Every interstate mover in the US is required by federal law to offer you two levels of liability coverage — and the one that's free is almost worthless. Released Value Protection costs you nothing and pays roughly $0.60 per pound if something breaks, meaning a smashed 10-pound laptop nets you $6. Full Value Protection costs extra but requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse the current market value of damaged or lost items. Knowing the difference before you sign the bill of lading is one of the single most important decisions you'll make in any move.
What is moving valuation — and is it the same as insurance?
No, and this mix-up costs customers money every year. Valuation is not insurance. It is the level of liability the moving company accepts under federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Moving companies are not insurance companies and cannot legally sell you an insurance policy — but they can offer valuation, and third-party insurers can sell you a separate moving insurance policy.
- Valuation = the mover's legal liability for your goods, governed by FMCSA rules (49 CFR Part 375 for household goods movers).
- Moving insurance = a separate policy from a third-party insurer that may cover gaps left by valuation.
For a deeper dive into the coverage distinction, see our guide on what moving insurance actually covers and the three coverage types explained.
What are the two federally required valuation options?
All FMCSA-licensed interstate movers must offer both of the following. Many state-regulated intrastate movers follow similar rules — confirm with your state's DOT or PUC.
| Option | Cost to You | What the Mover Owes You | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Released Value Protection | $0 | $0.60 per pound per article | Bare minimum; not recommended for anything valuable |
| Full Value Protection (FVP) | Varies (typically $50–$150+ depending on declared value and deductible) | Repair, replace, or cash settlement at current market value | Anyone moving items worth more than a few hundred dollars |
Released Value Protection: the "free" option that barely covers anything
Released Value is the default if you don't make an explicit written election on your paperwork. It satisfies the federal requirement but sets the mover's maximum liability at $0.60 per pound per article. A 50-pound flat-screen TV? $30. A 5-pound heirloom vase? $3. We've seen customers receive checks for less than $20 on items that cost hundreds to replace, and there's nothing they could do — they signed for Released Value without realizing it.
You must waive Full Value Protection in writing for Released Value to apply (49 CFR 375.151). If no written election is on file, the mover is typically required to provide FVP.
Full Value Protection: what "actual coverage" looks like
Under FVP, if the mover loses or damages an item, they must:
- Repair the item to its condition before the move, or
- Replace it with an item of like kind and quality, or
- Make a cash settlement for the cost of repair or the current market replacement value.
The mover sets the declared value of your shipment — and the higher you declare, the more protection you have. FMCSA rules require a minimum declared value of $6 per pound times the total shipment weight for FVP. So a 10,000-lb shipment carries a minimum declared value of $60,000.
You can declare a higher value if your goods are worth more (and you should). Most movers charge $5–$10 per $1,000 of declared value for FVP, though this varies by company and deductible level you choose.
How do deductibles work with Full Value Protection?
Like a car insurance policy, you can often choose a deductible — typically $0, $250, $500, or more. Higher deductibles lower your FVP premium. A $0 deductible means the mover pays from dollar one; a $500 deductible means you absorb the first $500 in damage per claim.
Example: A mover damages a $1,200 dining table. Under:
- Released Value (50 lbs × $0.60) = $30 payout
- FVP with $250 deductible = $950 payout
- FVP with $0 deductible = $1,200 payout (repair or replacement)
Does Full Value Protection cover everything?
Not automatically. There are important exclusions to understand before you assume you're fully covered.
Common FVP exclusions include:
- Items you pack yourself (often called "PBO" — Packed By Owner). If you pack the box and the contents are damaged without external damage to the box, the mover typically won't pay.
- Items of "extraordinary value" — jewelry, artwork, collectibles, antiques, currency, and documents — unless you specifically list them on a High-Value Inventory form before the move. FMCSA requires movers to notify you of this requirement in the written estimate.
- Mechanical or electrical derangement of electronics not caused by external visible damage.
- Pre-existing damage or normal wear and tear.
This is why, for anything truly irreplaceable, we also recommend looking at third-party moving insurance — especially for high-value or fragile items. Our post on how to protect your belongings during a move covers wrapping, padding, and what movers most often miss.
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How to elect your valuation coverage: a step-by-step process
- Before booking: Ask every mover what they charge for Full Value Protection at your shipment's estimated weight and your preferred deductible level. Compare this cost like any other line item.
- Get it in writing on the estimate: Your binding or non-binding estimate should show the declared value and FVP cost clearly.
- List high-value items: Complete the High-Value Inventory form if any single item is worth more than $100 per pound (e.g., a 5-lb necklace worth $2,000 exceeds that threshold; it should be listed separately).
- Review the bill of lading on moving day: This is your contract. The valuation election must appear on it. Do not sign until it matches what you agreed to.
- Photograph everything before loading: Date-stamped photos are your best evidence if you need to file a claim later.
- Keep copies: The mover is required to give you a copy of the bill of lading and the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet (a federal requirement under 49 CFR 375.213).
Should I buy separate third-party moving insurance too?
In many cases, yes — especially for long-distance moves, high-value shipments, or if you're packing your own boxes (which voids most FVP claims). Third-party policies can cover:
- Full replacement value with no per-pound limitations
- Items excluded from FVP (PBO boxes, electronics)
- Storage-in-transit periods
Policies typically run 1–3% of the total declared value of your goods. On a $30,000 shipment, that's $300–$900 — often worthwhile for peace of mind.
To understand what standard mover liability actually means in practice, check what FMCSA rules require movers to tell you.
What if the mover damages something — how do you file?
You have 9 months from delivery to file a written damage claim with the mover under federal rules. The mover then has 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to resolve the claim (or deny it with a reason). If they deny or underpay, you can pursue arbitration — most FMCSA-registered movers are required to offer a neutral arbitration program for claims under a specific threshold.
Document the damage before the movers leave if at all possible. Note any damage on the delivery receipt. If you need to navigate this process, our guide on how to file a claim when movers damage or lose your stuff walks through every step.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay extra for Full Value Protection?
Yes, in most cases. FVP typically costs $50–$150 or more depending on your shipment's declared value and the deductible you choose. Released Value is free but pays only $0.60 per pound per item — far below the replacement cost of most household goods.
What happens if I don't choose any valuation option?
Under FMCSA rules, if you don't make a written election waiving Full Value Protection, the mover is generally required to provide FVP at no charge. However, in practice, the paperwork on moving day is often rushed — read everything before you sign and confirm which option is selected.
Does valuation cover items I pack myself?
Typically no. If you pack a box yourself and the contents are damaged without visible external damage to the box, most movers will deny the claim. To maintain FVP coverage on fragile or valuable items, either let the movers pack those boxes or document the condition of items thoroughly before loading.
Is Full Value Protection the same at every moving company?
No. The federal minimum is a floor, not a standard. Each mover sets its own FVP pricing, deductible options, and exclusions within the rules. Always ask for the full FVP terms in writing before booking, and compare them across the companies you're considering when you find movers or browse movers by state.
Does valuation cover my move if something is stolen?
FVP typically covers loss as well as damage — meaning if an item goes missing between pickup and delivery and is on the inventory, you can file a claim. Keep a detailed inventory list and confirm each item at delivery. Don't sign the delivery receipt as "all items received in good condition" if you haven't checked every box.
What is a High-Value Inventory form and do I need one?
A High-Value Inventory form is a document where you list items worth more than $100 per pound. Examples include jewelry, fine art, antiques, collectibles, and certain electronics. Without this form, your recovery on extraordinary-value items is capped under most FVP policies. Ask your mover for it at the estimate stage — they're federally required to give you the opportunity to complete one.
Moving valuation is one of the most overlooked and most consequential decisions in any move. Take five minutes before moving day to understand what you've elected, what it covers, and what it doesn't — it's worth far more than five minutes if something goes wrong.
Ready to find a mover who will walk you through your valuation options honestly? Browse verified mover reviews or use our directory to find movers near you. You can also chat with Robert, our AI moving assistant on majesticmovingcompanies.com, who can help you compare options and ask the right questions before you sign anything.
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