Moving across the country is exciting — and expensive. Most people give almost no thought to one of the most important decisions they’ll make: what happens if something gets broken, lost, or damaged along the way? The default insurance that comes with most moving contracts offers almost no real protection. And your homeowners or renters insurance? It probably has more gaps than you think
Understanding the Risk
Why long distance moves are riskier
A local move might involve one truck, one crew, and a few hours. A long distance move can involve multiple transfer hubs, relay drivers, temporary storage warehouses, and subcontractors you’ve never met. For interstate moves, your belongings may be loaded and unloaded three or four times before you see them again. Every handoff is a risk point for damage or loss.
What standard moving company liability actually covers
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: what most people call “moving insurance” is not insurance at all. It’s a liability limitation — set up to protect the moving company, not you. Under federal law, interstate movers must offer two levels of liability coverage:
| Coverage type | Payout basis | Cost | Who pays claims |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Released Value |
$0.60 per pound per item |
Free |
The moving company |
|
Full Value Protection |
Repair, replace, or cash at market
value |
Additional fee |
The moving company |
|
Third-Party Insurance |
Full replacement value per policy
terms |
Separate
premium |
Independent insurer |
Released Value Protection — the default — limits your mover’s liability to $0.60 per pound. A 55-inch TV weighing 30 lbs and worth $800? You’d receive $18.00. A 4-lb laptop worth $1,500? $2.40. Before you sign any moving contract, read the liability section and confirm whether you are enrolled in Released Value or Full Value Protection.
“Insurance helps after the fact. Vetting prevents the problem from occurring at all.”
Your Coverage Options
Full Value Protection
Full Value Protection is the only carrier-provided coverage that gives you meaningful protection. It requires the mover to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any item lost or damaged during the move at current market value. It typically costs 1–2% of your shipment’s declared value and includes a $250–$500 deductible. Key exclusions: items packed by the owner (PBO), jewelry and high-value items without a separate declaration, mechanical derangement, and acts of God.
Third-party moving insurance
Third-party moving insurance is a policy purchased from an independent insurer — not your mover. It operates outside the moving contract entirely and is governed by state insurance regulations. This matters because with carrier valuation, the mover evaluates and pays your claim — a structural conflict of interest. A third-party insurer has no relationship with the moving company and no incentive to minimize your payout. Third-party policies typically cover broader scenarios: mysterious disappearance, PBO-packed items, and faster claim timelines enforced by state law.
Does homeowners or renters insurance cover a move?
Sometimes — but with significant limits. Off-premises coverage in renters policies is typically capped at 10% of your personal property limit. Many homeowners policies exclude mover negligence entirely. The safest approach: layer your coverage and supplement gaps with Full Value Protection or third-party insurance.
Making the Right Decision
How much is your stuff actually worth?
Most people significantly underestimate the value of what they’re moving. Do a room-by-room inventory using replacement cost — not what you paid. For most households the total runs between $30,000 and $100,000 or more. That number should drive your coverage decision.
Questions to ask before buying
Per item or per claim?
Items packed by the owner are a common exclusion.
Verify through your state’s Department of Insurance.
Do high-value items require a separate declaration?
How long for acknowledgment and settlement?
Red flags to watch for
Vague language using “protection” instead of “insurance” · No proof of state licensure · Cash-only premiums · Coverage sold after you’ve already signed the moving contract · Unusually low premiums with unusually high coverage. Purchase all coverage at the time you book — before the move begins and before you sign the Bill of Lading.
Filing a Claim
Documentation is everything
The quality of your claim outcome is directly related to the quality of your documentation. Many valid claims are denied not because damage didn’t happen, but because the customer couldn’t prove it.
Before the move
✓ Photograph all items of value before packing
✓ Create a written inventory with replacement values
✓ Keep receipts and appraisals for high-value items
✓ Document pre-existing damage on the Bill of Lading
At & after delivery
✓ Inspect every item before signing the delivery receipt
✓ Note damage on the receipt before the driver leaves
✓ File your claim within the required window (9 months for carrier claims)
Claim timelines
Carrier claims (FMCSA): acknowledgment within 30 days, settlement within 120 days. Third-party insurance (state law): acknowledgment within 10–15 days, settlement within 30–45 days. If a claim is denied, escalate in writing, file with your state DOI or the FMCSA, and consider small claims court for.
Getting Covered — UMIS × LocalMovers.com
What to look for in a third-party provider
- State licensure
- Strong claims reputation (not just purchase experience)
- Coverage for long distance transit, PBO items, and high-value goods
- Transparent exclusions disclosed upfront
- Ability to purchase before your move date.
One note: buying insurance through your mover creates the same conflict of interest described above. When in doubt, purchase coverage directly from the insurer.
How UMIS Full Value Protection works
United Moving Insurance Services (UMIS) specializes in providing Full Value Protection through licensed moving carriers nationwide — without the conflict of interest that comes from buying coverage directly from the carrier handling your move. When you book through a UMIS-partnered carrier on LocalMovers.com, Full Value Protection is offered as part of the booking process. If your belongings are lost, damaged, or destroyed in transit, UMIS ensures you receive repair, replacement, or cash settlement at current market value
Moving insurance checklist
Before the move
✓ Complete room-by-room inventory
✓ Photograph all items of value
✓ Gather receipts for high-value items
✓ Choose Full Value Protection or 3rd-party coverage
✓ Confirm coverage in writing
✓ Declare high-value items on Bill of Lading
✓ Review homeowners/renters policy gaps
During the move
✓ Be present during loading
✓ Keep copy of Bill of Lading
✓ Note move confirmation number
✓ Keep insurer contact info handy
After the move
✓ Inspect items before signing receipt
✓ Note damage on delivery receipt
✓ Photograph all damage immediately
✓ Contact carrier/insurer within 24 hrs
✓ Keep packaging until claim resolved Submit claim within required window
UMIS × LocalMovers.com: Protection Built Into Your Booking
LocalMovers.com connects consumers with vetted, licensed movers across all 50 states.
UMIS-certified carriers offer Full Value Protection at the time of booking.
Visit localmovers.com · Call 754-755-4525 · unitedmovinginsurance.com · caitlin@umisusa.com