Do You Need Moving Insurance?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Even the best moving companies can’t guarantee a damage-free experience. Moving insurance protects your items during transit, storage, packing, and unpacking, and helps you recover their value if something goes wrong.
There are three types of moving insurance: released value protection, which is the standard free coverage movers offer, full value protection, which is more comprehensive coverage movers provide for a fee, and third-party moving insurance.
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What is moving insurance?
Moving insurance provides financial protection when your belongings are damaged, lost, or destroyed during a move. Moving companies are required by law to offer basic “valuation” coverage. For broader protection, you’ll need a third-party policy from a licensed insurer.
To better understand what’s typically included and excluded by movers, here’s a quick overview:
- Covers: Loss, theft, fire, water damage, and accidental damage while in transit or storage.
- Doesn’t cover: Poor packing, pre-existing damage, undeclared valuables, or some natural disasters.
Types of moving insurance coverage
There are several levels of coverage to choose from depending on your needs, risk level, and budget. Here’s how they compare:
| Type | Offered by | What it covers | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released value | Moving company | Basic liability (~$0.60/lb/item) | Included | Low-value or local moves |
| Full-value protection (FVP) | Moving company | Repair, replace, or reimburse at current value | ~1% of total value | Moderate to high-value moves |
| Third-party insurance | Licensed insurer | Extended perils (e.g., theft, fire, weather) | 1–5% of value | High-value, long-distance, or specialty moves |
| Select inventory | Third-party | Declared high-value items (e.g., art, jewelry) | Varies | Valuables and antiques |
If you have items worth more than $100 per pound, be sure to ask about “extraordinary value” forms. These help ensure those belongings are covered appropriately.
Cost of moving insurance
Moving insurance costs depend on what you’re moving, the coverage level, distance, and insurer. Here’s what impacts pricing:
- Total item value: Higher-value shipments cost more to insure.
- Distance: Long-distance and international moves come with more risk.
- Coverage tier: More protection equals higher premiums.
- Deductible: Lower deductibles increase the upfront cost.
- Specialty items: High-value artwork or fragile items may require custom coverage.
On average, full-value protection costs around 1% of your declared value. Third-party insurance usually runs between 1–5%, depending on the provider and policy.
Calculate the cost of your move and choose a mover that provides the insurance coverage you need with our moving cost calculator.
Do you need moving insurance?
Whether or not you need moving insurance depends on your situation. Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you moving long-distance or internationally?
- Are you relocating high-value or irreplaceable items?
- Are you packing everything yourself?
- Are you using storage-in-transit?
- Does your homeowners or renters insurance exclude moving claims?
If you answered yes to any of the above, investing in full-value or third-party coverage is a smart move.
How to buy moving insurance
Buying coverage is easier than you might think. Follow these steps:
- Create an inventory list with estimated item values.
- Ask the mover about valuation coverage (released value vs. FVP).
- Determine if you need additional coverage (e.g., for storage or fragile items).
- Get quotes from third-party insurers.
- Compare costs, exclusions, and deductibles.
- Buy your policy and save a digital copy.
- Take photos of high-value items and pack with care.
Top moving insurance providers
At moveBuddha, we’ve reviewed 3,500 moving companies and analyzed more than 100,000 moving reviews. Based on that information, our team’s years of expertise in the moving industry, and our readers’ firsthand experience, here are the moving insurance companies we recommend.
These moving insurance providers consistently receive strong reviews for reliability and coverage options:
| Provider | Coverage options | Estimated cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIRISC | Full-value + named-peril; add-ons for storage-in-transit, perils like mold, mechanical derangement, high-value and pairs/sets coverage | 1–5% of declared value | Specialized, trusted by Fortune 100s | Mostly sold via employer or relocation providers |
| Baker International | Full-value, international moves | ~2% | Well-known and experienced | May vary by location |
| State Farm, Allstate | Home/renter’s policy riders | Varies | Trusted brands, bundling options | May require agent call or visit |
Does homeowners or renters insurance cover moving?
In some cases, your homeowners or renters insurance policy will protect your belongings during a move. Here are a few details:
- Limited coverage: Only covers named perils like fire or theft during a move.
- Exclusions: Many exclude damage from dropping, mishandling, or improper packing.
- Rider required: You may need to add a moving endorsement to your policy for sufficient coverage.
How to file a moving insurance claim
Filing a moving insurance claim is easier if you’ve documented everything. Here’s what to do:
- Inspect your items immediately upon delivery and document any damage.
- Take photos and note damage on the inventory sheet.
- Gather receipts, your policy, inventory list, and correspondence with your mover.
- File your claim with the insurer or mover within the required window (typically 9 months).
- Follow up and retain all communication for your records.
Common exclusions in moving insurance
No moving insurance policy covers everything. Here are typical exclusions to watch for:
- Items you packed yourself (if damaged due to improper packing)
- High-value items that aren’t declared in writing
- Pre-existing damage
- Acts of God (unless specifically covered)
- Cash, jewelry, coins, or personal documents
- Mechanical failure without visible external damage
Tips for protecting your move
A little prep work goes a long way. Follow these best practices to ensure a smoother claims process and safer move:
- Photograph valuables: Take photos before packing.
- Use original packaging: For electronics or fragile goods.
- Label boxes clearly: Especially those with fragile items.
- Save receipts: Especially for expensive purchases.
- Move small valuables yourself: If you can, keep them with you.
Is moving insurance worth it?
If you’re moving anything valuable, irreplaceable, or sentimental, the answer is usually yes. While it’s an added upfront cost, it offers financial protection and peace of mind.
Tips for buying moving insurance online
Most third-party providers allow you to get quotes and purchase coverage directly on their websites. Look for:
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or confusing terms.
- Fast claims process: Easy-to-navigate forms and support.
- Verified licenses: Ensure the provider is authorized to sell insurance in your state.
Moving insurance trends in 2025
The moving insurance space is always evolving. Here’s what’s new in the industry, based on our 2025 data:
- More digital claim portals for faster service
- Expanded storage-in-transit coverage periods
- Eco-conscious coverage options
- Increased FMCSA enforcement of shady brokers
- Customizable deductibles and hybrid policies
Need help budgeting? Use our moving cost calculator to get free quotes from multiple movers and make sure your moving insurance pays off.
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