Moving Valuation: Released Value, Full Value Protection and Insurance

One of the most misunderstood parts of a move is what happens financially if something is lost or damaged.

The first distinction to understand is that valuation is a mover-liability framework. It should not automatically be treated as the same thing as a separate insurance policy.

For a move within your state

The interstate options and figures below are not universal intrastate rules. Confirm the shipment’s jurisdiction, then check the state requirements pilot. Separate the provider’s business insurance from its liability for your belongings, and confirm protection during packing, transport, storage and any separately hired labor.

The Two Interstate Liability Options

FMCSA explains that interstate household-goods movers must offer two levels of mover liability: Full Value Protection and Released Value.

FMCSA states that Full Value Protection applies unless the customer selects Released Value. Choosing Released Value requires a specific signed statement on the bill of lading or contract. Keep that signed choice with the rest of the shipment record.

Follow the protection path: Valuation → Released Value / Full Value Protection → Carrier Liability → Claim. These are connected concepts and alternative protection choices, not a sequence of forms everyone must sign.

Released Value

Released Value is the no-additional-charge option with limited protection. Under current FMCSA guidance, liability is limited to no more than 60 cents per pound per article when this option is selected.

That can produce a very small recovery for an expensive item that does not weigh much.

For example, at the 60-cents-per-pound figure in FMCSA guidance, a 25-pound item has a $15 liability limit. Its purchase price does not determine that weight-based limit. Confirm the actual released-rate terms in the signed documents.

Full Value Protection

Under Full Value Protection, the mover generally has a broader obligation to repair, replace, or make a cash settlement for covered lost or damaged articles, subject to the plan's valuation terms and declared shipment value.

Confirm the declared shipment value, how it is calculated, the protection charge and any deductible. 49 CFR 375.201 explains the full-value liability framework and its declared-shipment-value limit. Ask for the written plan rather than relying on a general assurance that the move is covered.

High-Value Items Need Attention

FMCSA guidance identifies articles of extraordinary value as items worth more than $100 per pound. Specifically list these items on the shipping documents and obtain a written explanation of the limitation before the move. Keep descriptions, photographs and value evidence connected to the same item identifiers. See High-Value Item.

If Separate Insurance Is Offered

Ask who the insurer is, what the policy covers, which exclusions and deductibles apply, and where a claim must be submitted. Insurance is separate from the mover’s valuation liability; do not assume the mover’s business insurance is a policy protecting your shipment on the terms you expect.

For insurance sold or procured by a covered interstate mover, 49 CFR 375.303 requires a policy or other appropriate evidence of insurance at the time of sale or procurement. Retain it with the signed valuation choice and transportation documents.

Document Condition Before Handling

Photographs, receipts, inventory records, and a condition report can help establish what existed and what condition it was in before handling.

If There Is Loss or Damage

Keep the Bill of Lading, inventory, valuation selection, photographs, receipts, correspondence, and delivery records. For covered interstate moves, FMCSA states that written loss-or-damage claims generally must be filed with the mover within nine months of delivery.

Delivery notes and inspection reports preserve evidence, but alone do not meet the formal filing requirements of 49 CFR 370.3. The customer or authorized claimant submits the written claim to the proper carrier and keeps proof of receipt. See Claim and the Moving Claims guide for required information and practical steps.

Use the Moving Documents guide to keep the contract, inventory, protection choice and later changes consistent.

Questions to Ask Before Move Day

• Which liability option am I selecting?
• What is the declared shipment value?
• Are there deductibles or special terms?
• How are high-value items treated?
• Is any separate insurance being offered, and by whom?
• What documentation should I keep for a claim?

Primary Sources

• FMCSA — Understanding Valuation and Insurance Options
• FMCSA — Liability & Protection
• FMCSA — What if there are problems?

Explore more Moving & Relocation Help →

The Relocation Ecosystem provides educational information and does not provide legal or insurance advice. Review the mover's actual documents and applicable requirements for your move.