PROTECTING YOUR BELONGINGS
Coverage Options & Your Moving Paperwork
Know exactly how your belongings are protected before moving day.
Coverage Is Not the Same as Insurance
Every licensed mover is required to be liable for your belongings while they are in our care, but how much depends on the valuation coverage you choose. It’s called “valuation” rather than insurance, and the level you pick sets the most the mover has to pay if something is lost or damaged. We’ll explain both options when you book, and you’ll choose one on your paperwork before we load.
Option 1: Basic Value Protection (Included)
Cost: no extra charge.
What it pays: up to 60 cents per pound, per article, based on the weight of the item, not what it’s worth.
Example: a 50-pound TV that is damaged would be covered up to $30 (50 lbs x $0.60), even if it cost $600.
Basic protection is the minimum coverage required by law. It’s fine for many moves, but it won’t replace a valuable item.
Option 2: Full Value Protection (Added Cost)
Cost: an added charge based on the total value you declare for your shipment. We give you the price in writing before your move.
What it pays: if an item is lost or damaged, we will repair it, replace it with a similar item, or pay the cost to replace it at today’s market value, up to the total value you declared.
State and federal rules set a minimum declared value based on the weight of your shipment, and we’ll walk you through the numbers for your move.
- High-value items: anything worth more than $100 per pound (fine art, antiques, some electronics) must be listed in writing before the move to be fully covered.
- Boxes you pack yourself: coverage for contents may be limited when the box shows no sign of damage from handling.
- Particle board furniture: some state rules limit coverage on pressed-wood furniture.
Other Ways to Protect Your Belongings
- Check your homeowners or renters policy. Some policies cover belongings during a move. Call your agent before moving day.
- Third-party moving insurance. You can buy separate moving insurance from an outside insurance company.
- Move valuables yourself. Jewelry, cash, important papers, medications and irreplaceable keepsakes should ride with you.
Your Moving Paperwork, Explained
- Estimate: your written price. Local moves are billed hourly in 15-minute increments with a 3-hour minimum, and time starts when we arrive at your home. Long-distance moves get a binding estimate, which means the price won’t change after booking.
- Bill of Lading: your contract with us for the move. It lists your services, your charges and the coverage option you chose. Read it before you sign, and keep a copy.
- Inventory: for long-distance moves, a list of your items and their condition when loaded. Check it at pickup and at delivery.
- Pre-existing damage report: the record of damage that was already there before we started. Submit yours here.
- Delivery walkthrough: before the crew leaves, check your items and note anything missing or damaged.
Official Consumer Guides
These free guides from the agencies that regulate movers explain your rights in more detail:
- Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (FMCSA, interstate moves)
- Ready to Move? Moving Checklist (FMCSA)
- Moving 101: A North Carolina Consumer’s Guide (NC Utilities Commission)
- Household Goods Movers Guide (Pennsylvania PUC)
- Moving Within Florida (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
Questions About Coverage?
Ask us before your move. We’d much rather explain it now than surprise you later. If you ever need to file a claim, see our Insurance Claim Policy.
Want Help Choosing Coverage?
Call 717-434-6711 and we’ll walk you through both options for your move.
Ready to start your stress-free move? Contact us today to Get a free moving quote and let the A & M family make your moving experience a delightful one!