When preparing for a move, people spend hours organizing belongings, scheduling moving dates, and coordinating logistics. Yet, one of the most important considerations often goes overlooked: protecting your possessions in case something goes wrong during the move. That’s where moving insurance—or more accurately, moving valuation coverage—comes into play.
Understanding the nuances of moving insurance is essential. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, knowing your options can protect you from costly surprises if items are lost, damaged, or destroyed in transit. At Big Bear Movers, we believe an informed customer is a confident one. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about moving insurance so you can make the best decisions for your upcoming move.
The Difference Between Moving Insurance and Valuation Coverage
One of the first things to clarify is that what most people call “moving insurance” is technically not insurance at all. Instead, it’s called “valuation coverage.” The difference lies in who provides the protection. Insurance is offered by third-party providers and regulated under separate laws, while valuation coverage is a level of liability provided directly by the moving company.
When you hire a professional mover like Big Bear Movers, you’re automatically entitled to a basic form of valuation coverage at no additional cost. But you also have the option to purchase more comprehensive protection through Full-Value Protection or a third-party moving insurance policy.
Why Moving Insurance Matters
Relocating involves countless moving parts—literally and figuratively. Even when working with highly experienced movers, no one can guarantee absolute perfection. Boxes may be dropped, items may shift in transit, or weather-related events may damage your possessions. If something goes wrong and you’re not covered, replacing even a single valuable item out-of-pocket can turn an already stressful experience into a costly one.
Moving insurance or valuation coverage gives you a financial safety net. It ensures that you’re not left empty-handed if something is damaged, lost, or stolen during the move. Choosing the right level of coverage can mean the difference between full replacement value and minimal reimbursement.
Basic Protection: The Industry Minimum
Every licensed moving company is required to provide Basic Protection (also known as Released Value Protection) for all interstate moves. This level of coverage is included in the cost of your move but offers very limited compensation—typically around $0.60 per pound per item.
This means that if your 30-pound flat-screen TV worth $500 is damaged, you’ll only be entitled to $18 in compensation. Clearly, this level of coverage is not designed for expensive or sentimental items. It’s a baseline requirement, not a comprehensive safety net.
At Big Bear Movers, we offer Basic Protection with every move, but we also take the time to explain what this really means for your belongings. We want our clients to make an informed decision, not one based on assumptions.
Full-Value Protection: A More Comprehensive Option
For customers looking for broader coverage, Full-Value Protection is usually the better choice. With this plan, the moving company is responsible for repairing damaged items, replacing them with similar ones, or offering a cash settlement equal to the item’s current market value.
You’ll be asked to declare the overall value of your belongings, which will then serve as the basis for coverage. In most cases, moving companies set a minimum declared value per pound—often around $6 per pound. The cost of this protection varies depending on the declared value and any deductible options you choose.
Big Bear Movers provides Full-Value Protection as an optional upgrade and works closely with customers to determine an accurate valuation. We help you understand your responsibilities, such as declaring high-value items in writing and ensuring everything is properly documented and packed.
Exclusions and Limitations
Even with Full-Value Protection, certain situations may limit your ability to file a successful claim. Items that are not properly packed, goods not listed on your inventory sheet, or valuables that were not disclosed beforehand may not be covered.
Damage caused by natural disasters, acts of God, or poor road conditions can also fall outside the scope of coverage, depending on the terms. Additionally, if you pack your own boxes and the contents are damaged due to improper packing, the moving company may not be held liable.
To maximize your coverage, always disclose high-value items to your moving team. At Big Bear Movers, we advise clients on best practices and take extra precautions with fragile or valuable pieces to avoid disputes and disappointment later.
Third-Party Moving Insurance
For even greater peace of mind, many customers turn to third-party moving insurance providers. These policies often offer more flexible terms and fewer exclusions than standard valuation coverage from moving companies.
Third-party insurance can cover things like natural disasters, mold, mildew, mechanical failure of electronics, and high-value items that exceed the limits of Full-Value Protection. These policies can also be customized for local, interstate, and even international moves.
If you’re transporting rare artwork, luxury furniture, or sensitive electronics, third-party coverage may be the best option. It complements what your mover provides and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
We often recommend third-party insurance to Big Bear Movers customers with highly valuable or unique items. We’re happy to work with your insurer to ensure proper documentation and a smooth claim process.
How to File a Claim If Something Goes Wrong
If something is damaged or lost during your move, the first thing to do is document the issue immediately. Take photos, locate the inventory sheet, and notify your moving company in writing. Movers typically provide a claim form, which must be completed within a specific time frame—usually within 9 months of delivery for interstate moves.
Once the form is submitted, the mover has 30 days to acknowledge your claim and 120 days to resolve it. This timeline may vary depending on the circumstances and whether additional documentation is required.
At Big Bear Movers, we support our clients throughout the claim process. We aim for quick, fair, and transparent resolutions because our reputation is built on trust—not just transportation.
Do You Really Need Moving Insurance?
This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the answer depends on what you’re moving and how much you’re willing to risk. If your move involves low-value items or you’re not worried about potential loss, Basic Protection may be enough. But if you’re transporting electronics, heirlooms, or furniture worth thousands of dollars, the peace of mind offered by Full-Value Protection or third-party insurance is often worth the cost.
Think about how much you’re investing in the move, not just in terms of money, but in time, emotion, and logistics. Losing even a single critical item—like a laptop, family photo album, or designer sofa—can disrupt more than just your budget. It can cast a shadow over the entire relocation experience.
We always recommend discussing your situation with a professional mover. At Big Bear Movers, we take the time to understand your needs and recommend the coverage that’s right for you—not just the default option.
How to Choose the Right Coverage
Selecting the best coverage starts with evaluating your inventory. Create a detailed list of your belongings and assign approximate values to each. Consider which items are irreplaceable, and factor in the distance, complexity, and duration of the move.
Then, discuss your options with your mover and, if needed, consult a third-party insurer. Ask questions. Clarify what’s covered and what’s excluded. Find out what happens if something is only partially damaged or what documentation you’ll need to provide.
When you move with Big Bear Movers, we simplify this process. Our team will guide you step-by-step so that your coverage matches your comfort level and the value of your possessions.
Final Thoughts: Moving Is an Investment—Protect It
Whether you’re moving across the street or across state lines, your belongings matter. They represent your lifestyle, your memories, and your future. Moving insurance—whether through Basic Protection, Full-Value Protection, or a third-party provider—is not just a formality. It’s a safeguard for everything you’ve worked hard to acquire.
Understanding the coverage options available empowers you to make decisions that reduce stress and increase security during your move. Don’t wait until something breaks or disappears to realize how important moving insurance really is.
Partner with a mover that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and care. At Big Bear Movers, we go beyond transportation. We help protect your journey—every step of the way.