Moving Insurance Explained: 60¢/lb vs Full Value Protection
"Are you insured?" is the question everyone asks movers. The more useful question is: insured how, and what does that actually pay if my TV cracks? Here's the plain-English version of moving coverage.
The two kinds of "insured"
- Business liability insurance — covers damage to buildings (lobbies, elevators, walls). This is what your building's COI requirement is about. It does not pay for your broken lamp.
- Valuation coverage — the mover's responsibility for your belongings. This is the part people mean when they ask "what if something breaks?" — and it comes in two levels.
Released value: the free default
Every mover includes released value protection at no charge — but understand what it is: 60 cents per pound per item. A 10-lb television = $6. A 40-lb dresser = $24. It's weight-based, not value-based, which is why a crew being careful matters more than any paperwork.
Full value protection: the real coverage
Full value protection (FVP) makes the mover responsible for the repair, replacement, or cash value of anything lost or damaged. It costs extra (typically ~1% of your declared shipment value), has deductible options, and requires items of extraordinary value ($100+/lb — jewelry, art) to be declared in writing. On interstate moves, FMCSA rules require movers to offer both levels; for local NYC moves, ask what's available when you book.
Third-party & existing coverage
- Renter's/homeowner's insurance sometimes covers goods in transit — a 5-minute call to your insurer before the move settles it.
- Third-party moving insurance exists for high-value moves (art collections, instruments) — worth it when FVP limits don't stretch far enough.
- Credit cards occasionally cover moves booked on them — check, don't assume.
What actually protects your stuff
Claims are the backstop, not the plan. What prevents damage: full wrapping and padding as standard (not billed per blanket), crews that pack fragile items properly, photos of high-value items before the move, and declaring the tricky stuff at booking so it's planned, not improvised. If something does go wrong: note it on the paperwork before the crew leaves and file promptly — interstate claims allow up to 9 months, but same-week claims resolve fastest.
Fully insured, careful by default
Wrapping and padding included on every move — ask us about coverage when you book.
Get My Free QuoteFAQs
What does moving insurance cover?
Two different things: the mover's liability insurance covers building damage (what COIs certify), while valuation coverage applies to your belongings. The free default is released value at 60 cents per pound per item; full value protection (extra cost) covers repair or replacement.
What is released value protection?
The no-cost coverage every mover includes: 60 cents per pound per item. A 10-lb TV is covered for $6 — it's weight-based, not value-based, which is why careful handling matters more than the default coverage.
Is full value protection worth it?
For moves with valuable furniture or electronics, usually yes — it makes the mover responsible for repair, replacement, or cash value, typically costing around 1% of declared shipment value. Declare items over $100/lb in writing.
Does renters insurance cover my move?
Sometimes — some policies cover belongings in transit. Call your insurer before the move to confirm what applies; it may overlap with or exceed what the mover offers.