By ReviewMyMover Editorial · November 4, 2026
Valuation and insurance are different
Valuation describes the moving company’s level of liability for loss or damage. It is not the same as a separate insurance policy. For interstate household moves, federal rules require movers to offer Full Value Protection and Released Value. Ask the mover to identify the option, cost, exclusions, and claims terms in writing.
Full Value Protection
With Full Value Protection, the mover generally has responsibility for the replacement value of covered lost or damaged articles. Depending on the circumstances and terms, a claim can be resolved through repair, replacement with a comparable item, or a cash settlement. Ask about deductibles and special treatment of high-value items; do not assume every loss automatically produces a new retail replacement.
Released Value Protection
Released Value has no additional valuation charge but limits mover liability to 60 cents per pound per article. That amount is based on the item’s weight rather than its purchase price. Choosing this option involves a written waiver of Full Value Protection. Consider the difference carefully before signing.
An illustrative calculation
If a hypothetical item weighs 20 pounds, 20 multiplied by $0.60 is $12 under the Released Value weight calculation. The item might cost far more to replace. This example illustrates the limit; it is not a claim determination, a coverage promise, or an estimate of what a particular mover will pay.
Ask what separate insurance adds
If considering a separate policy, ask who the insurer is, what risks and exclusions apply, whether a deductible applies, and how its coverage interacts with the mover’s liability. Check your existing insurance with the insurer directly. A marketing phrase such as fully insured does not tell you which protection you selected for your own belongings.
Prepare before pickup
Photograph valuable items and their condition, record serial numbers where useful, and discuss items needing special declaration or packing. Keep the inventory and signed protection selection accessible. Use the inventory tool and moving checklist, and ask the mover about its claims procedure before the move.
Official sources
Read FMCSA: Liability & Protection and FMCSA’s explanation of protection options. This original guide concerns interstate household moves and does not replace your signed terms or a separate policy.
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