Do I Need Moving Insurance?

Moving to a new home is exciting – and also pretty stressful, especially when it comes to protecting your belongings. From accidental damage to unexpected loss, there’s a lot that can go wrong during a move. That’s where moving insurance comes in. While many assume their renters or homeowners insurance covers a move, that’s not always the case. Understanding coverage options is essential to avoid costly surprises. In this guide, we’ll unpack what moving insurance is, the types available, and what’s typically covered – and what’s not. 

What Is Moving Insurance?

Moving insurance helps protect your belongings during a move. Whether you’re relocating across town or to another state, moving involves risks – items can be lost, damaged, or even stolen. Moving insurance coverage provides financial protection if something goes wrong while your possessions are transported from point A to point B.

You might be asking, “Do I need moving insurance?” That depends on what you’re moving and how valuable those items are. While some basic coverage may be included with your moving company, like furniture removal insurance, the level of protection can vary. It’s essential to understand the type of coverage provided and whether it meets your needs.

Another common question is, “Does my homeowners insurance cover my move?” In many cases, it does not – or it offers only limited protection for items while they’re being transported. To ensure you’re fully covered, talk to your mover about what types of insurance they offer, and consider third-party options that protect household goods in transit.

Types of Moving Insurance

Not all moving insurance is the same – different types of coverage offer different levels of protection.

• Released Value Protection: Basic Coverage
  This is the default coverage offered by most interstate moving companies at no additional cost. However, it’s minimal. Your belongings are valued by weight – typically at $0.60 per pound per item – regardless of the item’s actual value. So, if your $1,000 TV weighs 20 pounds, you’d only be reimbursed $12.

• Full Value Protection: Comprehensive Coverage
  Full value protection offers more robust moving insurance coverage. If an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the mover must either repair it, replace it, or offer a cash settlement. This coverage costs more and may come with deductibles or certain exclusions (especially for high-value items), but it provides peace of mind.

• Third-Party Moving Insurance
  If you want extra protection or are moving valuable items, third-party insurance may be worth considering. This type of insurance for moving household goods can fill in gaps left by standard moving company coverage, especially for long-distance or international moves.

What Is Typically Covered?

What your moving insurance coverage includes depends on the type of plan you choose, but here are some of the most common protections that come with basic and full-value policies:

• Damage During Handling or Transit
  Accidents happen; boxes get dropped, furniture gets bumped. Most policies cover physical damage caused by the moving crew while loading, unloading, or transporting your belongings.

• Theft or Loss of Items
  If something goes missing during the move – whether it’s from the truck or a storage facility – this is generally covered under full-value or third-party moving insurance.

• Weather-Related Damage
  Some policies include protection against damage from rain, snow, or extreme heat during the move. However, coverage may vary depending on the provider and the specific cause of damage.

• Items Packed by Movers
  Items packed by the professional moving company are usually covered. If you’re using furniture removal insurance or a full-service mover, this gives you added peace of mind.

• Declared High-Value Items
  If you’ve disclosed and properly documented high-value items (like jewelry, artwork, or electronics), they may be covered under full-value or third-party policies – sometimes with a separate rider.

What Is Typically NOT Covered?

While moving insurance coverage offers useful protection, it’s important to know what’s not included. Here are some of the most common exclusions:

• Boxes Packed by You (PBOs)
  If you pack your own boxes and something breaks inside, the moving company is usually not liable.

• Natural Disasters
  Damage from floods, earthquakes, or other acts of nature may be excluded unless you purchase specific coverage.

• Mechanical or Internal Malfunctions
  Electronics or appliances that stop working but show no visible damage typically aren’t covered.

• Mold, Mildew, or Pest Damage
  Slow-developing issues like moisture, mold or insect infestations are not covered by most policies.

• Undeclared High-Value Items
  If you don’t list high-value items in advance, you may not be reimbursed for loss or damage.

• Delays or Sentimental Loss
  Insurance won’t cover lost time, missed deadlines, or emotional value.

Other Moving Considerations

If you’re handling the move yourself, you might be wondering if you need extra insurance when renting a moving truck, or even if you need moving truck insurance. In most cases, the answer is yes. Most personal auto policies don’t cover rental trucks, especially larger commercial-sized vehicles. That’s why companies like U-Haul and Penske offer optional insurance packages that typically include:

• Collision damage waivers
• Supplemental liability insurance
• Cargo protection for your belongings
• Personal accident insurance for the driver and passengers

Even with these protections in place, there are several items you should never pack in a moving truck – either for legal, safety, or insurance reasons.

• Firearms & Ammunition
  Most movers and insurance policies exclude firearms. If permitted, they must be unloaded, secured in a locked case or safe, and declared in advance. Ammunition is usually prohibited entirely.

• Pets
  Pets are never covered by moving insurance and should never be transported in a moving truck. They require climate control, frequent stops, and careful handling. Use a pet relocation service or transport them yourself.

• Plants & Perishables
  Live plants, produce, and food items are often excluded due to spoilage risk and agricultural restrictions across state lines.

• Important Documents
  Always keep essential documents – like passports, medical records, and legal paperwork – on your person during the move.

• Hazardous Materials
  Paint, propane tanks, gasoline, fireworks, cleaning chemicals, and aerosols are usually banned for transport in moving vehicles.

Is It Worth It To Get Moving Insurance?

In most cases, yes – moving insurance is worth it. The extra cost is often a fraction of what it would take to replace your most valuable household items, making it well worth considering for any major move. 

Want to discuss your insurance needs with an expert? Connect with our team at Independent Insurance Associates – we are here to help you fully evaluate your coverage portfolio and identify ways to enhance your protection.