Moving insurance: why "full coverage" usually means 60 cents per pound

Movers do not sell insurance; they offer valuation, their level of liability if your things are damaged or lost. The default level is a shock to most people.

Released value: the free default

Federal law makes movers liable for 60 cents per pound per item unless you buy up. A 45-pound TV: $27. A 10-pound laptop: $6. Sign the default and that is the whole payout, no matter what the item cost.

Full value protection

The mover must repair, replace, or pay current value for damaged items. It costs extra (commonly around 1% of the declared value of your shipment) and comes with deductible options. For a normal household, this is the level worth having.

Third-party moving insurance

Actual insurance policies from independent insurers, useful for high-value shipments or items the mover excludes. Your homeowner's or renter's policy may also cover part of a move; a five-minute call to your agent is worth it.

What no valuation covers

• Boxes you packed yourself (unless there is visible external damage)
• Items of "extraordinary value" you did not declare in writing (jewelry, art)
• Damage you sign away at delivery: never sign a clean delivery receipt with visible damage