Moving valuation coverage: comparing liability options and exclusions

Valuation is the mover’s liability arrangement, not a blanket homeowners policy. FMCSA says interstate movers must offer Full Value Protection and Released Value. Full Value generally makes the mover responsible for replacement value of lost or damaged goods, subject to the mover’s written conditions and deductible. Released Value costs nothing extra but limits responsibility to 60 cents per pound per article. (Liability & Protection | FMCSA; Before Requesting Services from Any Mover | FMCSA)

FMCSA’s example makes the math concrete: a 25-pound television under Released Value would produce $15, regardless of its purchase price. That is why comparing a “free” option with a paid option requires your inventory, not a percentage of the moving bill. Ask for the Full Value rate, deductible choices, exclusions, and settlement method in writing. (Liability & Protection | FMCSA)

Extraordinary-value items require special attention. FMCSA says movers may limit responsibility for items valued above $100 per pound unless you list them on shipping documents. Keep serial numbers, appraisals or receipts where available, and condition photos.

Packing can affect claims. FMCSA warns that damage to customer-packed boxes can be harder to establish. Ask whether the carrier will pack fragile items and how the selected valuation treats owner-packed cartons. Separate third-party insurance from mover valuation; FMCSA says they are different products with different liability paths.

Coverage worksheet

Item	Weight	Replacement value	Released Value at $0.60/lb
Television
Computer
Sofa
Artwork/jewelry

The Released Value column is a simple comparison calculation: weight × $0.60, per article. It shows why a light, expensive item needs a deliberate choice. Do not treat the calculation as the amount Full Value will cost; FMCSA says that price varies by mover and deductible.

At delivery, photograph damage before repair and preserve the inventory and bill of lading. FMCSA says a written claim generally must be filed within nine months. Your next action is to mark one coverage election on the estimate, list extraordinary-value articles, and obtain the carrier’s written exclusions before loading.

Scope detail to confirm

Coverage choices should be made before the truck arrives. Ask whether the carrier requires a minimum shipment value for Full Value Protection, what deductible applies, and whether pairs or sets are settled together. Keep a separate list of items you pack yourself, because the carrier may apply different claim procedures to owner-packed cartons. At delivery, mark visible damage on the inventory and retain damaged packaging. A paid valuation option can still exclude ordinary wear, prohibited items, or insufficiently listed extraordinary-value goods, so read the carrier’s written terms rather than relying on the label alone.

Ask how the carrier handles pairs, sets, and cosmetic damage. Those answers can change the practical value of a coverage choice even when the headline premium is unchanged.

Sources used

Liability & Protection | FMCSA and Before Requesting Services from Any Mover | FMCSA.