The short answer
Interstate movers' default liability is released value protection at 60 cents per pound per item — a 40lb television pays $24. Your homeowners or renters policy typically covers belongings in transit only for named perils such as fire or theft, not for dropping and breakage by the mover.
Your three options
Choose before the truck is loaded, in writing on the bill of lading.
- Released value: free, 60 cents per pound, effectively no cover.
- Full value protection from the mover: the mover must repair, replace, or pay cash value; costs roughly 1% of declared value.
- Third-party moving insurance: often better value than the mover's own full value option, with a deductible.
- Check whether your credit card or renters policy offers transit cover before buying.
Protecting the claim
Photograph high-value items before packing, note pre-existing damage on the inventory sheet, and inspect before signing the delivery receipt. Once you sign clean, disputing damage becomes far harder. Claims against interstate movers must generally be filed within nine months.
Check your policy's transit wording
Upload your home or renters policy to PolicyPal and we tell you what cover applies while your belongings are off-premises and in storage.
Frequently asked
- Does renters insurance cover the move?
- Off-premises cover usually applies to theft and fire, but breakage caused by handling is typically excluded.
- What about items in storage?
- Most policies cover belongings in storage at a reduced limit, often 10% of contents, and only for a limited period.
- Can I claim against the mover and my insurer?
- You can pursue the mover first; your insurer may pay and then subrogate. You cannot recover twice for the same loss.
Your policy is the only source of truth
Stop guessing. Check your actual policy.
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