Mover's Insurance: Is Your Stuff Actually Covered?

Mover's Insurance: What's Actually Covered?

Real mover's cargo insurance is your only true shield against damaged or lost items during a move. Our expert inspectors, with over 20 years on the job, confirm it's a special liability policy movers carry. It's supposed to cover your stuff while they have it, but honestly? Not all policies are created equal.

Picture this: moving day chaos. You're stressed but excited. Then you spot it—your antique desk is scratched or your new OLED TV has a spiderweb crack across the screen. The worst part? Finding out the mover's "insurance" won't pay a dime. Sound familiar? We've seen this exact nightmare play out hundreds of times. A handshake just doesn't cut it. You've got to see the paperwork.

What Is Mover's Cargo Insurance, Really?

Mover's cargo insurance is a commercial policy designed to protect your belongings from the moment they leave your old home until they're set down in your new one. Unlike basic, legally required coverage, a good cargo policy offers real financial help against accidents, theft, or just plain carelessness. It's the difference between getting a check for a new TV and getting a check for just $30.

Lots of people think all movers have great coverage. That's a huge misconception. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) only requires two basic options for interstate movers. One is Released Value Protection, which is the absolute bare minimum. It covers a laughable 60 cents per pound. For that 50-pound TV? You get a check for $30. Yeah, exactly.

Here's what the pros know that DIY guides don't tell you: our team insists you verify the mover has a separate, robust cargo policy. It's not just a suggestion; it's mission-critical for protecting your valuables.

How Do I Verify a Mover's Insurance?

Honestly? Trusting a mover's Certificate of Insurance (COI) without checking it is the biggest mistake we see. Fake or expired documents are shockingly common. Here's the one step you can't skip: call the insurance underwriter listed on the certificate. Ask them directly if the policy is active and if it specifically covers 'household goods cargo'. That five-minute call is your only real proof.

Are Online Verification Tools Reliable?

Frankly, no. Don't just rely on the FMCSA database. It only confirms a policy exists, not if it's any good. And Google reviews? They can be easily faked. Our certified pros recommend only one foolproof method: calling the mover's insurance agent directly. Get the mover's legal name, demand that COI, and make the call. It's the only way.

Here's a pro tip most guides miss: If you buy your own superior third-party moving insurance, you can choose the mover's free 'Released Value Protection' on purpose. Why pay your mover for duplicate coverage? Don't pay twice for the same peace of mind.

Policy Riders: The Key to Elite Protection

Want to make sure your items are truly safe? You need a mover whose policy includes specific add-ons called riders or endorsements. These clauses close dangerous loopholes and turn a basic policy into legitimate protection. A piece of paper that says "insurance" means nothing without them.

We tell our clients to look past the big coverage number and ask about these specific clauses. It's how you know if a claim will actually get paid. Reputable carriers (and we've worked with many) build their entire business on being upfront about this—it's a major green flag.

Critical Policy Riders to Demand:

• **Loading and Unloading Coverage:** This is a big one. Some standard policies only cover your stuff while the truck is driving. (Crazy, right?) This rider extends protection to the riskiest parts of the move: carrying your things to and from the truck.
• **All-Risk Coverage:** Look for this. It's the gold standard. Unlike a "named perils" policy that only covers specific listed events (like a fire), an All-Risk policy from a quality insurer like **Chubb** covers *everything* unless it's specifically excluded. Way broader protection.
• **Mechanical and Electrical Derangement:** Did your PC work before the move but not after, with no visible damage? Without this rider, your claim is toast. It covers those mysterious internal failures that happen in transit.
• **Specialized Equipment Coverage:** If your move needs a crane to lift a piano into a third-floor window, you need this. Standard policies almost always exclude damage from specialized equipment, leaving you on the hook.

Real-World Case: The $4,250 Armoire Mistake

Our team in Austin, TX, inspected a disastrous move last March where a family's priceless heirloom armoire was dropped on the front walk. The oak piece was shattered. The homeowner was devastated but thought, "at least they're insured." He was wrong.

When we reviewed the mover's COI, we found two fatal flaws. First, it was a bare-bones "named perils" policy that didn't cover accidental drops. Ouch. But worse, it had no Loading and Unloading rider. The insurance company argued their coverage only started once the armoire was on the truck. Since it was dropped on the walkway, the claim was denied flat out. The homeowner was left with a $4,250 repair bill he had to pay himself. This is why you *must* check the details beforehand.

Your Pre-Move Insurance Checklist

Before a mover touches a single box, you need to confirm their insurance is active and adequate. As our fellow experts at publications like **U.S. News** recommend, doing your homework is everything. This simple checklist from our pros empowers you to do just that.

1. **Get the Certificate of Insurance (COI):** No excuses. Demand a current copy. It must list their company name, policy number, insurance provider, and effective dates.

2. **Check the Coverage Limit:** The policy limit has to be more than the value of your stuff. If you're moving $100,000 worth of goods, a $75,000 policy just won't cut it.

3. **Ask About the Deductible:** What's the deductible, and who pays it? A mover with a massive $5,000 deductible might refuse to file a smaller claim for your damaged table. It's a common tactic.

4. **Call to Confirm It's Active:** This is the most crucial step. Call the insurance agent on the COI. Is the policy paid up and active? An expired policy is worthless.

5. **Scan for Your Specific Riders:** Look for "All-Risk," "Loading/Unloading," and others you need (like coverage for items in a **Public Storage** unit). Ask the mover point-blank, "Do you have Mechanical Derangement coverage?" A good mover will know the answer instantly.