It's one of the first questions any homeowner should ask before booking a mover: what happens if something gets damaged? At Great Movers, we believe in being upfront about exactly what protection is included with every move, and what additional coverage is available if you want full peace of mind.
Quick answer
Every move includes standard valuation, a federally mandated coverage of $.60 per pound for damaged items. We reserve the right to repair or replace damaged items. For full replacement value, we recommend purchasing affordable third-party moving insurance before your move date.
Standard Valuation: What's Included by Default
We are federally mandated to pay $.60 per pound for any item that is damaged during your move. This is the baseline protection included automatically, no extra sign-up required.
We reserve the right to fix any damaged item, or to replace it if it cannot be repaired. This standard valuation is based on weight, not on the item's actual monetary value, which is an important distinction to understand before moving day.
Have questions about coverage?
Talk to our team about what standard valuation includes and how to arrange additional insurance before your move.
Why Weight-Based Coverage Isn't Always Enough
Because standard valuation is calculated per pound rather than per dollar of value, it doesn't always reflect what an item is actually worth. A lightweight but expensive item, like a laptop, a piece of jewelry, or a small electronic device, could be worth far more than $.60 per pound would cover if it were damaged.
On the other hand, a heavy but inexpensive item might receive coverage that exceeds its actual replacement cost. This is exactly why many moving companies, including Great Movers, recommend looking into additional coverage for anything of significant value.
Full Coverage: Third-Party Moving Insurance
We highly recommend purchasing additional coverage known as third-party insurance if you want your belongings protected at their full value. This type of coverage is offered through independent insurance providers, not through Great Movers directly.
Some of the most commonly used providers include:
Their rates are very affordable, typically costing between 1% and 2% of the total value of your items, and they insure your belongings at their full value rather than by weight.
| Coverage Type | How It's Calculated | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard valuation | $.60 per pound, included automatically | Baseline protection on every move |
| Third-party insurance | 1%–2% of total item value, purchased separately | Full replacement value on higher-value belongings |
How to Get a Full Replacement Cost Quote
Both movinginsurance.com and bakerintl.com, along with emoveinsurance.com, will offer you a quote for 100% replacement cost coverage. Simply contact either company directly for additional information or to request a quote based on the total value of the items you're moving.
These are independent agencies and are not associated with Great Movers, LLC. Because coverage needs to be arranged and bound before your move begins, plan ahead and reach out to them directly rather than waiting until moving day.
Don't Wait: Arrange Coverage 48 Hours in Advance
If you decide that third-party insurance is right for your move, remember to call your chosen provider at least 48 hours before your move date to obtain and bind coverage. Waiting until the last minute can leave you without the protection you were counting on, so this is one item worth checking off your moving checklist early.
Damage & Insurance: FAQ
What is standard valuation coverage?
Standard valuation is a federally mandated coverage that pays $.60 per pound for any item damaged during the move. Great Movers reserves the right to repair a damaged item or replace it if it cannot be fixed.
Does standard valuation cover the full value of my belongings?
No. Standard valuation is based on weight, at $.60 per pound, not on the actual replacement cost of the item. A heavy but inexpensive item could be valued higher than a lightweight but expensive one under this method.
What is third-party moving insurance?
Third-party moving insurance is optional full-value coverage purchased through an independent insurance provider, such as movinginsurance.com, bakerintl.com, or emoveinsurance.com. It typically costs between 1% and 2% of your items' total value and can cover 100% of replacement cost.
When do I need to arrange third-party insurance?
You should contact a third-party insurance provider at least 48 hours before your move date to get a quote and bind coverage before moving day.
Is Great Movers affiliated with the insurance companies?
No. Movinginsurance.com, bakerintl.com, and emoveinsurance.com are independent agencies not associated with Great Movers, LLC. You would contact them directly for quotes and coverage details.