Do You Need Moving Insurance? Valuation Coverage Explained
By Lugvia Admin · Jul 10, 2026
"Moving insurance" isn't quite the right term
Federal law requires movers to offer valuation coverage, not insurance in the traditional sense — valuation is the mover's built-in liability for your goods, while insurance is a separate policy you'd buy from a third-party insurer. Understanding the difference matters because the default coverage included with most moves is much less protective than people assume.
Released value protection (the free default)
Unless you select otherwise, most movers default to released value protection, which covers just 60 cents per pound per item — regardless of the item's actual value. A 50-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be covered for $30 under this option. It's free, but it's not real protection for anything valuable.
Full value protection (worth paying for)
Full value protection means the mover must repair, replace, or cash-settle for the current market value of any item they damage or lose — not a per-pound formula. It typically costs a percentage of your shipment's declared value, but it's the option most people actually want if they own anything worth protecting.
When to consider third-party moving insurance
- You own high-value items (art, jewelry, collectibles) that exceed what full value protection would reasonably cover
- Your homeowner's or renter's policy explicitly excludes coverage during a move (many do)
- You want coverage for delays, not just damage or loss
What's typically excluded either way
- Items you packed yourself (unless the mover also caused visible external damage to the box)
- Cash, jewelry, and important documents — these should travel with you, not on the truck
- Damage from pre-existing conditions (like already-loose furniture joints)
Before move day
- Ask your mover in writing which valuation option applies by default, and what full value protection costs to add
- Photograph high-value items and existing damage before the crew arrives
- Keep your inventory sheet — it's your primary documentation if you need to file a claim
Every partner in our network is required to carry active liability and cargo coverage, and we'll walk you through your valuation options before you book. Get a free quote to see what's included for your specific move.