Moving Insurance & Valuation Guide
The mover's default liability is minimal. This guide explains the two valuation paths, what they actually cover, and the claim window you must hit to recover.
Two valuation paths
- Released value (default, free) — carrier liability of only about $1 per pound per article. A 10,000 lb shipment is covered for roughly $6,000 total — far below replacement. You get it automatically unless you decline in writing.
- Full Value Protection (FVP) — the carrier is liable for the replacement or repair value of lost/damaged items, typically 0.5–1.5% of the declared value, often with a per-item deductible. Costs extra; rates vary by carrier.
How it works in practice
Declare a total value when you book. High-value items (art, electronics) should be listed separately on the inventory. Keep photos and the inventory with your moving documents — they are your claim evidence.
It is the carrier’s limited liability, not a policy. For anything beyond negligible coverage, buy FVP from the mover or a third-party moving-insurance policy before load day.
The claim timeline
- Note damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery, before the crew leaves.
- File a written claim within 9 months of delivery (federal rule, 49 CFR Part 375).
- The carrier must acknowledge and, if liable, pay or make an offer within about 120 days.
- If unresolved, escalate to FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and your state regulator.
Interstate claim rules are federal; intrastate rules vary by state — see the state guides for the regulator and any stricter timelines.
www.fmcsa.dot.gov, www.protectyourmove.gov, www.bls.gov, www.eia.gov, www.irs.gov, www.usps.com. Figures are model benchmarks, not quotes. ReloFig never sells your information.