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Charlotte NC City Guide
Moving Insurance Calculator
How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?
Most people have $50,000–$150,000 worth of belongings in their home. Yet many are surprised to learn that the free coverage included by moving companies only pays $0.60 per pound per item. That means if your 10-pound television is damaged, the maximum reimbursement under basic coverage is only $6—even if it cost $1,200. Our moving insurance calculator helps you compare your home's estimated value against the protection offered by basic carrier liability so you can decide whether purchasing additional coverage makes sense.
Moving Insurance Calculator
Compare basic mover liability with the estimated value of your belongings.
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Basic Released Value Protection (Included)
Every licensed interstate moving company is required to offer Released Value Protection at $0.60 per pound per article at no additional cost.
While it's free, it provides very limited reimbursement because payment is based on an item's weight—not what it's costs to replace.
Example
|
Item |
Weight |
Replacement Cost |
Basic Coverage |
|
65" TV |
45 lbs |
$900 |
$27 |
|
Laptop |
5 lbs |
$1,400 |
$3 |
|
Sofa |
175 lbs |
$2,500 |
$105 |
Full Value Protection
Full Value Protection is the highest level of protection offered by professional movers.
If covered items are lost or damaged, the mover generally must:
- Repair the item
- Replace it with a similar item
- Pay the current replacement value
Unlike basic coverage, reimbursement is not based solely on weight.
Third-Party Moving Insurance
Some homeowners choose to purchase separate moving insurance from an independent insurance company.
Third-party policies may cover risks that aren't included under the mover's valuation program, such as:
- Theft
- Fire
- Natural disasters
- Catastrophic truck accidents
- Storage-related losses (depending on the policy)
Do You Actually Need Moving Insurance?
Ask yourself these four questions:
✔️ Is my shipment worth more than $25,000?
✔️ Could I afford to replace everything if the truck were destroyed?
✔️ Am I moving valuable electronics, artwork, antiques, or jewelry?
✔️ Would losing several expensive items create a financial hardship?
If you answered Yes to any of these, it may be worth comparing Full Value Protection and third-party insurance before moving day.
How much will my move cost?
Email is optional. No personal info required.
Do I need moving insurance when hiring a moving company?
Moving insurance isn't required, but it can protect your belongings if they're lost or damaged during your move. Basic Released Value Protection is included with interstate moves, but many homeowners choose additional coverage for valuable furniture, electronics, artwork, and collectibles.
What is Released Value Protection?
Released Value Protection is the free valuation coverage required for interstate movers. It generally limits the mover's liability to $0.60 per pound per article. For example, a 20-pound television would have a maximum reimbursement of about $12, regardless of its purchase price.
What is Full Value Protection?
Full Value Protection offers substantially more protection than basic coverage. If a covered item is lost or damaged, the mover generally must repair it, replace it with a similar item, or provide a cash settlement based on the terms of your valuation agreement.
How much does moving insurance cost?
The cost depends on the declared value of your shipment, deductible, and the moving company or insurance provider. Many homeowners spend roughly 1% of their shipment's value for additional protection, although actual costs vary.
Does homeowners insurance cover moving damage?
Sometimes. Some homeowners and renters insurance policies provide limited protection while your belongings are in transit, but many exclude damage while professional movers are packing, loading, or transporting your items. Always check with your insurance company before moving.
Should I declare items worth more than $2,500?
Yes. Most professional movers require customers to identify individual items worth more than $2,500 before the move. These items are usually listed on a High Value Inventory form and may require additional documentation.
Is basic moving coverage enough?
Basic coverage may be sufficient for inexpensive household goods, but it often falls short for electronics, appliances, artwork, antiques, jewelry, and newer furniture because reimbursement is based on weight—not replacement cost.
