Your mover is responsible for the value of the goods you asked them to transport. There are two types of moving company liability coverage interstate movers must offer their customers: full value protection or released value protection. With full value protection, your mover is liable for the total replacement value of any lost or damaged items in your shipment. With released value protection, there’s no additional cost but you’ll only receive up to 60 cents per pound for an item.

This liability coverage is different from a moving company’s own business liability insurance which typically covers their facilities, equipment, vehicles, and employees. You can read about the two types of liability in the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet.

If you select released value from your mover, you may want to buy movers insurance from a third party. Before buying insurance, check your homeowner’s policy to see if you’re already covered.