Why moving insurance is one of the most confusing parts of any move
Movers aren’t insurance brokers: they can’t sell you real coverage. Federal default is just $0.60 per pound per item. Real insurance comes from somewhere else, and this guide explains where.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you may have concerns about your possessions arriving safely. That’s understandable, it’s your stuff, and you have every right to protect it.
For most people, this means getting moving insurance. But for many, it’s a grey area. Can you get it from the moving company? If not, where do you get it? The following covers the four real options for finding moving insurance.
Moving Insurance tips: Key Takeaways
- Moving companies are NOT licensed insurance brokers — federal law requires they offer only basic carrier liability (Released Value Protection) at $0.60 per pound per item. Real coverage comes from elsewhere
- Four places to find moving insurance: (1) homeowner’s insurance (check existing policy), (2) renter’s insurance (same), (3) third-party trip transit policy from your existing insurer, or (4) Full Value Protection upgrade through the mover
- Before any move, photograph and inventory all valuables — if you file a claim, you need to prove damage occurred during the move, not before
Where to find moving insurance: 4 real options
The mover, your home or renter’s policy, a third-party trip transit policy, or a Full Value Protection upgrade — these are the four legitimate places to find coverage.
1. Ask your mover — but know the limits
Movers must offer basic carrier liability by federal law — $0.60/lb. That’s the baseline, not real coverage. Reputable movers will recommend third-party options for higher coverage.
Important to understand right away: moving companies are not licensed to sell insurance. They can only offer basic carrier liability — required by federal law for all interstate movers. This is called Released Value Protection: $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of actual value. A 50 lb $1,500 TV pays out $30 if broken.
At Good Greek Moving & Storage, we always recommend that customers look into higher coverage. We work with reputable third-party insurance companies and can make recommendations — but we don’t sell insurance ourselves because that requires a separate insurance broker license.
2. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy
If you already have homeowner’s coverage, your policy may include a transit clause that protects belongings during a move. Coverage is often limited — check the language.
If you already own a home and have homeowner’s insurance, your policy may include a transit clause that covers items in transit during a move. However, the coverage could be limited — many policies only cover a percentage of total household coverage, or have caps per item. Check your policy carefully or ask your insurance agent.
3. Check your renter’s insurance policy
Renters may already have coverage that follows them during a move. Talk to your current insurer — especially if you’re staying with the same company at the new address.
Renters should check their renter’s insurance policy — especially if you’re planning to keep the same insurance company at your new place. Many renters’ policies include some coverage for goods in transit, or can be upgraded for the duration of the move.
4. Buy a third-party trip transit policy
Most major insurance companies offer trip transit insurance — short-term coverage for the duration of the move. Talk to your existing insurer first; they often have options.
If you’re not covered through homeowner’s or renter’s, consider buying a trip transit policy. This short-term coverage is offered by most major insurance companies — so start with the insurer you already have for auto or other coverage. These policies cover your belongings for the duration of the move only. The details vary by insurer.
Trip transit policies typically come in two flavors:
- Full Value Protection — covers replacement value of a lost or damaged item, the cost to replace with something of equal value, or payment to repair the item
- Separate liability insurance — pays the value of a lost or damaged item, minus whatever the mover pays through basic carrier liability
Important considerations before you buy moving insurance
Read every policy carefully. Insurance language has gotchas — depreciated value clauses, exclusions for high-value items, and proof-of-damage requirements that catch first-time movers off guard.
The four options above cover where to find moving insurance. But before you commit, read every policy carefully. Common gotchas:
- Depreciated value clauses — some policies cover only depreciated value (not replacement), especially for jewelry, electronics, and furniture
- Exclusions — high-value items (art, antiques, designer items over a threshold) often require separate riders
- Proof of damage — per State Farm guidance, you may need to prove damage occurred during the move, not before
- Documentation requirements — most insurers require itemized inventory, receipts, and photos
Inventory and photograph everything before the move
The single best protection — even with full coverage — is documentation. Create a list, take photos, save receipts. Filing a claim without this documentation is much harder.
Before the movers arrive, create a comprehensive list of all your valuable items. Take high-resolution photos of each high-value piece — multiple angles, clear lighting. Save any receipts. If you file a claim, you’ll need to demonstrate that the damage occurred during the move (not preexisting). Documentation is what wins or loses claims.
Plan your move with confidence
Insurance is about peace of mind. While every move is expected to go smoothly, accidents happen — and the right coverage means you’re protected when they do.
Insurance is really about peace of mind. While every move is expected to go smoothly, sometimes accidents happen. It helps to know where to find the moving insurance you need — and to have documentation in place before the truck arrives.
Good Greek serves Florida, Nevada, and serving nationwide with binding pricing, FMCSA registration, and recommendations for third-party insurance providers. Call (561) 683-1313 or request a free moving quote.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Insurance policies and coverage vary by state, insurer, and policy type. Always consult a licensed insurance broker or your state’s department of insurance for guidance specific to your situation. Good Greek Moving & Storage is a moving company, not an insurance broker.
Moving Insurance: Frequently asked questions
Are moving companies licensed to sell insurance?
No. By federal law, moving companies can only offer basic carrier liability (Released Value Protection) at $0.60 per pound per item. They cannot sell upgraded insurance themselves — that requires a separate insurance broker license. Reputable movers (including Good Greek) will direct you to third-party insurers for higher coverage.
What’s the difference between Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection?
Released Value Protection = federal default, $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of actual value (minimal coverage). Full Value Protection = the mover or third-party insurer covers replacement cost of lost/damaged items — they repair, replace, or pay actual value. Full Value costs more but is the only meaningful coverage for valuable items.
Does my homeowner’s insurance cover moving?
Maybe — many homeowner’s policies include a transit clause that covers items during a move, but coverage is often limited (a percentage of total household coverage, item caps, or specific exclusions). Call your insurance agent and ask: “Does my policy cover my belongings during a move? What are the limits and exclusions?“
How do I file a moving damage claim?
Three steps: (1) Document damage immediately with photos before unpacking everything (note any damage on the bill of lading at delivery), (2) Submit a written claim to the mover within their claim window (typically 9 months for interstate moves under federal law), (3) Provide documentation — receipts, photos, inventory, repair estimates. If denied or unresponsive, file a complaint with FMCSA Household Goods Dispute Resolution.