What is Moving Protection?

Moving can be unpredictable, and understanding your level of protection is essential. Many consumers do not realize what coverage they have or do not have until it is too late. Moving protection can be confusing, but knowing the basics helps prevent unwanted surprises.
Special thanks to Allied Van Lines Canada and Atlas Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. for contributing to this information.

 

1. Released Value Protection (Basic Coverage)

This is the minimum protection included in every moving contract.

How it works:

• The mover’s liability is limited to $0.60 per pound ($1.32/kg) per item.

• This amount is fixed—not based on the item’s real value.

Example:
A 100 lb table is destroyed.

• Settlement = 100 lb × $0.60 = $60, even if the table cost $1,000.

For a total loss:

If your entire 5,000 lb shipment is lost (fire, accident, etc.):

• 5,000 lb × $0.60 = $3,000 maximum payout

Key point:

Released Value Protection is minimal coverage and usually not enough for most households.

 

2. Replacement Value Protection (RVP) – Recommended Coverage

If your home insurance and Released Value Protection don’t cover enough, you should buy RVP from your mover.

What it provides:

• If something cannot be repaired, it will be replaced at today’s market price.

• Your protection amount is based on the value you declare for all your belongings.

Minimum required:

• You must insure your shipment for at least $10 per pound.

• Example:
  5,000 lb shipment → minimum coverage = $50,000

Special items:

Vehicles, boats, motorcycles, etc. must be listed separately on the Bill of Lading.
Their coverage is limited to their current market value.

If you decline RVP:

You automatically fall back to Released Value Protection.

 

3. Make Sure Your Coverage is Clear

Before the movers leave:

• Your Bill of Lading must clearly show the coverage you chose.

• You should receive a Carrier Liability Certificate.

• Your mover should explain the protection and any limitations.

• Get everything signed and written down.

Do not let the movers leave until your protection is properly documented.

 

4. Does Your Home Insurance Cover Your Move?

Sometimes, but usually not fully.

Your homeowner’s policy may cover belongings while in transit or at a new home for a limited time (commonly 30–90 days). But there are important limits:

Home insurance limitations:

• The coverage amount is split between:

  • your old home

  • items in transit

  • your new home

• Many types of damage are not covered, such as:

  • scratching

  • marring

  • breakage of fragile items

• Claims increase your future insurance premiums.

• You have to pay a deductible ($500–$1,000+).

• Filing a claim for damage caused by movers often frustrates homeowners, since the mover (not the homeowner) made the error. (Courtesy of NFP Canada)

Bottom line:

Even if your home insurance covers some damage, it’s usually better and cheaper to buy coverage directly from your mover.