We’re a heavily-insured culture these days. With everything from auto, health and life insurance policies to homeowner’s and renter’s coverage helping us sleep at night instead of worrying endlessly about Murphy’s Law enacting itself upon us, it’s not surprising to hear that moving insurance is highly recommended when it comes to a relocation. The Moveline team in particular is familiar with all manner of things that can go awry when moving from point A to point B, and we’ve put together a primer on moving insurance to make sure you’ve got the goods on what’s right for you.

What is moving insurance?

Simply put, lots of things can go wrong on moving day. From breakables getting… well, broken… to a storm wreaking havoc in the middle of it all, to the moving truck catching on fire, the odds of catastrophe are probably low, but there’s no guarantee everything will run perfectly. So, as with any situation that has you and/or your life’s belongings in transit, it’s best to have a cushion in case things go awry. That’s precisely what moving insurance is: protection against unforeseen destructive forces during a relocation.

Do I really need moving insurance?

In a word: yes. Federal law mandates that moving companies carry standard liability coverage that insures your stuff at 60 cents a pound, but unless literally everything you own is made of, say, cardboard, it doesn’t even come close to being helpful if there’s any real damage.

How do I get moving insurance?

The easiest way to ensure a safe, seamless, sanity-saving move is to work with Moveline. We’re not a moving company, but rather, a service that helps you find the right moving company for you; we simplify the inventory process by using video chats and uploads, and then we gather quotes on your behalf from the best movers based on pricing, reputation and reviews. We oversee your move from start to finish at no cost, and we also offer various customizable moving insurance policy if you need it. When you work with Moveline, your Move Captain will happily explain your choices to you and help you select the most appropriate terms.

One thing to note, though, is the fact that pre-existing insurance policies under your name — specifically, your or homeowner’s coverage — might already cover the moving process. Do yourself a solid and double-check to make sure you’re not already protected; if you’re a homeowner, you might be.

How much does moving insurance cost?

The price of a policy is directly proportional to the amount of coverage you need and the amount you’d like your deductible to be. So, there’s no set price range you should be aiming for; rather, the most important element to consider is whether or not the policy is truly protective of your belongings and their actual value. And here’s a cost-savings tip: if you’re using a self-storage as a part of your move, it’s unlikely you need self-storage insurance; it’s generally wiser to invest in insuring the move itself. Just make sure you clearly read your moving insurance policy: some specifically exclude coverage of your items while they are stored in a self-storage facility (it’s a liability thing), but may cover your items if they are stored in the moving company’s warehouse.

Insurance or no insurance, if you’re planning a move, let Moveline help. We’ll assign a Move Captain to oversee your move from start to finish, for free. We’ll take your inventory via a video upload or chat (don’t worry; no one else sees it but us) and gather fair, accurate quotes on your behalf to make sure you get the best deal possible for the dates you need. Don’t go it alone. Let us take the headache out of your move. Learn about Moveline’s services and get started on your move today.