Is moving insurance required by law?

No. Federal regulations require interstate movers to offer valuation coverage, not insurance. Purchasing separate third-party insurance is always optional, though it is often smart for higher-value shipments.

What happens if I don't sign a valuation form?

If you never select an option in writing, most moving companies automatically apply released value protection, the free tier that pays a small amount per pound rather than an item's real value.

Does homeowners insurance cover a move?

Sometimes, but not always. Some homeowner's and renter's policies extend limited coverage to belongings in transit. Call your insurer before the move to confirm limits and whether you need a separate rider.

Can I get full value protection for items I packed myself?

Usually only in a limited way. Movers typically restrict liability on self-packed boxes unless there is visible external damage to the box itself, since they cannot verify how the contents were packed.

How do I file a claim if something gets damaged during the move?

Document the damage with photos, note it on the delivery inventory before the crew leaves if possible, and submit a written claim to the mover within the timeframe stated in your contract, often nine months for interstate moves.

Moving Insurance vs. Valuation Coverage Explained

Moving insurance and valuation coverage are not the same thing, and mixing them up is how people end up with almost nothing after a mover damages a $2,000 television. Valuation coverage is a liability limit built into your moving contract. Insurance is a separate policy, usually sold by a third party, that pays out like any other claim. If you only read one paragraph of this article, read that one, because it changes what you sign before moving day.

Most people assume "the movers are insured" means their belongings are covered the way a car or a house is covered. They are not, at least not by default. Federal law requires movers to offer valuation, not insurance, and the two protect you in very different amounts and in very different ways.

What Is the Difference Between Moving Insurance and Valuation Coverage?

Valuation coverage is a built-in liability option that determines how much a moving company owes you if it damages or loses your items, and it is regulated but often minimal. Moving insurance is an optional policy, purchased separately, that reimburses you closer to actual replacement cost. One comes from the mover, the other from an insurer.

Valuation is not really insurance in the legal sense, even though people use the words interchangeably. It is a value the mover agrees to be liable for, written into the bill of lading. Because moving companies are not licensed insurers in most states, they cannot legally sell you a true insurance policy. What they offer instead is a choice between two valuation tiers, and neither one is designed to make you fully whole the way a homeowner's or renter's policy would.

How Does Released Value Protection Work?

Released value protection is the free, default option every mover must offer, and it pays out based on weight, not worth. It typically covers about 60 cents per pound per item, regardless of what that item actually cost. A 40-pound television valued at $2,000 would net you around $24 if it is destroyed.

This option exists because it used to be the industry standard decades ago, and regulations never fully retired it. It costs nothing because it protects the mover far more than it protects you. If a crew never asks you to sign anything about valuation, there is a good chance you have been defaulted into released value protection without realizing it.

How Does Full Value Protection Compare?

Full value protection requires the mover to repair, replace, or cash-settle any item they damage or lose at something closer to its current market value. It costs extra, usually a percentage of your shipment's declared value, but it is the only mover-offered option that treats your belongings like they are worth what you paid for them.

Full value protection still lets the mover choose how to resolve a claim. They may repair a scratched dresser instead of replacing it, or offer a cash settlement below what you expected. Read the fine print on deductibles and high-value item declarations (jewelry, art, electronics over a certain dollar threshold often need to be listed separately or they are excluded entirely).

Items Movers Typically Exclude or Cap

Cash, jewelry, and important documents
Items you packed yourself (limited liability applies in most valuation plans)
Plants, pets, and perishables
High-value electronics or art above a stated threshold unless declared in writing

Do You Need Separate Third-Party Moving Insurance?

You need third-party moving insurance when your belongings are worth more than the mover's valuation coverage would replace, which is common for long-distance moves, antiques, or expensive electronics. This coverage is purchased from an independent insurer, not the moving company, and pays out closer to true replacement value with fewer of the mover's built-in exclusions.

Check your homeowner's or renter's policy first. Some policies extend limited coverage to belongings in transit, and it may be cheaper to add a rider than to buy a standalone moving policy. If your policy does not cover a move, or the limits are too low for what you own, a short-term transit policy from a specialty insurer fills that gap. These policies are priced by declared value, so you will need a rough inventory and estimated worth before you get a quote.

How Do You Choose the Right Coverage for Your Move?

Choosing coverage comes down to what you own, how far you are moving, and how much risk you are willing to absorb yourself. A studio apartment move across town with mostly used furniture carries very different stakes than a long-distance move with a home office setup and family heirlooms.

Low-value, short local move: Released value protection is usually adequate since the total exposure is small.
Higher-value household goods, any distance: Full value protection is worth the added cost for the peace of mind and better claims process.
Specialty or high-declared-value items: Add third-party insurance or a homeowner's policy rider on top of full value protection, since movers often cap liability per item regardless of your valuation tier.
Long-distance or interstate moves: Ask specifically how claims are filed and what documentation (photos, inventory lists) the mover requires before the truck loads, since disputes over "pre-existing damage" are common on longer hauls.

Whatever you choose, photograph anything valuable before it goes on the truck. A dated photo is the single most useful piece of evidence in a damage claim, and it costs nothing.

What Should You Ask a Mover About Coverage Before Booking?

Before you book, ask exactly what valuation option is included by default, what full value protection costs for your shipment, and how claims get filed and resolved. A mover who answers clearly and puts the valuation terms in writing on your estimate is doing what a properly licensed, transparent company should do.

If you are still comparing movers, our guide on how to hire a mover and avoid common relocation scams covers the broader vetting process, including licensing checks that matter alongside valuation terms. And if your upcoming move is long distance, coverage questions matter even more since your goods spend more time in transit and change hands more often.

Once you understand what protection you actually have, moving day planning gets simpler. Our moving day tips cover the logistics side, from labeling boxes to confirming arrival windows, so coverage is one less thing to think about when the truck shows up.

If you would rather just get a written estimate that spells out valuation options up front, get a moving quote from our team and we will walk you through the coverage choices before you sign anything.