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What happens if a moving company damages your belongings?
If something is damaged during your move, what you can recover depends entirely on the valuation coverage you selected before moving day. Under basic Released Value Protection, the default coverage included at no charge, movers are liable for just 60 cents per pound per item. Under Full Value Protection, the mover must repair, replace, or issue a cash settlement at current market value. Any damage must be documented on the Bill of Lading at delivery before you sign, and for interstate moves, movers are required by federal law to acknowledge claims within 9 months.
It’s the question almost everyone wonders before moving day, even if they don’t want to ask it out loud: what happens if something gets damaged?
It’s a fair concern. You’re handing over everything you own to a team of strangers. Understanding your rights, and exactly how the process works if something goes wrong, is one of the most important things you can do before signing with any mover. Here’s a complete, transparent breakdown.
The Difference Between Moving Insurance and Valuation Coverage
Valuation coverage: The liability protection a moving company offers for your belongings during transit. It is not the same as insurance, it is the mover’s legal responsibility for loss or damage, and it comes in two forms.
Moving companies don’t sell insurance in the traditional sense. What they offer is called valuation coverage, and the form you choose determines everything about how a damage claim is resolved.
Released Value Protection (Basic Coverage)
This is included in every interstate move at no extra charge. The mover is only liable for 60 cents per pound per item. A 20-pound flatscreen TV worth $800 – you may receive $12. It satisfies the legal minimum but provides very little real-world protection.
Full Value Protection
The mover is liable for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged item. They must either repair it, replace it with a comparable item, or issue a cash settlement based on current market value. This option costs more but is the right choice for most households.
At Premier Relocations, your salesperson walks through both options during the estimate, no surprises on moving day.
What to Do If You Notice Damage on Moving Day
Document everything before the movers leave. This is the single most important rule.
- Do a full walkthrough of your new home before signing anything; check furniture, electronics, artwork, and fragile items
- Note damage on the Bill of Lading before signing, this is the official delivery document, and damage noted here is your strongest claim foundation
- Photograph everything, every damaged item, every damaged box, every visible point of impact
- Keep original packaging where possible, claims are significantly stronger when you can show proper packing
Bill of Lading: The official contract and delivery receipt between you and the moving company. Any damage must be written on this document at the time of delivery before the customer signs.
How the Damage Claim Process Works: Step by Step
For interstate moves in Michigan, Ohio, New York, and all Premier service markets, federal FMCSA regulations govern the timeline:
Step 1: Submit a written claim. Include each damaged item, estimated value, and photos. Most movers have a formal claim form.
Step 2: Adjuster review. The company reviews the claim against your coverage type. They may request receipts or additional documentation.
Step 3: Settlement offer. You’ll receive an offer based on coverage and documented damage. You have the right to accept, negotiate, or dispute.
Step 4: Arbitration if needed. Unresolved interstate disputes can go to neutral arbitration through an FMCSA-required program. Premier participates in this program.
Items You Packed Yourself: What You Need to Know
If you packed your own boxes and an item inside arrives broken, the mover’s liability is limited, unless the box itself shows visible external damage like crushing or impact marks. If you want full protection on fragile or high-value items, having your mover pack them is the safest approach.
High-Value Items Require a Separate Inventory Form
High-Value Inventory form: A document required for items worth more than $100 per pound; such as jewelry, fine art, antiques, and collectibles. Without it, recovery on these items may be capped even under Full Value Protection.
Before your move, list every high-value item and discuss it with your moving coordinator. Premier’s team flags these during the in-home survey and ensures proper documentation.
Coverage Comparison
Released Value Protection
- Cost: Free (included)
- Liability: 60 cents per pound per item
- Best for: Low-value shipments
- Required documentation: None extra
Full Value Protection
- Cost: Additional charge
- Liability: Full repair, replace, or cash value
- Best for: Most households
- Required documentation: High-Value Inventory for items over $100 per pound
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a moving company damages my furniture?
If your furniture is damaged during a move, the mover’s liability depends on your valuation coverage. Under Released Value Protection, you receive 60 cents per pound. Under Full Value Protection, the mover must repair, replace, or pay current market value. Document damage on the Bill of Lading before signing and file a written claim promptly.
How long does a moving company have to settle a damage claim?
For interstate moves, federal law allows you up to 9 months to file a claim.
What is Full Value Protection for a move?
Full Value Protection is a valuation coverage option that holds the moving company liable for the full replacement value of any item that is lost or damaged during your move. The mover must repair the item, replace it, or issue a cash settlement at current market value.
What is Released Value Protection?
Released Value Protection is the default, no-cost coverage included in every interstate move. It limits the mover’s liability to 60 cents per pound per article, which is far below actual market value for most items.
Can I claim damage if I packed my own boxes?
You can file a claim, but the mover’s liability for items in self-packed boxes is limited unless there is visible external damage to the box indicating mishandling. Items packed by the moving company are fully covered under your chosen valuation option.
What is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading is the official contract and delivery receipt for your move. It lists your belongings and the terms of the move. Any damage must be noted on this document at the time of delivery, before you sign, to support a future claim.
Have questions about coverage before your move? Request a no-cost estimate from Premier Relocations, we’ll walk through every option with you before you sign anything.