The Truth About Moving Insurance: What Movers Don’t Explain and What You Really Need to Know

Moving insurance is one of the most confusing — and most misunderstood — parts of the entire moving process. Movers often gloss over it, oversimplify it, or “recommend” the option that benefits them, not you.

UMA’s job is to make sure you understand exactly what protection you have, what protection you don’t have, and how to avoid the traps hidden in the fine print.

Here’s what movers won’t explain… and what you absolutely need to know.

1. “Basic Coverage” Isn’t Real Insurance — It’s Released Value Protection

Most movers include something called Released Value Protection automatically.

Movers will say things like:

“Don’t worry, you're covered.”

But what they don’t say is:

Released Value Protection only pays $0.60 per pound per item.

So if your 20-pound $1,200 TV breaks?

20 lbs × $0.60 = $12.

That’s it. Twelve dollars.

Not because the mover is being unfair — but because that’s how the law is written.

Released Value Protection is the absolute minimum level of coverage movers are allowed to offer. It protects them — not you.

2. Full Value Protection (FVP) Is Better — But Comes With Fine Print Movers Rarely Mention

Full Value Protection means the mover is responsible for the actual value of your items.

But here’s what movers don’t explain:

Fine Print Movers Skip:

• FVP has deductibles

• Movers can repair, replace, or cash-compensate — their choice, not yours

• Many valuable items are capped unless you declare them

• Some movers exclude certain categories entirely

• Items packed by the customer may not be covered

  
  

So while FVP is better, it’s not the magic “everything is protected” blanket most people assume.

3. Movers Often “Recommend” the Cheapest Liability Option — And Call It the Best Choice

When a mover tells you:

“Most customers just choose the basic option — you’ll be fine.”

What they're not saying is:

• It limits their financial responsibility

• It lowers their risk

• It keeps their insurance claims low

• They have no incentive to push better coverage

Some movers even phrase it as a favor:

“This saves you money!”

But if something happens, you could lose thousands while the mover pays pennies.

4. Movers Are Not Responsible for Everything — Even With Insurance

This is one of the biggest surprises for customers.

Movers are typically not responsible for damage caused by:

Not Covered:

• Items you packed yourself

• Boxes with no visible damage

• Natural wear (scratches, loose legs, existing damage)

• Items with pre-existing weakness (pressed wood, IKEA furniture)

• Internal damage (electronics, appliances)

• High-value items not declared in advance

• Missing items without proof they were loaded

Even with FVP, many of these fall through the cracks unless you have someone knowledgeable reviewing the details.

5. Claims Are Often Slow, Complicated, and Designed to Wear You Down

Claims are handled by third-party adjusters, not movers — and the process is slow.

Customers frequently report:

• Long email chains

• Delayed responses

• Requests for photos, receipts, valuations

• Low settlement offers

• Movers arguing “pre-existing condition”

Many people give up before the claim finishes because the process feels intentionally exhausting.

UMA prevents that.

6. How MoveNavigator Protects You From Insurance Traps

We review your quotes and contracts before you pick a mover, so you understand exactly what you're getting.

Here’s how we help:

✔ We translate the insurance section into normal English

No jargon. No guessing.

✔ We make sure you understand your coverage level

Released Value vs Full Value vs High-Value declarations.

✔ We check what exclusions apply

Some contracts hide pages of limitations — UMA calls them out.

✔ We help you choose the right level of protection

Based on your home size, item value, inventory, and risk level.

✔ We stay with you through the claims process

If something goes wrong, you’re not fighting alone.

Bottom Line

Most customers don’t realize until it’s too late that “you’re covered” means very little in the moving industry.

With us, you get:

Real guidance, real protection, and real clarity — before anything goes wrong.

You deserve transparency — not fine print.

Cluttered boxes ready for relocation