Moving insurance: protecting your things in a move
The mover's default protection and the cheaper option are very different.
When professionals move your things, three layers can protect them: the mover's own liability, your homeowners or renters policy, and separate moving insurance. Most confusion comes from the first one. A mover's "coverage" isn't insurance; it's the level of liability the mover accepts.
The federal rules below apply to interstate moves. Moves within one state follow that state's rules.
Full Value Protection
For interstate moves, federal rules make Full Value Protection the level of liability you receive unless you waive it in writing. Under it, the mover must repair or replace a lost or damaged item, or pay its value, restoring it to like kind and quality. Movers charge for it, and they can limit liability for items of extraordinary value unless you list them.
Released Value, 60 cents per pound
If you sign a waiver of Full Value Protection, you get Released Value instead: the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article. A 10-pound television damaged in the move would be worth $6 to the mover under that option, whatever it cost. It costs nothing extra, which is why it's tempting.
What your home or renters policy adds
Personal property coverage on a standard home policy covers your things anywhere in the world, but only for the causes of loss the policy names, such as fire or theft. Breakage from handling usually isn't one of them. Check your policy, and our guide to how home insurance treats a move.
Separate moving insurance
Third-party moving insurance can cover risks your home policy doesn't, such as breakage, and can top up a mover's liability. Read what's excluded, especially items you pack yourself.
Protect your claim
- Get a written estimate that shows which liability option you chose.
- List high-value items in writing before the move.
- Photograph valuables and note existing damage on the inventory.
- Check everything on delivery and note damage before you sign.
Common questions
For interstate moves, it's the default liability a mover must offer: the mover repairs, replaces or pays the value of lost or damaged items. You receive it unless you waive it in writing.
It's the no-extra-cost option you get if you waive Full Value Protection. The mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article, far less than most items are worth.
Only for the causes of loss the policy names, such as fire or theft. Breakage from handling usually isn't covered, so check your policy and the mover's liability option.
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This page is general information, not advice about your specific circumstances. A licensed insurance professional can tell you what’s actually available to you.
Sources
- Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (49 CFR Part 375, Appendix A), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, via Cornell Legal Information Institute. Checked 23 September 2026.
General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage, availability, and terms vary by insurer and by state, and are subject to underwriting. Quote My Policy LLC connects you with licensed insurance professionals. Nothing here binds coverage.