Relocating your home or office involves more than just packing boxes and transporting furniture. One of the most overlooked—but critical—aspects of moving is understanding your coverage options. When hiring a professional moving company like Big Bear Movers, you’ll be presented with two standard liability coverage options: Basic Protection (often called Released Value Protection) and Full-Value Protection.
While they sound similar, the difference between the two can have major financial consequences if something goes wrong during your move. Choosing the right coverage isn’t just about playing it safe—it’s about making an informed decision based on the value of your belongings and your tolerance for risk.
Why Moving Coverage Matters More Than You Think
Moving can be unpredictable. Despite the best planning and care, accidents happen—items may break, go missing, or get damaged in transit. While reputable moving companies like Big Bear Movers strive to ensure everything arrives safely, no mover can guarantee that nothing will ever go wrong.
This is where valuation coverage enters the picture. Valuation is not technically insurance but rather a level of liability assumed by the moving company for your belongings. Understanding the distinctions between Basic and Full-Value Protection ensures you know what recourse you have if the unexpected occurs.
What Is Basic (Released Value) Protection?
Basic Protection is the most minimal level of coverage legally required for all interstate moves. It comes at no additional cost but offers only limited compensation if your goods are lost or damaged. Under this plan, the mover’s liability is typically set at $0.60 per pound per item.
How Basic Protection Works
If your 10-pound laptop, worth $1,200, is damaged in transit, you’d only be eligible for $6.00 in compensation under Basic Protection. This valuation is based strictly on weight—not the actual market or replacement value of the item.
That’s where many homeowners get caught off guard. It’s not that the moving company is neglectful; it’s that the level of coverage is defined and limited by federal regulation unless you opt for more comprehensive protection.
When Basic Protection Might Be Enough
For those moving low-value items or doing short-distance relocations where the risk of damage is perceived to be low, Basic Protection may feel like a reasonable option. However, it’s important to understand that once a claim is filed under Basic coverage, there’s little room for negotiation or recourse.
Big Bear Movers includes Basic Protection in all moves as per industry requirements, but we always make sure our clients fully understand what they’re agreeing to.
What Is Full-Value Protection?
Full-Value Protection is a more comprehensive coverage option where the moving company is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your shipment. While this option comes at an additional cost, the peace of mind it provides is often well worth the investment—especially when transporting high-value or irreplaceable items.
How Full-Value Protection Works
With Full-Value Protection, your moving company must offer to either repair the item, replace it with a similar item, or provide you with a cash settlement for its current market value. This is not based on weight but actual value—something that can make a major difference when dealing with electronics, artwork, or heirlooms.
You’ll usually be asked to declare a total value for your shipment, which becomes the baseline for coverage. This can vary based on the mover’s policies, but most set a minimum declared value per pound—commonly around $6 per pound of total shipment weight.
Full-Value Protection Still Has Limits
Even Full-Value Protection has its conditions. Certain high-value items may need to be declared separately, and coverage might be reduced or voided if the customer packs items improperly. The cost also varies depending on the total declared value, deductible options, and distance.
At Big Bear Movers, our team walks you through the valuation process to ensure your coverage matches your actual needs. We help you understand exclusions and advise you on listing particularly valuable pieces.
Comparing Basic vs. Full-Value Protection: Key Differences
The most noticeable difference lies in the reimbursement model. Basic Protection compensates based on weight, not value, whereas Full-Value Protection takes the item’s actual worth into account.
The choice between them should be based on:
- The total value of your belongings
- The nature and fragility of the items
- Your tolerance for financial loss
- The overall distance and complexity of the move
It’s also worth noting that third-party insurance is an option for those wanting an even higher level of protection, especially for specialty items like antiques, musical instruments, or luxury collections. However, for most households, the choice usually comes down to these two standard valuation options.
Real-Life Example: Why Coverage Choices Matter
Imagine a professional family relocating from a three-bedroom home. They’ve got modern electronics, designer furniture, and sentimental keepsakes. Choosing Basic Protection would mean minimal reimbursement for costly items if anything goes wrong. A 100-pound sofa worth $3,000 would only yield $60 in compensation.
Opting for Full-Value Protection, on the other hand, would enable them to recover the item’s replacement cost or receive a cash settlement. This financial safeguard can prevent stress, resentment, or costly losses during a move that’s already emotionally and logistically intense.
Why Big Bear Movers Encourages Transparency on Protection Plans
At Big Bear Movers, we believe every customer deserves clarity, not fine print. Too many people assume their belongings are fully insured just because they’ve hired professionals. We break down the pros and cons of each coverage type and help you align your choice with the nature of your move.
We also support clients with documentation and advice in case they ever need to file a claim. Our goal isn’t just to move your stuff—it’s to protect your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Valuation
Is valuation the same as insurance?
No, valuation is not technically insurance. It’s a level of liability the mover assumes. If you want full insurance protection with fewer exclusions, you may need to purchase third-party insurance.
Can I change my protection option after booking?
In most cases, yes. However, any changes must be made before the move begins and properly documented. Big Bear Movers allows flexibility with protection upgrades before the scheduled moving day.
What if I pack the items myself?
If you opt for Full-Value Protection but pack the boxes yourself, coverage may be limited for those items. Movers are usually only liable for things they pack themselves unless the damage clearly resulted from mishandling in transit.
Making the Right Decision for Your Move
Choosing between Basic and Full-Value Protection ultimately comes down to your personal comfort level and the value of your belongings. While the zero-cost nature of Basic Protection is appealing, it often provides little real-world relief in the event of damage or loss. For those with moderate to high-value items—or anyone who simply wants more security—Full-Value Protection offers the peace of mind that makes a stressful move more manageable.
Before you decide, take inventory of what you’re moving and think realistically about what you’d expect if something went wrong. Talk to your mover, ask questions, and don’t just settle for the default option because it’s included. A few extra minutes of planning can save you hundreds—or even thousands—later.
Let Big Bear Movers Help You Navigate Your Options
Whether you’re preparing for a local move or planning a cross-state relocation, Big Bear Movers is here to simplify your entire experience. Our team doesn’t just lift and load—we guide you through every stage, including understanding your coverage choices.
We treat your belongings like our own and want you to feel confident that you’re protected no matter what. Contact us today to discuss your moving needs and let us help you choose the protection plan that’s right for you.