You know when you have to get a big, heavy sofa out of the home, maybe you have to squeeze it through a tiny door and down two flights of stairs? It feels Herculean — slow, awkward, and likely to leave you sweaty and sore by the time you’re done.
If you work in moving, this is an everyday reality: a crew must remove a sofa from one home, transport it, and place it into another — usually in a single day and without damage to the property or the customer’s belongings.
The federal agency that oversees household goods carriers has ruled that a moving company is responsible for the value of the items it transports, so movers can’t simply shift responsibility onto customers if something is damaged in transit.
Coverage options vary. Different policies and protections are described under Moving Insurance, and the level of protection chosen by the customer affects the mover’s liability.
One common option is "released value," where the mover’s liability is limited to a set amount per pound, per item — often only a few dozen cents per pound. By contrast, "full value" coverage promises payment up to the current replacement value of an item.
If your state allows, you may want to sell coverage through your own carrier so customers can have full protection and you reduce your exposure; see Housemoving Insurance for more on options you might offer.
Some movers broaden their protection and services; information about business-level options for operators is available through resources like Moving Companies Insurance.
Because disputes can arise over pre-existing damage, many movers document the condition of items before loading. Think of it as insurance on your moving company insurance — photos help show what condition an item was in when the movers arrived.
Coverage matters for both customers and movers: it protects customers’ property and limits the mover’s financial risk. If you’re unsure which option is right for a job or a customer, consider taking a moment to talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "released value" coverage?
Released value limits the mover’s liability to a small amount per pound per item, which reduces the mover’s exposure but also limits what a customer can recover for loss or damage.
How does "full value" coverage work?
Full value coverage means the mover is responsible for repairing, replacing, or paying the current market value for items that are lost or damaged while in the mover’s care.
Should movers take photos before loading items?
Yes — photos provide evidence of an item’s condition before transport and can help resolve disputes about pre-existing damage versus damage caused during the move.
Can a moving company sell insurance directly to customers?
In many states movers can offer insurance through an approved carrier; availability and rules vary, so movers should check state regulations and carrier requirements.