How to Insure Your Belongings During a Move
Valuation coverage, your homeowner's policy, and third-party moving insurance — what covers what.
Published 2026-02-11 · 5 min read · Specialty
Valuation coverage and insurance are two different things
A mover's valuation coverage, whether basic released-value or an upgraded full-value option, establishes the mover's own liability for your belongings. It is not the same as a traditional insurance policy, and the two shouldn't be confused when you're deciding how to protect a shipment. Understanding this distinction is the starting point for making a genuinely informed decision.
Check your homeowner's or renter's policy first
Some homeowner's and renter's insurance policies extend limited coverage to belongings in transit during a move, though the specifics vary widely by insurer and policy. Before your move, call your insurance provider and ask directly whether your policy covers items while they're being moved, and what the limits and exclusions are.
Third-party moving insurance as an added layer
For high-value shipments, a standalone moving insurance policy purchased from a third-party provider can supplement whatever valuation coverage your mover offers. These policies are worth considering specifically for items where replacement cost would be significant — art, antiques, high-end electronics — since they're typically underwritten based on actual value rather than weight.
Documentation ties all of this together
Regardless of which coverage you choose, a dated, itemized inventory with photographs of your higher-value belongings is the foundation of any successful claim. Take this step before your items are loaded, keep a copy for yourself, and confirm with your mover how and when to file a claim if something does go wrong after delivery.
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