Understand your protection choices
Moving insurance options and valuation protection
Know what your mover is responsible for, what a separate policy may cover, and which documents control your move. Ask the right questions before you sign—especially if you have valuable or fragile belongings.
Start with the distinction
Valuation is not the same as insurance.
Mover valuation sets the mover's contractual liability for loss or damage. An insurance policy is a separate contract with an insurer. The company's vehicle and business insurance is different again; it does not automatically insure your household goods for their full value.
Mover liability
Valuation
For interstate household-goods moves, federal rules require two choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value. They are not insurance policies. Your signed moving documents record the selection.
Optional separate policy
Third-party insurance
A policy may be available from a separate insurer. Its terms, limits, exclusions, deductible, and claim procedures are defined by that policy—not by this page or a verbal estimate.
Different purpose
Business insurance
Licensing, vehicle coverage, and the mover's business liability insurance should not be confused with the protection level you select for your belongings.
For interstate household-goods moves
Compare your two valuation choices.
These federal interstate rules may not describe a move entirely within one state. Ask which state-specific terms apply to your route and review the written estimate and bill of lading.
No added valuation charge
Released Value
Minimal liability: no more than 60¢ per pound per article on an interstate move. This is based on weight, not what you paid or what replacement costs. Selecting it requires a signed written waiver of Full Value Protection.
More comprehensive
Full Value Protection
If an item is lost or damaged while in the mover's custody, the mover may repair it, replace it with a like item, or pay a cash settlement as provided by the written plan. Ask about valuation charges, deductible, declared shipment value, and exceptions.
Separate from valuation
Optional insurance
If you consider third-party coverage, compare the actual policy against the mover's liability option. Check whether homeowners or renters insurance already applies during a move; never assume that it does.
Under interstate Released Value, a 25-pound item would have a maximum mover liability of $15—even if it costs much more to replace.
Before signing
Questions worth putting in writing.
Coverage questions should be settled before loading day. Ask your coordinator to explain the exact forms for your move, then keep copies of the estimate, valuation election, bill of lading, and any insurance policy.
- Is my move interstate or intrastate, and which terms apply?
- Which valuation level appears on the paperwork?
- What is the total shipment value, valuation charge, and deductible?
- Do I need to identify articles of extraordinary value?
- How are owner-packed cartons, existing damage, and storage handled?
- What is the claim deadline and who receives the claim?
Extra attention
Antiques, art, electronics, and specialty items
Photograph condition, share dimensions and known value, and ask about packing and declaration requirements. For interstate moves, movers may limit liability for articles of extraordinary value unless they are identified on the shipping documents. Ask for the specific written rule before your move.
Your signed documents control. This page is general information, not a policy, quote for valuation, or promise that every item is covered. Availability and terms differ by route and service.
If something is missing or damaged
Document it and start the claim promptly.
Note the condition at delivery, take clear photos, keep the inventory and moving paperwork, and follow the applicable written claim instructions. The process may differ for mover valuation and a separate insurance policy.
- Photograph the item, packaging, and any visible damage.
- Keep the estimate, bill of lading, inventory, and receipts.
- Describe each affected item and the loss in writing.
- Submit through the correct claims channel within the applicable deadline.
Your written terms
Review the documents for your move.
For interstate moves, review the Full Value Protection or Released Value election in your moving documents. A separate insurance policy, if purchased, has its own terms and claim process.
For a move within one state, request the written terms that apply to that state and your particular service.
Do not equate “fully licensed and insured” with full-value coverage of your belongings. Check the valuation selection or policy document itself.
Moving protection FAQs
Answers before moving day.
Is moving valuation the same as moving insurance?
No. Valuation is the mover's liability under the moving contract. Insurance is a separate policy issued by an insurer.
What are the interstate valuation choices?
Federal rules require interstate household-goods movers to offer Full Value Protection and Released Value. Ask for the written terms and charges that apply to your shipment.
What does 60 cents per pound per article mean?
Under interstate Released Value, mover liability is capped by the item's weight. A 25-pound article would have a $15 limit, regardless of its replacement price.
Does Released Value cost extra?
It is offered without an added valuation charge for interstate household-goods moves, but provides minimal protection.
Do I have to sign for Released Value?
For an interstate move, you must select that option in writing on the required moving documents. Ask your mover to show the exact election before you sign.
What does Full Value Protection provide?
It provides a more comprehensive level of mover liability. Subject to the written terms, the mover may repair, replace with a like item, or settle in cash for a covered loss.
Does Full Value Protection cover every item without conditions?
Do not assume so. Review the plan's deductible, shipment value, exceptions, and requirements for high-value articles.
Should I declare antiques or other high-value items?
Yes, discuss them before the move. For interstate shipments, special limits may apply to articles of extraordinary value unless they are listed on shipping documents.
Does homeowners or renters insurance cover a move?
Some policies may provide coverage, but terms vary. Check directly with your insurer before relying on it.
Are local moves governed by the same federal rules?
Not necessarily. Moves wholly within one state may follow different state requirements and contractual terms. Ask which rules and written options apply.
What if a separate insurer offers a policy?
Read the policy's covered risks, exclusions, limits, deductible, dates, and claims process. It is separate from the mover's valuation selection.
How do I report loss or damage?
Document it with photos, keep the moving paperwork, and submit a written claim through the appropriate channel within the applicable deadline. Start with the Razorback claim form if your claim is with the mover.
Know your options before you move
Get a clear moving estimate.
Share your route, inventory, and valuable or fragile items. Ask the team to explain the written valuation choices for your move before you sign.