Moving insurance reimburses you if your belongings are lost, damaged, or stolen during a move. Depending on the type of coverage you choose, it can pay as little as $0.60 per pound per item or up to the full market value of your things. While the average cost of moving insurance is around 1% to 5% of your total shipment value, it can range anywhere from a few dozen dollars to several hundred, depending on what you’re protecting.
But do you even need insurance? Even the best-planned move comes with some uncertainty. Boxes shift in transit, furniture can get nicked, and unexpected delays happen. That’s why moving insurance matters — it’s a safety net that can help you recover financially if something goes wrong.
At HireAHelper, we’ve spent nearly two decades helping people book trusted movers and plan stress-free moves. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about moving insurance in 2025, from what it covers to how much it costs and how to choose the right protection for your move.
In this article:
What Is Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance is protection you buy for your belongings while they are being packed, loaded, shipped, unloaded, or briefly stored during a move. If something is lost, damaged, or stolen, it can pay to repair, replace, or reimburse you. It’s something you should consider building into your moving costs.
- What it usually covers: accidental damage in transit, theft, fire, some weather events, and losses handled by your movers. Coverage depends on the option you choose and the policy terms.
- What it usually does not cover: normal wear and tear, mysterious disappearance without proof, damage to boxes you packed poorly, items not listed on your inventory, and exclusions named in the policy (for example, certain natural disasters or very fragile items without special packing).
- When it helps most: long-distance moves, shared trailers, moves with high-value items, international relocations, and any situation with storage in between homes.
- When it may not help much: quick in-town moves with mostly low-value, easy-to-replace items, or when you already have solid coverage elsewhere and are comfortable with the risk.
How much it covers and what it costs:
Here is a quick overview of the most common types of insurance and some of the differences between them:
- Released Value Protection: included with movers, pays up to $0.60 per pound per item.
- Full-Value Protection: typically 1% to 2% of your shipment’s declared value; pays repair, replace, or cash value up to current market value (rules apply).
- Third-party moving insurance: often 1% to 5% of the declared value, with broader perils and options for high-value items.
Why is Moving Insurance Important?
Even careful crews hit bumps, boxes shift, and weather or delays happen. Insurance turns a costly surprise into a manageable claim, so you are not paying out of pocket to fix or replace something important. It also encourages better documentation and handling, which reduces disputes later.
Is Moving Insurance Worth It?
When deciding if you should squeeze moving insurance into your budget for your relocation, use these quick rules of thumb:
- Distance and complexity: Cross-country or multi-stop moves benefit more than short, simple ones.
- Item value: If a few items make up most of your home’s value, consider extra coverage for them.
- Who packed: If pros pack and load, coverage is more likely to apply. DIY packing can limit payouts.
- Transport and storage: Shared trailers or time in storage increase the risk of damage to your belongings.
- Existing policies: Check homeowners or renters insurance for gaps, limits, and perils.
- Your risk tolerance: If replacing items would strain your budget, stronger coverage is often worth it.
How Does Moving Insurance Work?
Moving insurance is simple once you know the steps. You purchase it before your move, and if something gets damaged or lost, you file a claim to get reimbursed for what you lost. Here’s how it works from start to finish.
Who you buy it from
You can buy moving insurance directly through a third-party provider (like MovingInsurance.com or Baker International) or through your moving company’s partner insurer. Movers themselves can’t legally sell insurance, but they can connect you with a provider that does.
When you buy it
It’s best to purchase your policy before moving day — ideally as soon as your moving contract is finalized. Some providers require coverage to be secured at least 48 hours before your move date.
Who you file a claim through
If your items are damaged, stolen, or missing, you’ll file a claim directly with the insurer listed on your policy, not your moving company. You’ll need your contract, a detailed inventory, and photos of the damage to support your claim.
What kind of payout you’ll get
If your claim is approved, your payout depends on your level of coverage. Basic coverage through your movers typically pays $0.60 per pound per item, while higher tiers or third-party insurance can reimburse up to the full market value of each damaged or lost belonging. As a rule of thumb, more comprehensive coverage costs more upfront but pays much more when something goes wrong.
Moving Insurance vs. Moving Company Valuation Policies
It’s easy to confuse moving insurance with valuation coverage, but they’re not the same thing.
- Valuation coverage (like Released Value or Full-Value Protection) is offered by moving companies and defines how much they’re liable for if something is damaged or lost. It’s not an insurance policy, but rather a level of responsibility that movers agree to.
- Moving insurance comes from an actual licensed insurance company, providing broader protection that can include events your movers aren’t responsible for—such as theft, fire, or natural disasters.
If you want the most complete protection for your belongings, pairing valuation coverage with third-party moving insurance offers the best of both worlds.
Types of Moving Insurance
Below is a quick side-by-side of the three core options people compare most. It highlights cost, payout, who provides it, and whether it helps with high-value items.
Comparing the Three Types of Moving Insurance
| Option | Cost | Coverage Amount | Who Provides It | Extra Coverage for Expensive Items? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released Value Protection (RVP) | Included in the cost of the move | Up to $0.60 per pound of belongings | Your moving company | No |
| Full-Value Protection (FVP) | Typically 1 – 2% of the value of your belongings | Repair, replace, or cash settlement up to current market value (limits apply) | Your moving company | Not by default. Items over $100 per pound must be declared to be fully covered |
| Third-Party Moving Insurance | Often 1% to 5% of the declared value (from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on what you insure) | Up to full replacement value with broader covered perils, subject to the policy | A third-party insurance company | Yes, depending on the policy and scheduled items |
Released Value Protection (RVP)
RVP is the free baseline that comes with interstate moves. If something is lost or damaged, the mover’s liability is capped at $0.60 per pound, per item. That means a 10-pound TV would max out at $6 even if it cost hundreds. RVP is best for low-value, easy-to-replace items or short, simple moves where you are comfortable with risk.
Full-Value Protection (FVP)
FVP raises the ceiling. Your mover agrees to repair, replace, or pay the current market value of covered items you declare for the shipment, usually for 1% to 2% of that declared value. Important: items worth more than $100 per pound must be listed as high-value to receive full protection. FVP still may exclude certain perils and owner-packed boxes, so read the terms before deciding on this option.
Third-Party Moving Insurance
Third-party coverage fills gaps and expands what counts as a covered loss. Pricing is commonly 1% to 5% of the declared value. Policies can cover theft, fire, certain weather events, storage periods, and high-value or fragile items when they are properly packed and scheduled. Claims are filed with the insurer listed on your policy, not the mover.
Quick guidance:
- Choose RVP if budget is the priority and your items are of low value.
- Choose FVP if you want a mover-administered upgrade that pays closer to what things are worth.
- Add third-party insurance if you have pricey items, storage or shared-trailer legs, or you want broader perils covered.
Other coverages to know: homeowners or renters insurance may cover named perils like theft or fire with off-premises limits, and rental truck insurance protects the vehicle and sometimes cargo during DIY moves. These can complement, but not replace, the three core options above.
How Much Does Moving Insurance Cost?
While the average cost of moving insurance is about 1% to 5% of your shipment’s declared value, real prices vary. Depending on what you cover and how you cover it, you could pay as little as a few dozen dollars for a small move or into the thousands for high-value shipments and broader policies.
The Average Cost of Moving Insurance
The biggest factors affecting moving insurance costs are the type of insurance and the value of the belongings being covered. The table below gives a quick look at what you might expect to pay for extra coverage based on your home size and shipment value.
Typical Moving Insurance Price Ranges (Quick Comparison):
| Move Size | Typical Price Range for Extra Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | $120–$900 |
| 2–3 bedroom home | $300–$3,000 |
| 4-bedroom home | $600–$4,500 |
While every move is different, below are some examples of estimated weights and shipment values based on home size, along with estimated insurance costs.
Smaller move (1-bedroom apartment)
Full value of shipment: $12,000–$18,000
- Released value protection: Free
- Full value protection (1–2% of the shipment value): $120–$360
- Third-party moving insurance (1–5% of the shipment value): $120–$900
Mid-size move (2-3 bedroom home)
Full value of shipment: $30,000–$60,000
- Released value protection: Free
- Full value protection (1–2%): $300–$1,200
- Third-party moving insurance (1–5%): $300–$3,000
Larger move (4-bedroom home)
Full value of shipment: $60,000–$90,000
- Released value protection: Free
- Full value protection (1–2%): $600–$1,800
- Third-party moving insurance (1–5%): $600–$4,500
Factors That Influence the Cost of Moving Insurance
The distance you’re moving
Moving insurance for long-distance moves and international relocations will cost more than local moves.
The type of coverage you choose
Specialty or third-party moving insurance will cost significantly more than other options, particularly released value protection (which is free).
The declared value of your belongings
The higher the value of your shipment, the greater the liability and the more expensive the insurance.
Typical Moving Insurance Price Ranges
The biggest factors affecting moving insurance costs are the type of insurance and the value of the belongings being covered.
How To Save on Moving Insurance
There are ways you can save on your moving insurance cost, particularly if you aren’t moving any high-value items like jewelry, large electronics, antiques, and the like:
- Negotiate coverage with your moving company
- Reduce probable risk through careful packing and labeling (and then opt for the more affordable insurance option)
- Bundle limited coverage moving insurance with homeowners or renters insurance. Ask your agent about your policy’s moving coverage
Do You Actually Need Moving Insurance?
Not every move needs extra insurance, but many benefit from it. The key is weighing risk, distance, and value. If replacing your belongings would cost more than the coverage itself, moving insurance is worth the peace of mind.
Think about your situation using this quick guide:
| Your Move Situation | Do You Need Moving Insurance? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Local or short-distance move with low-value items | Probably not | The free Released Value Protection may be enough for inexpensive, easy-to-replace belongings. |
| Long-distance or cross-country move | Yes | The farther your items travel, the greater the risk of damage or loss in transit. |
| Moving high-value items (art, antiques, jewelry, electronics) | Definitely yes | These items exceed the $100-per-pound limit under Full-Value Protection, so you’ll need to declare them or get third-party coverage. |
| DIY move using your own truck or rental | Yes, if you’re not covered elsewhere | Your homeowners or renters policy might not cover damage caused during loading or driving. |
| Professional full-service movers | Likely yes | Even pros encounter accidents, and insurance ensures you’re reimbursed fairly. |
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself: Would it hurt my wallet to replace what’s in this truck?
If the answer is yes, it’s likely worth having a safety net in place.
How To Choose the Right Moving Insurance
Even if you understand all the options for moving insurance you have available, you still might be wondering what’s right for your situation. If you want to choose the best moving insurance for your unique move, take the following steps:
1. Assess the Value of Your Belongings
The full value of your shipment is an important factor in determining how much coverage you need and how much it will cost. Here are the basic steps for assessing the value of your belongings:
- Create a detailed home inventory (the more specific, the better).
- Estimate the worth of high-value items like electronics, antiques, jewelry, and musical instruments.
- Take photographs of your belongings to document their condition before your move.
2. Evaluate Moving Company Policies
Not all moving companies are created equal. It’s important that you do your due diligence to ensure you choose a reputable moving company for your move. Here are some important steps to take when evaluating prospective moving companies:
- Make sure the moving company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if you’re moving across state lines.
- Confirm that the moving company is licensed and insured.
- Review and understand the moving company’s liability policy.
- Carefully read contracts before signing.
- Compare insurance options and coverage policies from multiple moving companies.
- Understand the concept of depreciation vs. replacement value and choose a policy that offers your preferred option.
3. Look Into Third-Party Insurance Policies
If your moving company’s Full-Value Protection doesn’t meet your needs, or you want broader coverage, you can purchase insurance from a third-party provider. These companies specialize in covering perils that movers’ liability doesn’t, such as theft, fire, water damage, or natural disasters.
Popular options include:
- MovingInsurance.com: Offers customizable plans that integrate directly with moving companies, including those on the HireAHelper marketplace.
- Baker International: Known for flexible coverage and claims support for high-value items.
- U-Haul Safeload Insurance: Designed for DIY and truck rental moves, it covers both personal injury and property damage during loading, transport, and unloading.
4. Review Homeowners and Renters Insurance Policies
Homeowners and renters insurance might still cover your belongings during a move, but only under the perils already listed in your policy, such as fire, vandalism, theft, water damage due to burst pipes, and certain natural disasters. Loss or damage caused by other perils probably won’t be covered.
Damage that occurs during the move itself — whether by you or your movers — may not be covered. For example, if you drop the TV on the way to the truck, or your furniture shifts in transit and gets damaged. Essentially, something that wouldn’t normally be covered by your renters insurance if it happened in your home will almost never be covered during a move.
Be sure to review your policy or reach out to your insurance provider to find out exactly what’s covered and under what circumstances. You can also purchase additional coverage through the insurance company for specific, high-value items.
5. Pick Your Coverage
The best moving insurance for you is the one that you’re willing to pay for and that offers the coverage you feel you need. If your homeowners or renters insurance offers adequate coverage for your specific move, then that (paired with cost-free Released Value Protection) is the best option.
“…[W]hile you have nine months from the day of delivery to file a moving insurance claim, it’s best to inspect your belongings as soon as they arrive, before signing off on the delivery.”
If you’re worried about high-value items getting damaged or lost, paying more for Full-Value Protection or third-party insurance will be worth the peace of mind. And, of course, choosing reputable movers who are licensed, insured, and registered with the FMCSA will reduce the odds that you’ll ever need to file a claim.
How to File a Moving Insurance Claim
Filing a claim for moving damage is probably the last thing you want to think about after a move — especially one that went so badly you want to make a claim in the first place! Still, while you have nine months from the day of delivery to file a moving insurance claim, it’s best to inspect your belongings as soon as they arrive, before signing off on the delivery.
If you discover anything missing, damaged, or destroyed, you can start the moving insurance claims process right away.
Steps To Take After Damage or Loss
- Note any missing or damaged items on the mover’s inventory list
- Request a company claim form from the moving company
- Fill out the form and send it via certified mail to the address provided by the moving company. Be specific during this step. Listing the brand/model of damaged or lost items will improve your chances of receiving a suitable replacement or payment
What Documentation Is Needed?
- Photographic evidence of damaged or lost items (remember that inventory from earlier?)
- Proof of each item’s value using receipts and appraisals
- Copy of your moving contract and insurance policy
Understanding the Claims Process
Filing a claim may be a pain, but it’s necessary when dealing with moving damage or loss. Understanding the process and what to expect can make this less-than-fun experience a little easier.
Moving company deadlines
- The moving company has 30 days to notify you that they received your claim
- The mover must either resolve your claim (e.g., repair, replace, or pay cash) or reject it within 120 days
Common reasons claims get rejected:
- Items were already damaged or worn prior to the move
- Items were packed by the owner rather than the moving company
- Items are valued above the agreed-upon coverage
- Items were damaged due to perils not listed on the policy/agreement
- Inability to verify transit-related loss or damage
- Items weren’t listed on the original inventory
- Items are made of pressed wood furniture
- The previous condition of items was unknown
Appealing a rejected claim
If your claim gets rejected, you’ll likely have a short window of just 30–60 days in which to appeal. While having a valid claim rejected is annoying, it isn’t the end of the world. The following steps can help you to revive the claim process and, hopefully, recoup your losses.
- Carefully review the denial letter to determine the reason(s) your claim was rejected
- Review your policy terms to verify that your claim is valid
- Gather proof of loss or damage using any or all of the following: Detailed inventory, photos, receipt and valuation from the moving company, and any reports provided by the moving company
- Review the policy for the specific appeal instructions
- Write an appeal letter that acknowledges the reasons your claim was rejected and references your supporting documents and policy. It should also clearly point out why your claim is valid and support your case with proof and evidence
- Submit your appeal with all supporting documents per your insurance company’s appeal process
- Follow up on your appeal on a regular basis
- If all else fails, consider arbitration, mediation, or further legal action
Common Misconceptions About Moving Insurance
Myth: “Moving companies automatically insure all my belongings.”
Reality: Moving companies will automatically apply full value protection to your move unless told otherwise, but this doesn’t insure all of your belongings. For example, boxes you pack yourself and high-value items may not be covered.
Myth: “Homeowners insurance always covers moving-related losses.”
Reality: Homeowners insurance may offer some coverage for your items during a move, but typically only when it comes to listed perils, such as fire and theft. So, if someone steals something out of the moving truck or it catches on fire, homeowners insurance will likely cover the loss. However, damage due to mishandling or shifting in transit probably isn’t covered.
Myth: “I don’t need insurance if I’m using a professional mover.”
Reality: Items may be damaged or lost even when handled by professional movers. While you can reduce the likelihood of damage by choosing a reputable moving company, securing moving insurance is still a good idea.
Protect Your Belongings with HireAHelper’s Moving Insurance
HireAHelper has been curating moves for over 17 years, with hundreds of thousands of moves completed. We’ve compiled the best moving companies to help with your relocation, each one committed to handling every move with care and expertise.
On the HireAHelper marketplace, you can narrow your search for moving companies to ones that have full-service moving licenses and commercial liability (for an extra level of security).
HireAHelper also offers Standard Repair Coverage and Full-Value Coverage when you hire movers through HireAHelper.
Standard Repair Coverage
- Covers up to $.60 per pound
- Covers goods while they are being handled by the movers
- Covers goods while in transit in a storage container or a rental truck if movers are hired via the HireAHelper marketplace to do both the loading and the unloading
- Not available for same-day orders
Full-Value Coverage
- Can be purchased for labor-only movers with an average rating of 4.5 or better
- Customers must fill out an inventory sheet to qualify
- Covers goods while they are being handled by the movers
- If the container/truck is loaded and unloaded by movers hired via the HireAHelper marketplace:
- Covers goods while in transit in a storage container
- Covers goods while in transit in trucks (26′ or under)
- This insurance does not cover goods while in transit in a freight trailer
- Full-value insurance policies are not available on Mover + Truck (full-service) services or same-day and next-day orders
- All policies must be finalized with MovingInsurance.com at least 48 hours before the move date
We’re so confident you’ll be satisfied with your move, we also have a $1,000 Service Guarantee. To learn more about HireAHelper’s insurance options, visit our License & Insurance Information page.
Why Trust HireAHelper
When it comes to moving, experience matters — and HireAHelper has plenty of it! With more than one million successful moves completed across the country, we’ve spent nearly two decades helping people find and book trusted movers through our nationwide marketplace.
Every HireAHelper move includes Standard Repair Coverage automatically, which reimburses up to $0.60 per pound per item for damages that occur while movers are handling your belongings. For people who want additional peace of mind, we also offer Full-Value Coverage through our partner, MovingInsurance.com. This upgrade gives customers protection for the full market value of their items when using highly rated movers.
“Moving insurance comes from an actual licensed insurance company, providing broader protection that can include events your movers aren’t responsible for—such as theft, fire, or natural disasters.”
We also have a dedicated claims team that helps customers resolve issues quickly and fairly. And with every mover’s license and insurance credentials clearly listed on their profile, you always know exactly who you’re hiring.
After nearly twenty years and countless moves, HireAHelper continues to make moving more transparent, reliable, and protected. We don’t just connect you with movers — we stand behind your move from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions to ask before moving to help you find the best moving company and moving insurance for your needs.
Does my homeowners insurance cover moving?
While your homeowners insurance may offer some coverage during your move, it may not be enough. Review your policy or reach out to your agent to get a clear picture of exactly what is covered.
What’s the difference between liability and moving insurance?
Liability insurance is usually included in your move. It covers damage caused as a result of the moving company’s negligence, but you likely won’t be reimbursed for the full value of the damaged item(s).
Moving insurance comes at an additional cost but also covers a wider range of losses and damages. Depending on the type of insurance you choose, you may be reimbursed the full value for lost or damaged items.
Is moving insurance worth it for a short-distance move?
Local moves that don’t involve high-value items may not justify the cost of coverage above the free option — released value protection — which reimburses $0.60 per pound per lost or damaged item. Accidents can still happen during a short-distance move, but it comes down to whether or not the cost of insurance is worth it to you.
How do I find the best provider?
Online marketplaces are great resources that make it easy to compare moving providers, read reviews, and choose the best option for your needs. You can narrow your search to highly rated moving companies that are licensed, insured, and registered with the FMCSA. For example, the curated list of moving companies on HireAHelper have received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars (after nearly 300,000 reviews).
Does renters insurance cover damages when moving out?
Renters insurance typically protects your belongings from specific risks (like fire, theft, or vandalism) while they’re inside your home — not during a move. Some policies may cover items in transit, but only under limited circumstances. If you’re moving out, it’s best to confirm with your insurer whether your coverage extends to the moving process or if you’ll need a separate moving insurance policy.