Moving guide
How to protect your belongings when you move
What movers actually owe you if they break something, whether your own insurance helps, and the one thing to do before the truck shows up.
Most people assume that if movers break their TV, the moving company will just pay for a new one. Sometimes that's true. Often it's not even close, and the difference comes down to a box you checked on paperwork you probably didn't read.
Here's how moving coverage works in plain English, and how to set yourself up so a claim is easy if something does go wrong.
1. The two options interstate movers must offer
If you're moving across state lines with a professional mover, federal rules from the FMCSA require them to offer two levels of liability. These aren't technically insurance. They're how much the mover agrees to be on the hook for.
- Full Value Protection. The mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged items. They can repair the item, replace it, or pay you what it costs to replace. This is the default unless you sign away from it, and it costs extra. The price depends on the deductible you pick.
- Released Value. This one is free, and it pays no more than 60 cents per pound per item. You have to sign a specific statement on your bill of lading to choose it.
Here's what that 60 cents per pound looks like in real life. The FMCSA's own example: a 25 pound, 50 inch TV that gets wrecked would get you about $15 under Released Value. A light laptop would get you a dollar or two. That's why the free option is rarely a good deal for anything that matters.
One more catch with Full Value Protection: movers can limit what they pay on items worth more than $100 per pound, like jewelry, art or collectibles, unless you list those items on the paperwork. If you have anything like that, list it.
2. Local moves
The federal rules above apply to interstate moves. If you're moving within the same state, your state sets the rules, and they can be very different. Check with your state's consumer protection office, transportation department or moving association, and ask the mover in writing exactly what they'll pay if something breaks.
3. Does your own insurance cover the move?
Maybe, but don't count on it for everything. Many homeowners and renters policies cover your belongings away from home, but that coverage can be limited:
- Off premises limits. Some policies only cover a portion of your personal property limit when things are away from your home.
- Named perils only. Your policy may cover things like fire or theft while your stuff is in a truck, but usually not breakage from being dropped or packed badly.
- Storage. If your things sit in a storage unit between homes, check how your policy treats that. The storage facility's own insurance often doesn't cover your stuff.
- Timing. Make sure your policy follows you to the new address on move in day, and don't cancel the old one too early.
Call your agent before the move and ask these exact questions. If the answers aren't great, third party moving insurance is another option. It's sold separately and can fill gaps the mover's liability leaves. Read what it excludes before you buy.
4. Moving yourself
If you rent a truck and do it yourself, the mover rules don't apply. Nobody's liable for your stuff but you. Rental companies usually sell optional coverage for damage to the truck and sometimes for your cargo. Ask exactly what the cargo coverage includes, and check whether your auto policy covers you driving a rental truck. Some policies exclude larger trucks, so ask.
Pack heavy stuff low, strap furniture to the walls of the truck, and wrap TVs and glass well. Breakage from shifting loads is usually not covered by anyone.
5. Before the truck comes
This is the step that makes or breaks a moving claim. If something shows up cracked at the new place, the mover will want to know it wasn't already cracked. The best answer is a home inventory with photos taken before you pack.
- Photograph every room before anything gets boxed up
- Take close photos of furniture corners, TV screens and anything with existing scratches
- Write down serial numbers for electronics
- Number your boxes and note what's in each one
- Keep jewelry, important papers, medications and cash with you, not on the truck
- Read the bill of lading and the mover's inventory before you sign. If they mark something as damaged that isn't, say so and write it on the form
Our room by room home inventory checklist works perfectly as a moving checklist too.
Do your inventory while you pack
I built AfterProof because making a list of everything you own by hand is brutal. Moving is the one time you touch every item anyway. Snap a photo as it goes in the box, the AI identifies it and finds what it costs to replace today, and you've got a PDF with photos ready if you ever need to file. For a full house, the web app makes it easier on a computer.
6. If something gets broken or lost
- Check everything at delivery against the inventory, and note any damage or missing boxes on the paperwork before the crew leaves.
- Photograph the damage and keep the broken item and the box it came in.
- File in writing. For interstate moves, you have 9 months from delivery to file a written claim with the mover. Certified mail gives you a record.
- Include your proof: your before photos, the item's value, and what it costs to replace. If you don't have receipts, here's how to prove what you owned without them.
- If you're not happy with the offer, interstate movers have to offer a dispute settlement program, and you can file a complaint with the FMCSA.
Quick answers
What is Full Value Protection when moving?
It's the level of mover liability where the mover must repair, replace or pay the replacement value of items it loses or damages. Interstate movers must offer it, and it usually costs extra depending on the deductible.
How much do movers pay per pound for damaged items?
Under the free Released Value option for interstate moves, movers pay no more than 60 cents per pound per item. A 25 pound TV would get about $15.
Does homeowners or renters insurance cover my stuff during a move?
Sometimes, with limits. Many policies cover belongings away from home for certain causes like fire or theft, but not breakage. Ask your agent before you move.
How long do I have to file a claim against a moving company?
For interstate moves, federal rules give you 9 months from delivery to file a written claim with the mover. Local moves follow your state's rules.
Should I buy moving insurance?
If you have valuable items and the mover's coverage or your own policy has gaps, third party moving insurance can help. Compare it to the cost of Full Value Protection first.
This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Every policy is different, so check yours or ask your agent.
Sources: FMCSA, understanding valuation and insurance options, FMCSA, what if there are problems, New York Department of Financial Services, basic homeowners coverage.
