Released Value vs. Full Value Protection

Full Value Protection

Under Full Value Protection the mover's liability is the replacement value of the household goods, and the maximum is the declared value of the shipment. In practice the mover repairs the item, replaces it, or pays what it costs to replace it — not a depreciated value.

This is the level that applies unless you choose otherwise in writing. It usually costs more than released value, and the price depends on the declared value and the deductible the mover offers, so ask for both in the estimate.

Released value

If you waive Full Value Protection in writing, the mover's liability drops to the released rate set by the Surface Transportation Board: currently 60 cents per pound per article. It pays by weight, not by worth, which is why released value is a poor fit for electronics, art or anything light and expensive.

The choice has to appear on the bill of lading — either Full Value Protection or your written waiver — so read that section before you sign it.

Items worth more than $100 a pound

There's a trap for high-value items. If something in your shipment is worth more than $100 per pound and you don't tell the mover in writing, its liability for that item may be limited to $100 per pound — even under Full Value Protection.

If you do list it in writing, you're entitled to full recovery up to the value you declared for the item, within the declared value of the whole shipment. Jewelry, watches, collectibles and small electronics are the usual candidates. Many people carry the smallest of these themselves.

What the mover isn't liable for

Perishable, dangerous or hazardous items packed into your shipment without the mover's knowledge are not its responsibility. Neither is loss you caused. Ask for the mover's list of items it won't carry before packing.

Valuation vs. insurance

Valuation is the mover's liability under federal rules, not an insurance policy. A mover may also sell you separate liability insurance, but only on a shipment released at the 60-cents-per-pound rate.

If it sells you insurance, it must give you the policy or other evidence of the insurance at the time of sale, in plain English. A mover that sells you insurance and doesn't issue it becomes fully liable for the loss itself. Your homeowner's or renter's policy may also cover goods in transit; check before buying twice.

How to choose

Estimate what it would cost to replace your belongings, then compare the price of Full Value Protection at that declared value against what released value would actually pay. For most households the difference on a single broken TV or table is larger than the cost of the upgrade. Whatever you choose, make sure it's written on the bill of lading the same way it was on the estimate.

Questions to ask about valuation

• What does Full Value Protection cost at the declared value I need, and what deductible options are there?
• How do I list items worth more than $100 per pound, and where does that list go?
• Do you repair, replace or pay cash, and who decides?
• If I buy insurance from you, when will I get the policy?

Valuation only matters if you can prove a loss, so the inventory and your notes at delivery do the heavy lifting. If something does break, the claim deadlines and arbitration rules are in our damage claims guide.

Common questions