Planning a move is exciting, and you’re probably trying to think through every detail so everything goes perfect. Still, there’s usually a little voice in the back of your mind asking, “What if something goes wrong?” Most of the time, your belongings arrive just fine. But if something does go wrong, it helps to know who actually insures your valuables during a move. Here’s a simple breakdown.

Who Is Responsible for Insuring Your Valuables?

Who covers your valuables during a move depends on where the coverage comes from. In most cases, it’s a mix of mover responsibility and personal insurance.

The Mover’s Responsibility

By law, moving companies must offer something called Valuation Coverage. This isn’t traditional insurance. It’s a basic level of responsibility that movers take on for your belongings.

The best way to learn more about how our Valuation Coverage options work is to check out our Moving Valuation Calculator!

The standard option is included in your move, but it’s very limited. Items are valued based on weight at around $0.60 per pound, per item and not actual value.

It means that if there’s any damage to say, a 10-pound TV that costs $1,000, the coverage value would be around only $6.

When it comes to costly goods this is clearly not enough and way too risky. This insurance can be useful when you have heavyweight, less costly furniture, but not when you have valuable items.

However, this is not the only alternative available. Moving companies also have the option to provide a Full Value Protection for an additional fee of 1% to 2% of the total value of the shipment. In this case, the moving company would be required to repair the goods, replace it with a similar item, or refund you its current market value. However, keep in mind that there are restrictions and terms that you should be aware of.

Your Responsibility: Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance

Many times, it is up to your insurance to ensure your goods remain protected during moving.

Some homeowner’s insurance policies, as well as renter’s insurance, cover items in transit. For instance, if a valued item such as a television, computer, or artwork is damaged in the move, the policy can help cover a loss, just as if the item had been damaged in the home.

This is typically where one will have the strongest protection for valuable items, but it is important to verify the terms (deductibles, exclusions, value limits) before the move to avoid unpleasant surprises.

When to Declare High-Value Items

High-value items are usually things worth more than $100 per pound, like jewelry, fine art, collectibles, or antiques. If you’re moving anything like this, make sure to declare it ahead of time.

If you don’t, those items may not be covered, even if you’ve added extra protection. It’s an easy thing to forget, so it helps to put this on your moving to-do list.

Planning a Move? Let’s Talk Through Your Options

Ultimately, you know your belongings better than anyone. Hopefully, this gives you a clearer picture of who’s responsible for what and helps you decide the best way to protect your valuables during a move.
At Eco Movers, we’re always happy to talk through your options and help you understand what protection makes the most sense for your situation. If you’re moving soon, reach out for a free quote and we’ll help you plan the move with confidence.