This is the question most people don’t know to ask, and the one that causes the worst surprises. ‘Valuation’ is the moving industry’s term for how much a mover will pay if your belongings are lost or damaged — and the standard level is far lower than real replacement value. Here’s what to ask.
Almost everyone assumes their belongings are ‘insured’ during a move. In reality the default coverage is often a token amount per pound — enough to replace a lamp by weight, nowhere near enough to replace what the lamp was worth. Understanding valuation before the truck is loaded is how you avoid a devastating gap after something breaks.
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Understand the Difference Between Valuation and Insurance
What is your default valuation, and how is it calculated? Basic coverage is frequently calculated by weight, not value — a fixed, low amount per pound per item. Under that math, a heavy but cheap item is well covered while a light, expensive one (electronics, art) is barely covered at all. Ask the mover to state the exact figure.
Is valuation the same thing as insurance? No, and this distinction matters. Valuation is the mover’s built-in liability. True moving insurance is a separate product, sometimes offered through a third party. Ask which you’re being offered and read the terms.
Know Your Upgrade Options
Can I buy full-value protection? Full-value protection means the mover is liable to repair, replace, or reimburse the actual value of damaged items. It costs more than basic coverage but is often worth it for a household with valuable belongings. Ask for the price and the deductible.
Are there items you won’t cover, or cover only if you pack them? Many movers limit or exclude liability for items you packed yourself, and for high-value categories like jewelry, cash, and important documents. Ask for the exclusion list — and see Questions to Ask Movers About Packing and Fragile Items for why who-packs-what affects coverage.
What documentation do I need for a claim to be honored? Coverage is only as good as your ability to claim on it. Ask what proof of value and condition you’ll need, and whether there’s a deadline to file. The claims process itself is covered in Questions to Ask Movers About Claims and Guarantees and What to Do If Movers Damage Your Belongings.
The Bottom Line
Before the truck is loaded, know the exact coverage on your belongings and decide whether to upgrade. It’s a small conversation that prevents the worst kind of moving loss. When you’re clear on coverage, confirm the credentials behind it in Questions to Ask Movers About Licensing and Insurance.