You’ve finally found your new home and hired movers to transport your belongings. But what happens if something breaks during the move? That’s where moving insurance comes in — and you’ll want to understand your options before moving day arrives. 

With the average household move valued between $40,000 and $100,000, protecting your belongings deserves careful consideration.

What Is Moving Insurance?

Moving insurance protects your belongings while they’re being transported from your old home to your new one. While professional moving companies handle items with care, accidents can still happen. From broken dishes to damaged furniture, having the right coverage ensures you won’t be left empty-handed if something goes wrong.

Think about your move like shipping a package — but instead of one item, you’re shipping everything you own. Drops, vehicle accidents, weather damage, and even theft can threaten your belongings during transit. That’s why having proper coverage matters, especially for long-distance moves.

When you work with Agoyu, you’re already taking a big step toward protecting your belongings. Each moving company in our network goes through strict vetting, and you can easily check their reputation through our portal. This built-in protection means you’re working with reliable professionals from the start — but you might still want additional coverage for peace of mind.

How Much Does Movers Insurance Cost?

The cost of insurance for moving varies based on your coverage type and the value of your items. Most moving companies charge about 1% of your shipment’s total value for full coverage options. For a $50,000 shipment, you’d pay around $500 for comprehensive coverage.

Third-party insurance typically runs between 1-5% of your declared value, with premiums influenced by:

• Distance of your move
• Total value of your belongings
• Type of items being moved
• Your chosen deductible amount
• Previous claims history

You’ll also need to consider deductibles, which usually range from $250-$1,000. The lower your deductible, the higher your premium will be. Some policies offer zero-deductible options, but expect to pay significantly more for this convenience.

Does My Homeowner’s Policy Cover My Move?

Don’t assume your homeowner’s insurance has you covered during a move — because it probably doesn’t. Most standard homeowner’s policies don’t protect items in transit. 

While some policies might cover your belongings while movers pack them at your house, that coverage typically ends once items are loaded onto the truck.

You might find limited coverage for certain perils like fire or theft, but damage from dropping items or improper packing usually isn’t included. It’s worth calling your insurance agent to verify what’s covered. You might find you need additional protection for your move, especially if you’re moving long-distance or have valuable items.

Moving Insurance vs. Valuation 

Before diving into your options, let’s clear up a common misconception: moving company valuation isn’t technically insurance. Valuation is the moving company’s limited liability for your items, while actual moving coverage comes from third-party insurance providers. 

Understanding these differences helps you make better decisions about protecting your belongings.

Released Value Protection

Released value protection is the most basic coverage option — and it’s included free with your move. But don’t get too excited. This protection only covers $0.60 per pound per item for interstate moves. That means if your 50-pound TV breaks, you’ll only get $30, regardless of its actual value.

This basic coverage works best for items that are heavy but not particularly valuable. For expensive electronics, artwork, or family heirlooms, you’ll want something more comprehensive.

Full Value Protection

Full value protection offers more extensive coverage than basic released value protection. If an item breaks, the moving company must either:

• Repair the item
• Replace it with a similar item
• Pay you the current market value

This option costs extra but provides significantly better protection than released value coverage. Most companies charge 1% of your total shipment value for this protection. Keep in mind that items valued over $100 per pound need special declaration, or they won’t be fully covered.

Third-Party Moving Coverage Options

For the most comprehensive protection, you might want to consider third-party moving insurance. These policies often cover situations that valuation doesn’t, like natural disasters or damage during storage. They’ll also typically cover high-value items that exceed the moving company’s liability limits.

Third-party insurance fills important coverage gaps. You’ll get protection against:

• Weather-related damage
• Vehicle accidents
• Theft during transit
• Storage facility incidents
• Natural disasters

Coverage Options	Coverage Amount	Claims Options	Cost
Released Value Protection (basic)	Covers up to $0.60 per pound, per item	Doesn’t cover full market value of your belongings, and no replacement or repairs	Offered at no additional charge
Full Value Protection	Provides full coverage of your complete inventory	Does offer replacement, repairs, or a cash settlement that is equal to the item’s market value	Comes at an additional cost that is separate from your moving package, and is based on your own valuation
Third-Party Insurance	Provides full coverage of your whole inventory, regardless of disasters	Does offer repairs, replacements, or a cash settlement that is equal to the item’s market value	Comes at an additional cost that you pay to another company

What Valuation Doesn’t Cover

Understanding valuation coverage gaps is essential before relying on this basic protection. Moving companies won’t accept liability for several common situations you might encounter during your move. 

If you packed your own boxes, for instance, the company can deny your claim since they can’t verify how well items were protected. You’ll also find yourself without coverage if you wait too long to report damage — most companies require immediate notification of any issues.

Natural disasters pose another significant gap in valuation coverage. If a tornado, flood, or earthquake damages the moving truck and your belongings, basic valuation won’t help you recover those losses. 

The same applies to high-value items that weren’t properly declared before the move. Many people don’t realize they need to specifically list valuable items in writing, which can lead to unpleasant surprises if something happens to these pieces.

Storage facilities can present another challenge. If your items need temporary storage during the move, valuation coverage might not extend to time spent in non-company facilities. Acts of God — events outside human control — typically fall outside valuation coverage as well. 

These limitations help explain why many people opt for additional insurance coverage, even when working with reputable movers through services like Agoyu.

Tips to Protect Your Move

Taking proactive steps before moving day can help prevent damage and strengthen potential insurance claims. Start by photographing all your valuable items before the move — these images prove the original condition of your belongings if you need to file a claim. 

Pay special attention to electronics, artwork, and furniture, documenting any existing scratches or damage.

Creating a detailed inventory list makes a huge difference too. Write down model numbers, serial numbers, and estimated values for important items. This documentation helps both with insurance claims and keeping track of your belongings during the move. 

You’ll want to be especially thorough with items valued over $100 per pound since these require special documentation.

When packing, use high-quality materials and proper techniques — especially if you’re packing items yourself. Many insurance claims get denied due to improper packing. Label boxes clearly, marking fragile items and noting which direction boxes should face. 

If you’re unsure about packing valuable items, consider letting your moving company handle them since their packing work typically receives better coverage.

Final Thoughts

While moving insurance isn’t required, it’s worth considering — especially for long-distance moves or if you have valuable items. 

When you book through Agoyu, you’re already working with vetted, professional movers, which reduces your risk. Still, accidents happen, and having proper coverage can save you from significant financial loss.

Take time to assess your needs and the value of your belongings. Remember that basic valuation might not provide enough coverage for expensive items, and your homeowner’s policy probably won’t help. Whether you choose full value protection or third-party insurance, make sure you understand exactly what’s covered before your move begins.

Moving Insurance: FAQs

What’s the difference between moving insurance and valuation?

Moving insurance is provided by third-party companies and offers comprehensive coverage, while valuation is the moving company’s basic liability coverage for your items during transport.

Do I need moving insurance for a local move?

While not required, it’s still worth considering insurance for local moves — especially if you have valuable items. Even short distances present opportunities for damage or accidents.

What happens if I don’t purchase additional coverage?

You’ll automatically receive released value protection at $0.60 per pound per item. This basic coverage might not be enough to replace damaged items at their actual value.

Can I purchase moving insurance after my move begins?

No — you need to arrange coverage before your move starts. Once items are loaded onto the truck, it’s too late to add insurance.

How do I file a claim if something gets damaged?

Document the damage immediately with photos and notify your moving company or insurance provider right away. Most policies require you to file claims within a specific timeframe, usually 9 months from delivery.