Insurance & Relocation
A comprehensive guide to how insurance fits into the moving process.
41M
People moved in 2023
$19B
Moving services spend
450k+
Corporate relocations
What "moving insurance" is (and isn't)
Domestic moves often rely on mover liability, not a traditional policy. Interstate movers must offer:
Released Value
Free, pays by weight (60¢/lb)
Example:
25lb TV = $15 payout
Full Value Protection
Based on declared value
Coverage:
Repair/replace/cash settlement
Where insurance sits in the chain
Employer/HR
Sets policy
→
RMC
Orchestrates
→
Movers
Pack/haul
→
Insurers/TPAs
Handle risk/claims
Choices made before pack day ripple through estimates, bills of lading, and claims.
Lanes
Interstate
Federal rules
- FMCSA oversight
- Mandatory options
- Standard valuation
Intrastate
State tariffs
- Local regulation
- Varying requirements
- State-specific rules
International
Marine cargo
- Global coverage
- Complex chains
- Multiple jurisdictions
What trips people up
Documentation
- Missing proof
- Late decisions
- Unclear values
Special Items
- Art & collectibles
- Electronics
- Fragile items
Process
- PBO boxes
- Pre-existing wear
- Pairs & sets
What "good" looks like
1
Early Documentation
Capture inventory before pack day
2
Clear Values
Transparent, defensible pricing
3
Special Handling
Flag items needing extra care
4
Digital Trail
Time-stamped evidence bundle