Valuation coverage is the liability protection that a moving company offers for your belongings during a move. It determines how much the mover will pay you if your items are lost, damaged, or destroyed during transit. Think of it as the mover’s responsibility level for your goods.
Key Points About Valuation Coverage
It’s Not Traditional Insurance
Valuation coverage is not the same as insurance. It’s the moving company’s legal liability for your items based on their weight or declared value. Actual moving insurance is a separate product you can purchase from third-party insurers.
Two Main Types
1. Released Value (Minimum Coverage)
- Cost: Free (included by default)
- Coverage: 60 cents per pound per article (as mentioned in the PA document)
- Example: If your 50-pound TV is damaged, you’d receive only $30 (50 lbs × $0.60)
- Problem: This rarely covers the actual replacement cost of your items
2. Full Value Protection
- Cost: Additional fee (varies by mover and total shipment value)
- Coverage: Mover must either:
- Repair the damaged item
- Replace it with a similar item
- Pay you the current market value
- Example: If that same TV worth $1,500 is damaged, you’d receive its full replacement value
- Better Protection: More comprehensive, but costs more
How to Decide What You Need
Choose Released Value if:
- You’re moving items with low monetary value
- Your items are already old or worn
- You have homeowner’s/renter’s insurance that covers moves
- You’re on a tight budget
Choose Full Value Protection if:
- You have valuable furniture, electronics, or antiques
- You’re moving expensive items
- You want peace of mind
- The items would be costly to replace
Important Considerations
- Deductibles: Full value protection often includes a deductible
- Exclusions: Some items may not be covered (plants, perishables, etc.)
- Documentation: Take photos and document your items’ condition before the move
- Third-party insurance: You can also purchase separate moving insurance for even more comprehensive coverage
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