Moving costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Moving insurance costs $215 to $2,500 depending on the type of coverage you choose and the total value of your belongings.
Full value protection covers the full value of your items, while released value protection offers limited reimbursement by weight.
You should budget for rental truck coverage and moving pod protection ranging from $150 to $470 per month.
Hiring a local moving company helps protect your belongings and supports the claims process if items get damaged.
In 2026, moving insurance costs nationwide range from $215 to $2,500 and cost $515 on average, depending on the type of coverage you choose and the total value of your belongings. The spread comes down to three main factors: your coverage type (full value protection versus released value protection), the declared value of your goods, and whether you need additional protection for a rental truck or moving pod.
Moving companies cannot legally sell “moving insurance.” Even though most people refer to it as moving insurance when they purchase it, its technical name is “moving coverage.” Only third-party insurance companies (like the national brands you see on TV) can sell moving insurance.
When you hire a professional company for a move out of state, federal law requires that company to transport your belongings safely, and it must follow moving rules and regulations that protect you and your haul. Moving companies fulfill this obligation by offering two types of coverage, full value protection and released value protection, and the option you choose directly determines how much reimbursement you receive if something goes wrong. Costs vary significantly by coverage type, as the breakdown below shows.
| Type of Insurance | Cost in 2026 | Protection Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Full value protection | 1% of the total estimated value of your goods | Total value of your belongings |
| Released value protection | Free | $0.60 per pound per item |
| Third-party policies | 1% to 5% of the estimated value of your items | Covers belongings other policies may not cover |
Full value protection typically costs 1% of the total estimated value of your household goods, making it the most comprehensive, and most expensive, coverage option a moving company offers. Under this plan, your mover is responsible for the total replacement cost of any broken or lost items, and must either repair the item, replace it, or pay you the current replacement value.
To illustrate, if your haul weighs 10,000 pounds and the company values goods at $6 per pound, your total declared value would be $60,000, and you would pay $600 for coverage. Because costs and deductibles vary by company, comparison shopping while interviewing movers is a smart move.
Released value protection is free and serves as the moving company's default coverage if you do not select another option, making it the right fit when your moving budget is tight. The trade-off is limited reimbursement: the company is only responsible for $0.60 per pound per item, so a 50-pound coffee table worth $1,000 would yield a payout of just $30. To elect this coverage, you must sign a waiver on your bill of lading before moving day begins.
Third-party moving insurance costs 1% to 5% of your shipment's total value, so a policy covering $25,000 worth of goods would run $1,250 at the 5% rate. Most homeowners use it as a gap filler: full value protection covers the bulk of a shipment, but high-value items like heirloom jewelry often need additional protection that a moving company's plan won't provide.
Start by calling your current home insurance provider, since some companies include coverage for moves or can add it to your existing policy for a fee, per the type of moving service you're using. If your provider doesn't offer it, reputable national companies do.
Natural disasters
Mechanical and electrical accidents
Mold and mildew
Moths and insects
The following table breaks down the types of third-party moving insurance coverage available and the protection each offers:
| Type of Insurance | Type of Protection |
|---|---|
| Specialized-item coverage | This type of insurance is applied to high-value items, including antiques, fine art, pianos, large electronics, and furniture. If these items incur damage, you’ll receive a payout from the insurance company. |
| Self-storage insurance coverage | If you have to temporarily store your items in a storage facility, third-party companies can protect your belongings in the event of damage while in storage. |
| Trip-transit insurance | Trip-transit insurance covers the cost of your belongings if they’re stolen or damaged while you’re transporting them in a moving truck or other vehicle. |
While moving insurance typically covers the belongings being moved, if you use a rental truck, most rental companies offer insurance in case there is any damage done to the truck. Additionally, third-party companies offer their own moving insurance for highly valuable items.
Rental truck coverage runs about $20 per day and protects you against the expensive repairs and medical costs that can come with driving a larger-than-usual vehicle. When you reserve your rental moving truck, you can purchase coverage piece by piece or as a bundle. Adding liability insurance is wise, though you can likely skip extra medical coverage if you already have health insurance.
Bundled pricing costs slightly more but is generally worth it, and the coverage options available break down into these categories:
Collision damage waiver
Supplemental liability insurance
Medical coverage
Cargo protection
Most reputable moving pod companies offer their own comprehensive insurance policies, separate from your standard moving coverage, with costs ranging from $35 to $470 per month depending on the level of coverage and the declared value of what you're storing. Choosing a higher declared value or broader protection tier pushes costs toward the upper end of that range, so it pays to assess the total value of your pod's contents before selecting a plan.
Calculating your moving insurance cost starts with knowing what type of coverage you plan to use: full value protection is based on a percentage of your belongings' total declared value, so begin by inventorying your most valuable items, such as appliances, and estimating their worth.
If you opt for released value protection instead, your coverage estimate is simpler. Base it on the total weight of your items, since reimbursement is calculated at a flat rate per pound.
For most people, yes, moving insurance is worth the cost, especially when considering how much it'd cost to replace a truck full of items destroyed in a flood. But, if you're moving locally, just a few miles away, or you don't have many high-value items, a released value protection policy could suit your needs.
If all goes well with your move, you'll have paid for peace of mind. However, if you discover missing or broken items, keep all your documentation from your local moving company and third-party insurance companies. Contact each of these companies to start the claims process.
When you hire a professional mover near you , the majority of the cost goes toward labor—but you're getting more than someone who just lifts heavy boxes. You're getting the peace of mind that your belongings will show up in one piece, and if something does get broken, reputable movers have the insurance to cover it.
Though homeowners can always order a pizza and enlist a few friends, there are a few good reasons you should still hire a pro for your move:
Professional movers come with a team that can clear your space in a fraction of the time it will take for you to do it on your own.
Movers have the expertise and tools to pack, stack, and store your belongings safely, preventing damage during transport.
Some moving services also offer packing services, which can protect fragile items like porcelain and glass, giving you peace of mind.
Moving requires lifting heavy boxes, furniture, and other objects, which may not be possible for a solo DIYer and can cause injury or property damage.
Pros offer insurance that covers lost or damaged items—with some even offering full replacement coverage for high value items.
Damage during a DIY move (like scratches on floors or cracks in walls) can cost hundreds from a security deposit in a rented property.
Movers have the skills to maneuver or disassemble bulky items to fit them through doorways and hen reassemble them.
Pros have special equipment to help them move large specialty items like pianos, antiques, or pool tables.
If you have a complex or long-distance move, movers can coordinate storage and scheduling to save you time.
Your mover will need to know the starting location, destination, and your timeline.
They may ask about the size of your home and the number of expected boxes, large furniture items, and fragile items.
Ask about insurance coverage and consider additional insurance for high-value items.
If your budget allows, consider add-ons like packing and unpacking services and furniture disassembly and reassembly.
Review the quote and ask if it's binding, what's included, and if there are extra charges.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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