What Is Moving Valuation Coverage and How Is It Different From Insurance?
Quick AnswerWhat is moving valuation coverage and how is it different from insurance?Moving valuation is the mover’s contractual level of liability for lost or damaged household goods. It is not the same thing as a separate insurance policy. For interstate household-goods moves, federal rules require movers to offer Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Released Value provides minimal liability of 60 cents per pound per article; Full Value Protection carries broader repair, replacement or settlement obligations subject to the mover’s terms and lawful limitations.
Customers often hear “the mover is insured” and assume that statement explains what happens if their own belongings are damaged. It does not. The mover’s business insurance, its liability to your shipment, and any separate insurance policy you purchase are different things.
For interstate moves, the valuation choice is a formal part of the shipment. Our regional and interstate moving guide covers the larger process.
Released Value Protection
Under federal interstate rules, Released Value is the lower-liability option. FMCSA explains that the mover’s liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article.
That means weight, not replacement cost, drives the maximum liability. A lightweight item with a high market value can therefore receive very limited protection under Released Value.
Released Value is included at no additional charge, but the customer must understand how limited it is before selecting it.
Full Value Protection
Full Value Protection places broader responsibility on the interstate mover. If an item is lost or damaged while in the mover’s custody, the mover generally has options such as repairing it, replacing it with a comparable item, or making a cash settlement for repair cost or current market replacement value, subject to the valuation agreement and applicable rules.
Full Value Protection can carry an additional charge and may include a deductible or other lawful terms depending on the mover’s offering.
| Protection type | How liability works | Key question |
|---|---|---|
| Released Value | $0.60 per pound per article for interstate moves | Would that amount meaningfully protect my belongings? |
| Full Value Protection | Broader repair/replacement/settlement responsibility under the agreement | What declared value, deductible and limitations apply? |
| Separate insurance | Coverage under an insurance policy | What does the policy actually cover and exclude? |
Why “The Mover Is Insured” Is Not Enough
A moving company may carry commercial auto, general liability, workers’ compensation and other business insurance. Those policies do not automatically tell you the amount you would receive for a damaged lamp, painting or television.
Ask specifically what valuation option applies to your household goods and what separate insurance, if any, is available through your own insurer or another provider.
High-Value Items Need Extra Attention
FMCSA uses the term “items of extraordinary value” for certain articles worth more than $100 per pound. These items can require special declaration or listing under the mover’s Full Value Protection process.
See how to declare high-value items on an interstate move. For valuable art or antiques, an appraisal may also help document value before the shipment.
What to Ask Before Signing
- Which valuation option is selected on my documents?
- What total shipment value is being used?
- Is there a deductible?
- How are high-value items declared?
- What exclusions or limitations apply?
- What is the claims process and deadline?
- Would my homeowners, renters, fine-art or other policy provide separate coverage?
The valuation choice should appear consistently in your estimate and bill of lading. Review what to check on the bill of lading before signing.
Where to Verify the Federal Rules
For interstate moves, use FMCSA consumer-rights guidance and the mover’s written valuation documents. Local moves can be governed by different state requirements, so do not apply the federal interstate framework automatically to every move.
Decision rule: Do not choose valuation based on the label. Calculate what the option would mean for the belongings you actually care about.
Bottom Line
Moving valuation is the mover’s contractual liability, not ordinary insurance. For interstate moves, understand the difference between Released Value and Full Value Protection, pay special attention to high-value items, and compare those choices with any separate insurance you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moving valuation the same as insurance?
No. Valuation sets the mover’s contractual liability; insurance is coverage under an insurance policy.
What is Released Value Protection?
For interstate moves, it limits the mover’s liability to $0.60 per pound per article.
What is Full Value Protection?
It creates broader repair, replacement or settlement responsibility under the mover’s written terms and federal rules.
Should I declare valuable items separately?
High-value interstate items can require special declaration under the mover’s valuation process. Ask how your shipment should be documented.
