No one wants to think about damaged furniture or lost boxes on moving day—but it’s a risk worth understanding. Moving insurance coverage offers peace of mind and financial protection in case something goes wrong. From small chips to major losses, insurance plays a key role in responsible relocation. In this article, we’ll explain how moving insurance works, what types of coverage exist, and how United Local Movers helps safeguard your belongings during every step of the journey.
What Is Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance, also known as “valuation coverage,” is a form of protection that compensates you if your belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen during the moving process. While professional movers strive to handle your items with care, unexpected accidents—like truck accidents, drops, or weather damage—can happen.
Types of Moving Insurance Coverage
There are several levels of coverage available, depending on your needs and whether you’re moving locally, long-distance, or internationally.
1. Released Value Protection (Basic Coverage)
This is the most common and often included at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal protection—typically 60 cents per pound per item. That means if your 10-pound printer gets damaged, you may only receive $6, regardless of its actual value.
2. Full Value Protection (Recommended)
With this plan, your mover is liable for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged item. They may repair it, replace it with a similar item, or reimburse you. This option offers the highest level of protection and usually costs more, but it’s worth it for valuable belongings.
3. Third-Party Moving Insurance
If you want even more comprehensive protection, you can purchase coverage through a third-party insurance company. This can cover high-value items, natural disasters, or situations outside the mover’s control (like fire or theft).
What’s Typically Covered?
- Damage during loading or unloading
- Crushed, broken, or dropped items in transit
- Water or weather-related damage (depending on plan)
- Lost boxes or mislabeled inventory
It’s important to note that certain items—such as jewelry, documents, or plants—may be excluded unless declared and covered separately.
What’s Usually NOT Covered?
Every insurance policy has limitations. Common exclusions include:
- Items packed by the owner (unless inspected by the mover)
- Damage due to poor packing or improper labeling
- Pre-existing damage to furniture or electronics
- Mechanical failure of electronics unrelated to physical damage
Always read the fine print before signing off on any protection plan.
How to Choose the Right Coverage
Consider the total value of your belongings and how much risk you’re comfortable taking. Ask yourself:
- Do I have fragile or high-value items?
- Would I be able to afford replacements if something is lost?
- Is the mover’s basic coverage enough for my needs?
Discuss your options with your moving company well before the move day.
How United Local Movers Handles Insurance
At United Local Movers, we believe in transparency, safety, and peace of mind. We provide every customer with clear explanations of their protection options and make it easy to upgrade coverage if needed. Our team is trained to handle items with the highest level of care, using professional packing materials and proper equipment.
In addition to standard valuation coverage, we can recommend reliable third-party insurers for clients seeking maximum protection—especially for long-distance or commercial moves.
Steps to Take If Something Goes Wrong
If you notice damage or missing items, take these steps immediately:
- Inspect everything upon arrival before signing paperwork
- Document the issue with photos and notes
- Report the problem to your mover in writing as soon as possible
- Submit any insurance claims within the timeline specified in your agreement (usually within 9 months)
Final Thoughts
Moving insurance isn’t just a formality—it’s a smart investment in your peace of mind. Understanding the difference between coverage types and knowing your rights will help you make informed decisions and avoid regret. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or an entire office, United Local Movers is here to ensure your relocation is not only smooth but fully protected.
