurance policy.

This guide concerns interstate household-goods moves. A move entirely within one state can follow different state rules, so do not apply these federal valuation terms to an in-state estimate without checking that state's requirements.

What does Full Value Protection do?

Full Value Protection is the default level unless you choose Released Value. If an item is lost or damaged while in the mover's custody, the mover may repair it, replace it with a similar item, or make a cash settlement for repair or current replacement value. It is not a promise that every claim will be paid at the price you originally paid for an item.

Its charge and any deductible vary by mover. Ask for the plan's written terms and the charge on your estimate. FMCSA also warns that an item worth more than $100 per pound can be treated as an article of extraordinary value; list such items on the shipping documents and ask how the mover's plan handles them.

What does Released Value do?

Released Value carries no additional valuation charge, but limits the mover's liability to no more than $0.60 per pound per article. A lost 10-pound item would therefore have a $6 ceiling under that calculation regardless of what it cost to buy. This is an item-weight limit, not a percentage of your moving estimate or a valuation of the whole shipment.

Choosing Released Value requires a specific signed statement on the bill of lading or contract. Check that choice before signing; a low moving price does not tell you which valuation level applies.

Where does separate insurance fit?

Some movers offer or obtain optional third-party insurance when you choose Released Value. That is a separate purchase and a separate policy, regulated under state insurance law rather than the federal valuation rules. If you buy it through the mover, obtain the policy or other written record at the time of purchase and check its limits and exclusions.

You can also ask an independent insurer about coverage. Before buying another policy, check whether your homeowner's policy already covers goods in transit. Do not treat a mover's business-insurance certificate as proof of either your valuation election or a separate policy for your goods.

What should I compare before booking?

Put the valuation election, Full Value Protection charge and deductible if applicable, and any separate insurance premium and policy in writing beside each estimate. Ask who handles a loss claim and how extraordinary-value items must be declared. These terms can change what two similar-looking moving quotes actually cover; Quote Check compares estimate arithmetic but does not calculate insurance premiums or decide which protection is right for you.

Sources

• How do I insure my belongings during a move?

  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · checked Sep 28, 2026

  Used for: Business liability insurance differs from shipment valuation; the two required interstate choices and optional separate insurance.

• Liability & Protection

  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · checked Sep 28, 2026

  Used for: Default Full Value Protection, Released Value's $0.60-per-pound-per-article limit, signed waiver, charges, and extraordinary-value articles.

• Understanding Valuation and Insurance Options

  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · checked Sep 28, 2026

  Used for: Valuation is not a state-regulated insurance policy; separate insurance is optional and should be documented at purchase.