Expert Insights: The Ins and Outs of Moving Insurance

Moving insurance is a must, especially if you’re relying on movers to help with your big move.

Below we’ll go into the ins and outs of moving insurance with words from expert moving consultant Chris Townsend.

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What is Moving Insurance?

The purpose of moving insurance is to cover your belongings from damage during the journey of transit. Renters insurance, unfortunately, does not cover moving, so moving insurance is going to pay dividends should anything go wrong during transport.

During a move, accidents happen, as well as lost shipments and delays. It’s paramount that you work with a moving company that fully insures all of your belongings during the big move. Otherwise, if anything goes wrong, you’re left without your furniture, clothes, and anything else you decide to move.

Homeowners’ policies often do not cover your property during moves. You can however check with your pre-existing insurance to double-check if your property is insured during transit and storage. If you’re leaving your items in storage, it’s also important to verify with your movers if they cover that, as not all moving insurance covers storage.

What if I Move on My Own?

If you move on your own, then you will likely only have limited coverage for the rental truck and nothing else. You assume the entire risk of the move, and when moving thousands of dollars worth of stuff, the cost may be great down the line if something occurs during transit.

Depending on the rental truck company, the goods inside may be covered, but it’s important to check the insurance policy of what they cover and what they don’t.

How to Prepare with Moving Insurance?

When you’re moving, it’s best to prepare an inventory of everything you’re sending off. It’s important so that if there is a claim that needs to be made, there is documentation of what was shipped and what wasn’t.

If you have expensive items that are not documented during the transit but were lost,  stolen, or damaged, then you’ll have a hard time creating a claim. Take pictures, as well as sign off with the moving company that they agree on what is and isn’t being delivered.

Released Value Coverage vs Full Value Coverage

The Department of Transportation makes it mandatory to have released value coverage for all moving companies. This means that you are not covered for the full value of the load, but rather by weight, and often at a fairly low rate of 50-60 cents per pound.

That’s why it’s important to verify that you have full value coverage, so your belongings are reimbursed at their full value, and not per pound which can often lead to disastrous outcomes.

Imagine you lost a thousand-dollar necklace, and since it didn’t weigh much, you would only be reimbursed less than a quarter!

Keep in mind though that full value coverage almost always comes with a deductible. The best course of action is to speak with your moving service about the best way to properly insure all of your belongings.

Movers(such as those at at Three Movers) may also decline at times to take certain items, to avoid them being a liability, like fairly expensive china, furniture, or jewelry. Full value coverage will cost extra, but it’s worth the cost when it comes to protecting your valuables.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, our interview with expert moving consultant Chris Townsend has provided invaluable insights into the world of moving insurance.

Moving insurance is a critical aspect of any relocation, especially when relying on professional movers to transport your belongings. It serves as a safeguard to protect your possessions during the journey, covering potential damage, loss, or delays that can occur during transit.

One key point to remember is that renters insurance typically does not extend to moving, making it essential to obtain specialized moving insurance to secure your valuable belongings.

Homeowners’ policies may also have limitations when it comes to covering property during moves, so it’s crucial to verify the extent of coverage with your existing insurance and your chosen moving company.

Additionally, not all moving insurance policies cover items placed in storage, so it’s essential to inquire about this aspect if needed.

If you decide to handle the move independently, your coverage is likely to be limited to the rental truck itself, leaving your belongings at greater risk. It’s important to thoroughly examine the insurance policy provided by the rental truck company and understand what is covered and what isn’t.

To prepare for moving insurance claims, creating a detailed inventory of your items before the move is advisable. Proper documentation, such as photographs and an agreement with the moving company on the items being transported, can significantly facilitate the claims process in case of loss, theft, or damage.