7 Questions About Moving Insurance: Released Value vs. Full Value Protection
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to offer two moving insurance valuation options — Released Value (the free default) and Full Value Protection (FVP). Most consumers don’t realize they even have a choice.
Moving is stressful, and that stress multiplies the moment you think about damage to your belongings or a lost item. That’s when moving insurance suddenly becomes a priority. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to disclose your moving insurance options in writing — Released Value (60 cents per pound per article) and Full Value Protection (FVP, optional, covering full replacement). If a mover didn’t explain these options in writing, they violated federal rules. For Florida intrastate moves, similar state-specific rules apply through Florida DACS. Here are the seven questions that matter most.
Moving Insurance: Key Takeaways
- The free federal default — Released Value (60 cents per pound, per article) — is functionally useless for valuable belongings.
- Full Value Protection (FVP) — typically around 1% of declared shipment value — covers full replacement cost and is worth it for valuable shipments.
- Customer-packed boxes have limited coverage; items the mover packs get full FVP protection.
- The federal interstate claim window is 9 months from delivery — document damage with date-stamped photos before the truck leaves.
1.What is the federal default moving insurance?
Released Value: 60 cents per pound, per article — functionally useless for valuable items.
The free federal default, Released Value, pays just 60 cents per pound per article. A 100-pound, $5,000 sofa is covered for $60. A 50-pound, $1,500 TV is covered for $30. A 30-pound, $2,000 painting is covered for $18. It’s the no-charge minimum movers must offer, but consumers must affirmatively select it (or upgrade). For anything valuable, it’s far from enough.
2.What is Full Value Protection (FVP)?
You declare your shipment’s value; the mover pays full replacement cost for damaged or lost items.
Full Value Protection covers the full replacement cost — not depreciated value — of items damaged or lost in transit. You declare your shipment value at booking (typically $20,000–$100,000 for a household move). Cost is typically around 1% of declared value, so a $50,000 shipment runs roughly $500. For anyone with valuable belongings, FVP is the option that actually protects you. (Here’s why we recommend getting moving insurance.)
3. Should I get third-party moving insurance?
For very high-value moves ($100K+), third-party insurance often beats FVP on price and coverage.
Third-party moving insurance — bought separately from specialty cargo insurers — can offer broader terms, higher per-item limits, and smoother claims than mover-issued FVP on very high-value shipments. For any move with declared value over $100,000, compare third-party quotes against your mover’s FVP before deciding.
4.Are customer-packed boxes covered?
Boxes you pack yourself typically have limited coverage; mover-packed boxes get full protection.
Most policies, including FVP, limit coverage for customer-packed (CP) boxes, because the mover can’t verify the contents or packing quality. If a CP box arrives damaged, the claim may be reduced or denied. To keep full coverage on fragiles, electronics, art, and antiques, have the crew pack those items as part of professional packing services.
5.What’s covered (and excluded) under FVP?
FVP covers replacement cost of mover-handled items but excludes jewelry, cash, and important documents.
FVP covers the replacement cost of damaged or lost items the mover transports. It generally excludes jewelry, currency, and important documents (passports, deeds), limits customer-packed box damage, and excludes specialty items needing separate insurance (fine art or antiques requiring appraisal, exotic vehicles). Jewelry, cash, and documents should ride in your own car — never on the moving truck.
6.What is the claim window?
Interstate moves: 9 months from delivery to file a written claim.
Federal rules give you 9 months from delivery to file a written moving insurance claim. Include photos of the damage, your inventory list, replacement-cost evidence (receipts or comparable prices), and a description of what happened. Late claims are denied automatically — so document damage BEFORE the truck leaves with date-stamped photos, your strongest evidence.
7. What if my claim is denied?
Appeal through the mover first; then FMCSA arbitration (interstate) or your state attorney general (intrastate).
If your claim is denied, first appeal in writing through the mover’s claims department with added documentation. If that doesn’t resolve it, interstate moves have FMCSA neutral arbitration available; intrastate disputes go through your state attorney general. Keep everything: the original quote, inventory list, your FVP election, damage photos, and all claim correspondence.
READ: Why We Recommend Getting Moving Insurance
For the federal rules in full, see the FMCSA’s guide to valuation and insurance. The first step is to find out what coverage you already have, then choose the option that fits your situation.
Good Greek offers Full Value Protection, and one of the lowest claim rates
FVP is available on every move, backed by a claim rate under 2%.
Good Greek Moving & Storage offers Full Value Protection on every move — the optional coverage that pays full replacement cost. Combined with our 2024 ATA Mover of the Year recognition, A+ BBB rating, and a claim rate under 2%, Good Greek minimizes the scenarios that cause customer financial loss in the first place.
Our claims process is straightforward: document damage at delivery with photos, file a written claim within 9 months, and our claims department reviews it with all your documentation for a fair settlement under FVP terms. The under-2% claim rate reflects operational excellence — fewer damages mean fewer claims to begin with. Florida, Nevada, and serving nationwide. Call (561) 683-1313 or request a free moving quote including FVP details.
Moving Insurance: Frequently asked questions
Is moving insurance worth it?
Full Value Protection typically costs around 1% of declared value — roughly $500 on a $50,000 household. The free Released Value default only pays 60 cents per pound, a fraction of most items’ worth. For anyone with valuable belongings, FVP’s modest premium is well worth avoiding a major loss.
What if my mover doesn’t offer Full Value Protection?
FVP is federally required for interstate movers. If a mover refuses to offer it, that’s a major red flag — walk away and find a licensed mover with proper coverage options. Florida intrastate movers have similar state requirements.
What’s NOT covered by Full Value Protection?
FVP excludes jewelry, currency, and important documents (passports, deeds, Social Security cards), limits customer-packed box damage, and excludes specialty items needing separate insurance (fine art needing appraisal, antiques, exotic vehicles). Transport jewelry, cash, and documents in your car.
How do I file a moving insurance claim?
Document damage with date-stamped photos before the truck leaves. File a written claim with the mover’s claims department within 9 months of delivery (the federal interstate window). Include photos, your inventory list, and replacement-cost evidence. Appeal denials through FMCSA arbitration (interstate) or your state attorney general (intrastate).
What’s Good Greek’s claim rate?
Good Greek’s claim rate is under 2%, and Full Value Protection is available on every move. As the 2024 ATA Mover of the Year with an A+ BBB rating, our lower claim rate reflects operational excellence — fewer damages mean fewer claims to begin with.