Moving Insurance Explained: Protecting Your Belongings During a Move

You have invested thousands of dollars in your furniture, electronics, artwork, and personal belongings. When you hand those items over to a moving company, understanding how they are protected is not just smart — it is essential.

Moving insurance (more accurately called “valuation coverage” in the moving industry) determines how much a moving company is liable for if your belongings are lost or damaged during the move. Unfortunately, most customers do not fully understand their options until something goes wrong.

At iHaul iMove, we believe in transparency. Over 17 years and 700+ 5-star reviews, we have built our reputation on careful handling and honest communication — including being upfront about how your belongings are protected during the move.

Understanding the Two Types of Moving Coverage

Federal regulations require all licensed interstate movers to offer two levels of liability coverage. Even for local moves within Colorado, reputable companies follow these same standards.

Option 1: Released Value Protection (Basic)

This is the minimum coverage required by law and is included at no additional charge with every move.

How it works:

• Your belongings are covered at 60 cents per pound per article
• A 50-pound flat-screen TV worth $1,500 would be valued at just $30
• A 100-pound antique dresser worth $3,000 would be covered for $60

The reality: Released Value Protection provides almost no meaningful financial protection. It is essentially a formality — not real insurance.

When it might be adequate:

• You are moving low-value items that are easily replaceable
• You have comprehensive coverage through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
• Your budget absolutely cannot accommodate additional coverage

Option 2: Full Value Protection (Comprehensive)

This is the recommended level of coverage for most moves.

How it works:

• If an item is lost or damaged, your mover must either repair it, replace it with a similar item, or provide a cash settlement at current market value
• You declare the total value of your shipment (minimum is usually based on weight)
• There may be a deductible (the amount you pay before coverage kicks in)
• Additional cost varies based on declared value and deductible chosen

When to choose Full Value Protection:

• You own high-value furniture, electronics, or artwork
• Your homeowner’s insurance does not extend to moves
• You want peace of mind and comprehensive protection
• You are making a long-distance or interstate move

What Moving Coverage Does NOT Cover

It is important to understand the limitations of both coverage options:

Typically Excluded

• Items you packed yourself. If you pack your own boxes and something breaks, the moving company is generally not liable for damage inside those boxes. This is one of the strongest arguments for using professional packing services.
• Pre-existing damage. If an item was already damaged before the move, that damage is not covered.
• Acts of God. Extreme weather events, natural disasters, and other unforeseeable circumstances may not be covered.
• Items of extraordinary value not declared. If you have items worth over a certain threshold (typically $100 per pound), you must declare them specifically. Undeclared high-value items may only receive standard per-pound coverage.
• Hazardous materials. Items that should not have been moved in the first place are not covered.

High-Value Items That Need Special Declaration

• Fine art and sculptures
• Antiques and heirlooms
• Jewelry (transport this personally)
• Coin and stamp collections
• Musical instruments (especially pianos and string instruments)
• Wine collections
• Electronics over $5,000

Third-Party Moving Insurance

Beyond the coverage your moving company provides, you have additional options:

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance

Contact your insurance agent and ask:

• Does my policy cover belongings during a move?
• Are there geographic limitations (in-state only, etc.)?
• What is my deductible for a moving-related claim?
• Is there a time limit on coverage (e.g., 30 days from move-out)?

Many policies offer some level of coverage during transit, but the details vary significantly between providers.

Separate Moving Insurance Policies

Several companies offer standalone moving insurance policies that supplement your mover’s coverage:

• Policies are typically purchased based on the total declared value of your belongings
• Coverage can include damage, loss, and delays
• Claims processes are separate from your moving company’s process
• These policies can fill gaps that your mover’s coverage and homeowner’s policy do not address

Important Note

The term “moving insurance” is technically incorrect — moving companies offer “valuation coverage,” not insurance. True insurance is regulated by state insurance commissioners and offered by licensed insurance companies. This distinction matters if you need to file a claim.

How to Protect Yourself Before the Move

Document Everything

• Photograph all valuable items before packing. Take photos from multiple angles.
• Create a detailed inventory with descriptions, approximate values, and condition notes.
• Keep receipts and appraisals for high-value items. These are essential for claims.

Read Your Estimate Carefully

Your moving estimate should clearly state:

• Which valuation option is selected
• The declared value of your shipment
• Any deductible amounts
• What is and is not included in coverage
• The process for filing a damage claim

If anything is unclear, ask your moving company to explain before signing. At iHaul iMove, we walk every customer through their coverage options so there are no surprises.

Consider Professional Packing

As mentioned earlier, items you pack yourself are generally not covered for internal damage. If you have valuable or fragile items, professional packing provides both better protection and coverage eligibility.

Our packing services and custom crating options ensure your belongings are packed to professional standards and fully covered during transport.

Filing a Damage Claim: Step by Step

If something is damaged during your move, here is the process:

1. Inspect immediately. Check items as they are unloaded and note any damage on the inventory sheet BEFORE signing the delivery acknowledgment.
2. Take photographs. Document all damage with clear, well-lit photos.
3. File a written claim. Submit a written claim to your moving company. For interstate moves, you have 9 months from delivery to file.
4. Provide documentation. Include photos, purchase receipts, repair estimates, and your original inventory.
5. Moving company responds. Federal regulations require interstate movers to acknowledge your claim within 30 days and settle within 120 days.
6. Negotiate if needed. If the settlement offer seems unfair, negotiate with the company. Provide additional documentation if needed.

Why Colorado Springs Families Trust iHaul iMove

While we hope you never need to file a damage claim, our track record speaks for itself:

• 700+ 5-star reviews from real customers across Colorado Springs
• 17+ years of careful, professional moving with minimal damage incidents
• Trained, full-time crews who take pride in handling your belongings with care
• Transparent valuation options explained before your move, not after
• Furniture protection services including blankets, pads, and stretch wrap on every move

We serve families across Colorado Springs, Monument, Broadmoor, and the entire Pikes Peak region.

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