Moving insurance vs. valuation: what actually covers your furniture

Almost nobody reads this part of the paperwork, and it’s the part that decides what happens if a dresser gets gouged. Here’s the distinction that matters: movers sell valuation, which is a level of carrier liability. Insurance companies sell insurance. They are not the same product.

Released value protection — the free default

Under federal rules for interstate moves, released value protection is included at no extra charge and pays 60 cents per pound, per article. A 40-pound flat-screen worth $1,200 is worth $24 under released value. If you sign nothing else, this is what you have.

Full value protection — the real coverage

With full value protection, the carrier is liable for the repair, replacement, or cash settlement of a damaged or lost article. It costs extra, the amount depends on your declared shipment value, and deductibles vary. For a household of furniture and electronics it is almost always the right purchase. FMCSA explains both options in plain language on its Protect Your Move site.

What your homeowners policy does and doesn’t do

Many homeowners and renters policies cover belongings in transit only in limited circumstances, and often exclude damage caused by a third-party mover. Call your agent and ask two specific questions: is property in transit covered, and is mover-caused damage excluded? Get the answer in writing. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners publishes neutral consumer guidance if you want background before that call.

Documentation that makes a claim winnable

1. Photograph every significant item from multiple angles before wrap, and note the correct packing method for fragile pieces so the condition of each one is clear in your records.
2. Photograph existing damage too — it prevents disputes in both directions.
3. Keep the inventory sheet and note any pre-existing condition codes at pickup.
4. Inspect at delivery before signing, and note damage on the delivery paperwork in writing on the spot.
5. File the claim in writing within the deadline in your contract; interstate carriers must give you a claims process.

Where damage actually comes from

• Unpadded contact between two hard items on a moving truck.
• Stretch wrap applied directly to a finished or leather surface for a long haul.
• Under-filled boxes collapsing under load.
• Improper tiering — heavy items stacked on light ones.
• Doorway and stair contact where no protection was installed.

That’s why our crews pad and wrap indoors, protect every doorway and banister, and tier heavy-to-light. Prevention is cheaper than any claim, for both of us.