Cross Country Moving Insurance: Released Value vs Full Value Protection (2026)
Released Value vs Full Value Protection
Released Value Protection (RVP)
Full Value Protection (FVP)
What Happens When Something Breaks: Real Dollar Examples
| Item | Weight | Actual Value | RVP Payout (60c/lb) | FVP Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-inch TV | 30 lbs | $1,200 | $18 | $1,200 |
| Leather sofa | 150 lbs | $2,500 | $90 | $2,500 |
| Antique dresser | 120 lbs | $3,000 | $72 | $3,000 |
| Grand piano | 900 lbs | $15,000 | $540 | $15,000 |
| Laptop | 5 lbs | $1,800 | $3 | $1,800 |
| Entire 3BR shipment | 10,000 lbs | $40,000 | $6,000 | $40,000 |
RVP calculation: weight x $0.60. FVP pays current market replacement value. FVP deductibles ($0-$500) not reflected above.
Your Rights Under Federal Law (FMCSA)
You must be offered both options
Every licensed interstate mover is required by federal law (49 CFR 375.207) to offer you both Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection. If a mover only mentions one option, ask explicitly about the other.
Released Value must be declared in writing
To accept Released Value Protection, you must sign a specific declaration on the Bill of Lading. If you sign nothing, full value protection rules apply by default under current FMCSA regulations.
Mover cannot limit FVP to less than $6/lb
Full Value Protection must cover at least $6.00 per pound times your total shipment weight, with no deductible for the first 2% of the declared value. This is the minimum required by federal regulation.
You can request a re-weigh
If you believe your shipment was weighed incorrectly, you can request a re-weigh at a certified scale before delivery. The mover must comply. The cost of re-weighing is charged to whichever party (you or the mover) was wrong about the weight.
Third-Party Moving Insurance
When to Buy Third-Party Coverage
- You have antiques, fine art, or collectibles with hard-to-prove value
- Your mover's FVP has high deductibles or low coverage caps
- You want coverage for items excluded by the mover (jewelry, cash, documents)
- You are shipping high-value electronics worth $5,000+
Typical Costs
Provider: MovingInsurance.com and Baker International are common providers. Compare quotes directly.
How to File a Moving Damage Claim
Before the movers leave, note all damaged or missing items on the delivery receipt (Bill of Lading). Take photos of every damaged item. Sign noting the damage. This is the most critical step -- damage noted at delivery is far easier to claim than damage reported afterward.
Federal law requires interstate movers to acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days. You must file the claim in writing within 9 months of delivery. Send via certified mail with return receipt.
Your claim should include: the Bill of Lading number, a description of each damaged item, photos, original purchase receipts or appraisals, and repair estimates from qualified technicians.
If the mover does not respond within 30 days or denies a legitimate claim, file a complaint with the FMCSA at movingfraud.fmcsa.dot.gov and with your state attorney general. Small claims court is an option for amounts under $10,000.