Every interstate mover in the US is legally required to offer you at least two levels of coverage for your belongings — and neither one is what most people picture when they hear the word "insurance." Understanding the difference between released liability, declared value, and full-value protection could easily be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars if something goes wrong on moving day.
What does "moving insurance" actually mean?
Here's the first thing we tell every customer: what movers offer is technically called valuation coverage, not insurance. It's a contractual liability limit — the maximum a moving company will pay per pound or per item if your stuff is damaged or lost. True moving insurance is a separate third-party product. The federal government (via FMCSA) mandates that interstate carriers offer both basic and full valuation options; what they charge and how they structure it varies by company.
For a deeper look at how valuation and insurance interact, see our guide to moving valuation vs. insurance coverage.
The 3 coverage types every US mover must know
1. Released liability (basic carrier liability)
What it is: The federal minimum for interstate moves, governed by 49 U.S.C. § 14706 and FMCSA regulations. You pay nothing extra for it — but you get almost nothing in return.
What it pays: $0.60 per pound per article. That's it. A 50-pound flat-screen TV that costs $1,200 to replace? You'd receive $30.
When it applies: Released liability is the default if you don't actively choose a higher level of coverage. Movers are required to have you sign a statement acknowledging you understand and accept it.
Our take: In 35+ years, we've seen customers absolutely gutted when they realize they accepted this. Never take released liability on anything valuable. It exists because it's cheap to offer — not because it protects you.
2. Declared value protection (limited liability)
What it is: A step up from released liability. You declare a total value for your shipment, and the mover's maximum liability is based on that declared amount rather than just weight.
What it pays: Typically calculated as $1.25 per pound multiplied by the total weight of your shipment as a liability cap, unless you declare a higher value. If you declare $20,000 on a 5,000-pound shipment, for example, the carrier's maximum exposure is $20,000 — but settlement for any individual item is still often calculated at depreciated value, not replacement cost.
The catch: Depreciation. A 10-year-old sofa worth $200 at depreciated value may cost $900 to replace. Declared value protection typically reimburses the depreciated figure.
Cost: Usually free or very low cost — some carriers include it at no charge up to a standard declared value threshold. Always ask.
3. Full-value protection (FVP)
What it is: The most comprehensive option a mover can offer. Under FMCSA rules, if an item is lost or damaged under FVP, the mover must either repair the item, replace it with a like item, or pay you the cost of repair or the current market replacement value — whichever is less.
What it pays: Replacement cost or repair cost for damaged/lost items. No depreciation haircut.
Cost: Typically $8–$15 per $1,000 of declared value, though rates vary by carrier and move size. On a $30,000 declared shipment, expect to pay $240–$450 for FVP. Some carriers offer tiered deductibles ($0, $250, $500) — a higher deductible lowers your premium.
FMCSA requirement: Movers must offer FVP on every interstate move. If a company can't explain their FVP option, that's a red flag — review our guide on how movers are licensed and insured to understand what legitimate carriers are required to provide.
Side-by-side comparison
| Coverage Type | What You Pay | How Damage Is Settled | Depreciation Applied? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released Liability | $0 | $0.60/lb per item | N/A | Nothing valuable |
| Declared Value | Low / free | Depreciated value up to declared cap | Yes | Moderate budgets |
| Full-Value Protection | $8–$15 per $1,000 | Repair, replace, or cash at market value | No | Most households |
| Third-party moving insurance | Separate premium | Per policy terms | Depends on policy | High-value items |
Does your homeowners or renters insurance cover a move?
Sometimes — but rarely in full. Many homeowners and renters policies cover belongings in transit at actual cash value (depreciated), and some exclude professional moving scenarios entirely or cap transit coverage at 10% of personal property limits. Call your insurer before moving day and ask specifically: "Does my policy cover items damaged by a professional mover during a move, and what are the limits?" Get the answer in writing.
If you have high-value items — jewelry, art, instruments, antiques — ask your insurer about a scheduled personal property rider. This covers specific items at agreed value, bypassing depreciation entirely.
For specialty items that are especially vulnerable during a move, our guide on how to move art, antiques, and collectibles walks through how professional packing and declared value interact for fragile, high-worth pieces.
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What voids your coverage? The fine print that matters
- Items you packed yourself (PBO — Packed By Owner). Under both declared value and FVP, if you pack a box and the contents break, most carriers won't pay unless there's external damage to the box. Professional packing matters more than people expect.
- Pre-existing damage. Movers document condition at pickup. If a scratch was there before, it stays your problem.
- Prohibited items. Hazardous materials, perishables, plants, and cash are excluded from all carrier liability.
- Acts of God and weather. Flooding, earthquakes, and similar events are typically excluded from carrier valuation coverage — this is where a third-party policy may fill the gap.
If something does go wrong, our step-by-step breakdown of how to file a claim when movers damage your belongings walks you through the exact process and timelines.
How to choose the right coverage for your move
Step 1 — Inventory your shipment. Walk through your home and mentally price what it would cost to replace everything at today's prices. For most 3-bedroom households, replacement cost lands somewhere between $20,000 and $60,000.
Step 2 — Compare that number to released liability. Multiply your shipment weight (estimate 1,000 lbs per room) by $0.60. For a 7,500-lb move that's $4,500 maximum — versus $30,000–$50,000 in actual replacement value. The gap is your risk.
Step 3 — Get the FVP quote. Ask every mover you're considering for a full-value protection quote with a $0 deductible and a $250 deductible. The difference is often small. When you're reading moving quotes, valuation should appear as a line item — if it doesn't, ask why.
Step 4 — Decide on third-party insurance for high-value items. If you have items worth more than $500 individually, consider a standalone policy. Third-party moving insurance (sold separately from the mover) often covers full replacement value, acts of God, and total loss scenarios that carrier valuation excludes.
Step 5 — Document everything before the truck arrives. Photograph every item, especially furniture surfaces, electronics, and fragile pieces. Date-stamp the photos. This is your evidence if you need to file a claim.
Ready to find a mover who clearly explains your coverage options?
Carriers who refuse to discuss valuation or can't provide a written FVP quote are waving a red flag. Use our directory to find movers who are fully vetted, or browse movers by state to compare carriers in your area. You can also read what real customers say about how movers handled damage and claims on our verified mover reviews page.
Our AI moving assistant Robert is available on the site to answer coverage questions, help you compare quotes, and flag anything in a mover's contract that doesn't look right.
Frequently asked questions
Is full-value protection worth the extra cost?
For most households, yes. The premium — typically $240–$450 on a $30,000 shipment — is small compared to the cost of replacing even a single piece of furniture or an appliance. Released liability pays so little ($0.60/lb) that it provides almost no real-world protection.
Can I buy moving insurance separately from the mover?
Yes. Third-party moving insurance is sold by specialty insurers and some travel insurance providers. It often covers scenarios carrier valuation doesn't — acts of God, total truck loss, and full replacement value without depreciation. Always read the exclusions before purchasing.
Does full-value protection cover items I packed myself?
Generally no, if the damage is internal and the box shows no external damage. If the mover drops your PBO box and it's visibly crushed, you likely have a claim. If the box arrives intact but contents are broken, most carriers will deny the claim on the grounds that improper packing caused the damage.
What is the deadline to file a damage claim with a mover?
For interstate moves, FMCSA rules give you 9 months from delivery to file a claim with the carrier. After that, carriers are not required to accept it. File as soon as you discover damage — don't wait.
What's the difference between "declared value" and "declared value protection"?
"Declared value" is the total dollar amount you tell the mover your shipment is worth — it sets the liability ceiling. "Declared value protection" is the coverage option that uses that number to calculate settlements. Some carriers use these terms interchangeably; always ask exactly how individual item claims will be settled.
Do movers have to offer full-value protection on local (intrastate) moves?
FMCSA rules apply to interstate moves only. For local moves within a single state, coverage requirements are set by state law and vary significantly. Some states mirror federal rules; others don't. Ask your carrier directly, and check your state's public utilities commission (PUC) or DOT website for local requirements.
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