Liability & Protection

sites • May 3, 2022
 Working with a household goods carrier (mover) can be nerve-racking. You are packing up all your treasured possessions – furniture, family, pictures, heirlooms, antiques, children’s toys – and handing them over to strangers to load into a truck. While most moves go smoothly, accidents do happen, and some items may be lost or damaged during shipment.
Your mover is responsible for the value of the goods you asked them to transport. You can read about the two types of liability below or in the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to provide when you move from one state to another. 

What are your options?

Under Federal law, interstate movers must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value.

Full Value Protection

Under Full Value Protection, your mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. This is the more comprehensive, but also more expensive, option for protecting your belongings. Unless you choose the Released Value option, described below, your mover will automatically move your belongings under this level of liability.

While moving, if any of your items are lost, destroyed, or damaged, your mover will offer to do one of the following for each item:

Under this option, movers are allowed to limit their legal responsibility to loss or damage to items of “extraordinary value”, meaning items that are valued more than $100 per pound (such as jewelry, china, or furs). However, if you specifically list these items on the shipping documents, your mover is still responsible for their safe delivery. Ask your mover for a written explanation of this limitation before your move.


The exact cost for Full Value Protection varies by mover and may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that can reduce your cost. Ask your mover for written details of their Full Value Protection plan.


Released Value Protection


Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds).

If you choose this option, you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading or contract agreeing to it. Just remember that you will only be compensated according to the weight of the item, not its actual value. If you do not select Released Value Protection, your shipment will automatically be transported at the Full Value Protection. 

If you're moving within your state...

Each state may have its own rules and regulations governing moves within the state. Check with your state, county or local consumer affairs agency or state moving association if you're moving to a new location within the same state.


Keep in mind...

Some of your actions may limit your mover's liability. These include:


  • Packing perishable, dangerous or hazardous materials in your household goods without your mover's knowledge.


  • Packing your own boxes. You may consider packing your own household goods articles to reduce your costs, but if the articles you pack are damaged, it may be more difficult to establish your claim against the mover for the boxes you pack.


  • Choosing Released Value coverage when your household goods are valued at more than 60 cents per pound per article.


  • Failing to notify your mover in writing about articles of extraordinary value.


  • Signing a delivery receipt for your household goods if it contains any language about releasing or discharging your mover or its agents from liability. Strike out this kind of language.


  • Failing to report loss and damage promptly. You have nine (9) months following the date of delivery of your shipment to file a written claim with your mover.

What if there are problems?

By sites • May 3, 2022
When your move is complete, it’s important to take inventory to ensure all your belongings are where they should be. If you realize there is a problem, the FMCSA is here to help. Take the following actions to ensure you stay protected and get everything you’re entitled to. Refer to your mover's dispute settlement program Before moving your household goods, an interstate household goods carrier (mover) must provide you with information regarding their dispute settlement program. Movers must offer a neutral dispute settlement program as a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning loss or damage of your household goods. File a claim for lost or damaged goods If your goods are damaged or missing at delivery, request a company claim form from the mover. Complete the claim form to the best of your ability. The mover will tell you where to mail the completed form. You must file a written claim with the mover within 9 months of delivery. Your claim must be in writing but does not have to be submitted on a mover's claim form. It is suggested that you send the claims information to the mover by certified mail. If you are not satisfied with the settlement offer made by the mover, you have the option of submitting a loss and damage claim with the mover's dispute settlement program or to seek other legal remedies.

Tips for a Successful Move

By sites • April 3, 2022
Before moving your belongings to a new state, movers and brokers are required to give you the booklet entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This booklet will help you understand the documents that a mover will ask you to sign and explain your rights if your items are lost or damaged.

Are You Moving to Another State? Protect Yourself From Moving Fraud.

By sites • July 1, 2019
Every year, 35 million Americans move for personal reasons or career opportunities. Moving your belongings and family to a new state can be stressful, even under the best of circumstances. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is here to help. If you’re moving to a new state, we can help you protect your move by: Helping you learn to spot the red flags of moving fraud Offering tips for a successful move Alerting you to your rights and responsibilities Provide a handy moving checklist for before and during your move The federal government, state and local law enforcement agencies, and the legitimate moving industry have joined forces to combat moving fraud, but you have an important role to play as well. If you’re planning to move, it’s important to do your research and plan appropriately.
Share by: