Short answer: basic released-value coverage ($0.60/lb per item) is included free by law but badly undervalues most belongings. Full-value protection typically costs 1–2% of your shipment's declared value — roughly $500–$1,000 for a $50,000 household.
Why the "free" coverage isn't enough
Released-value protection is required by federal regulation on every interstate move, at no extra cost — but it pays out based on weight, not actual value. A 50-lb television destroyed in transit is covered for exactly $30 (50 × $0.60), regardless of whether it cost $200 or $2,000. For anything with real replacement value, this minimum is closer to a legal formality than meaningful protection.
What full-value protection actually buys you
Full-value protection means the mover is responsible for the item's actual current value (or its repair/replacement cost) if it's lost, damaged, or destroyed — not a weight-based formula. This is the upgrade most households with any meaningful furniture or electronics should seriously consider, typically priced as a percentage of your total declared shipment value.
When to look at third-party coverage
- High-value individual items — art, antiques, or collectibles that exceed what your mover's full-value protection deductible or per-item caps cover.
- Independence from the mover's claims process — a separate policy isn't handled by the same company you're potentially disputing a claim with.
- Coverage during a DIY portion of the move — if you're renting a truck yourself, your homeowner's or renter's policy may or may not cover items in transit; check before assuming it does.
Ask about this before, not after, the move
Confirm exactly what coverage level is included in any quote you're comparing, and what full-value protection costs as an add-on — it's an easy thing to overlook when comparing headline prices, and the gap between minimum and real coverage is larger than most people expect.