Every licensed US interstate mover is legally required to offer you at least two levels of valuation protection before your move. The default — released value protection — costs nothing but pays almost nothing: 60 cents per pound per item. Full-value protection costs more (typically $100–$500 for a household move) but requires the mover to repair, replace, or pay current market value for anything damaged. Understanding the difference before you sign is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your belongings.
What "moving insurance" actually is (and what it isn't)
Technically, what movers sell is valuation coverage, not insurance. Insurance is regulated by state departments of insurance; valuation is regulated by the FMCSA for interstate moves and by state public utility commissions for local moves. The practical difference: your mover's valuation coverage is built into your contract with them. A separate third-party moving insurance policy, purchased from an independent insurer, is true insurance — and it sits outside your moving contract entirely.
When something gets damaged, which coverage pays matters enormously. We've seen customers assume they were fully covered, then discover a 60-cent-per-pound payout on a shattered 65-inch TV that weighed 55 lbs — a check for $33.
The two valuation options every interstate mover must offer
Under FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Part 375), all interstate household goods carriers must offer both of the following:
Option 1: Released value protection (the free default)
- Cost: $0 — but you must sign a waiver acknowledging you chose it
- Payout: $0.60 per pound per article
- Example: A 30-lb box of dishes breaks → you receive $18, regardless of what the dishes were worth
- Who it's for: Anyone moving items of very low resale value, or someone who has a homeowner's or renter's policy that covers moves (confirm with your insurer first)
Option 2: Full-value protection
- Cost: Varies by carrier, but typically $100–$500 for a 3-bedroom home; often calculated as a percentage of declared value (commonly 1%–2% of total declared value, with a minimum declared value of $6 per pound of shipment weight)
- Payout: The mover must repair the item, replace it with a like item, or pay you the cost of repair or replacement — whichever is less
- Deductibles: Many carriers offer deductible options ($0, $250, $500) that reduce your premium
- Who it's for: Anyone moving electronics, furniture, art, or anything that cost real money
For a local move within a single state, the rules vary — your state's PUC sets the minimums. Most states mirror the federal framework, but confirm with your mover.
Released value vs. full-value protection: a side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Released Value | Full-Value Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to you | $0 | ~$100–$500+ (varies by carrier) |
| Liability basis | $0.60/lb/item | Repair, replace, or market value |
| 50-lb TV damaged | ~$30 payout | Repair or replacement cost |
| Deductible options | None (flat rate) | $0 / $250 / $500 typically |
| Best for | Low-value goods | Electronics, furniture, valuables |
| FMCSA required? | Yes (must offer) | Yes (must offer) |
Should you buy third-party moving insurance instead?
Third-party moving insurance — offered by companies like Baker International, MoveInsure, or similar specialty insurers — fills gaps that neither released value nor full-value protection covers. Key reasons people buy it:
- Full-value protection has exclusions. Most carriers exclude items you packed yourself (PBO — packed by owner), items in poor condition prior to the move, and items of "extraordinary value" (jewelry, art, collectibles) unless separately declared and listed.
- Total loss scenarios. If a moving truck is in a serious accident, third-party insurance may provide broader coverage than the carrier's valuation.
- Homeowner's/renter's policies. Many standard policies cover belongings "in transit" — but often only for named perils (fire, theft) and not for mover negligence. Call your insurer and ask specifically: "Do you cover breakage caused by a mover during transport?" Get the answer in writing.
Third-party moving insurance typically costs 1%–3% of the total insured value and can be purchased up to the day before your move through specialty providers.
Before you pay for anything extra, read our guide to moving valuation vs. insurance coverage — it maps out exactly how the two systems interact.
What movers can and cannot exclude from full-value protection
Even with full-value protection, movers can limit liability in specific circumstances. Under FMCSA rules, they may:
- Exclude PBO (packed-by-owner) boxes — if you packed it, they often aren't liable for internal breakage unless there's external damage to the box
- Exclude items of "extraordinary value" — defined by most carriers as items worth more than $100 per pound (jewelry, fine art, collectibles) unless you list them on a High-Value Inventory form before the move
- Apply a deductible — if you chose a deductible option to reduce your premium
What they cannot do: Limit their liability below the full-value standard without your written consent. If you didn't sign a waiver opting into released value, they owe you full-value protection by default on interstate moves.
If you're worried about what movers are and aren't allowed to disclaim, our breakdown of what FMCSA rules require movers to tell you covers the legal framework in plain language.
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How to file a damage claim: step by step
We've helped customers navigate claims for everything from scratched hardwood floors to totaled grandfather clocks. Here's what actually works:
- Document everything before the move. Photograph every item of value — open drawers, photograph electronics screens powered on, note existing scratches. This is your baseline.
- Note damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery. Before you sign the delivery receipt, walk through every room. Write "damaged — [description]" next to any item on the inventory sheet. Signing without noting damage weakens your claim significantly.
- Photograph damage immediately. Date-stamped photos taken at delivery carry more weight than photos taken days later.
- File your claim in writing within the required window. For interstate moves, FMCSA regulations give you 9 months from delivery to file a written claim with the carrier. The carrier then has 30 days to acknowledge receipt and 120 days to resolve the claim or deny it. Missing the 9-month window typically forfeits your right to claim.
- Get repair estimates. For furniture, electronics, or art, an independent repair estimate from a qualified professional strengthens your claim considerably.
- Escalate if denied. If your claim is denied and you believe it shouldn't be, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA at fmcsa.dot.gov or pursue arbitration — which interstate carriers are required to offer under 49 CFR Part 375.
For a deeper walkthrough of the claims process, see our post on how to file a claim when movers damage or lose your stuff.
What items to declare separately (and why it matters)
If you own anything that qualifies as "extraordinary value" — typically items worth more than $100 per pound, or high-value items generally — you must list them on a separate High-Value Inventory form before your move. If you don't, full-value protection may still cap the carrier's liability at the item's per-pound weight value.
Items that commonly require separate declaration:
- Fine jewelry and watches
- Original artwork and antiques
- Collectibles (coins, stamps, wine)
- High-end cameras, instruments, and electronics
- Family heirlooms with documented appraisal values
If you're moving a particularly valuable collection, it may be worth reading our guide on moving art, antiques, and collectibles — packing and handling choices there are as important as the coverage you carry.
Finding a mover whose valuation terms are transparent
The best protection starts with hiring a mover who explains valuation options clearly before you sign — not after the truck is loaded. When you're comparing movers, ask each one to put their full-value protection rate and exclusions in writing on the quote. If they can't, that's a red flag.
You can browse licensed, vetted movers in our directory, or search by state to find carriers in your area who are FMCSA-registered and have verifiable track records on verified mover reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Does my homeowner's or renter's insurance cover moving damage?
Sometimes — but usually not for breakage caused by a mover's negligence. Most standard policies cover belongings in transit for named perils like fire or theft, not for items dropped or broken during the move itself. Call your insurer and ask specifically about mover-caused damage before your move date. Get the answer in writing.
What is the 9-month rule for moving claims?
Under FMCSA regulations governing interstate moves, you have 9 months from the date of delivery to file a written damage or loss claim with your carrier. After 9 months, you typically lose the right to claim, regardless of the damage. For local (intrastate) moves, your state's rules apply — many mirror the 9-month federal standard, but confirm with your mover.
Can a mover refuse to pay a claim if I packed the boxes myself?
Yes, in most cases — if you packed a box yourself (called a PBO box) and the box shows no external damage, most carriers will deny liability for broken contents inside it. If you want full-value protection to apply to PBO boxes, ask your carrier about their specific PBO policy before the move. Having movers pack valuable or fragile items is the cleanest way to preserve your claim rights.
How much does full-value protection typically cost?
Most interstate carriers calculate full-value protection as a percentage of your shipment's declared value, commonly around 1%–2%, with deductible options that can reduce the premium. For a household move with a declared value of $30,000, expect to pay roughly $300–$600 before deductibles. Rates and deductibles vary by carrier — always ask for the written rate schedule before you agree.
What happens if a mover denies my claim unfairly?
If your claim is denied and you believe the denial is wrong, you have two main options: (1) pursue arbitration, which all licensed interstate carriers are federally required to offer under 49 CFR Part 375, or (2) file a complaint with the FMCSA at fmcsa.dot.gov. In cases of significant loss, consulting a consumer protection attorney who handles freight claims is also worth considering.
Is third-party moving insurance worth it?
It depends on what you're moving. If you have high-value electronics, fine art, jewelry, or antiques — especially items you plan to pack yourself — third-party insurance often fills the gaps that carrier valuation leaves open. For a modest household of everyday furniture and goods, full-value protection through your carrier is usually sufficient if the declared value is set correctly.
Have questions about coverage before your move? Browse movers in our directory and connect with Robert, our AI moving agent, who can help you compare quotes, understand your valuation options, and find a carrier that's the right fit.
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