Our company is fully insured and licensed and offer two different types of moving insurance for items in transit. They vary in coverage and cost, so we want you to understand the options clearly. Moving insurance (or valuation coverage) covers your stuff during a move, in case of accidents or damage. Accidents can happen whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, that’s when moving insurance matters. You will need to choose moving valuation coverage for the goods we will move. In case of damage to the goods in transit, we will be responsible for their cost to the specific limit depending on the option you selected.
Suppose you have a grand piano or a collection of antique furniture to move. In that case, you’ll want those high value items to be fully covered during the move. Moving insurance can give you financial protection, but you need to read and understand the terms and conditions before making a decision. Understand the value of moving insurance and discover your insurance options to reduce risk during your Boston move.
We make all the precautions to make sure nothing is damaged, however, smaller scratches can sometimes happen. Suppose you’re moving a $1,000 treadmill that gets damaged during transit. In that case, the reimbursement amount will depend on the type of valuation coverage that you’ve chosen. There are two main options for valuation coverage: released value protection (basic valuation coverage) and full value protection.
Note that valuation coverage is not technically insurance but rather a way for the moving company to limit its liability. Each level of liability determines how much we will reimburse you if your goods get lost or damaged. Don’t confuse this type of insurance with the Certificate of Insurance (COI) required for your move.
Overview of local moving costs in 2025. Here’s a quick guide of how much movers cost for local moves. This table offers a breakdown of moving rates and included services, allowing you to easily evaluate your moving expenses. However, we recommend obtaining a full quote, as the rates or estimates listed may not be applicable to your specific situation.
*All estimates in the table are based on our experience and may not reflect your specific move. Only our managers can provide accurate estimates.
**Hourly rates may vary by time, season, or day of the week.
Please note that the prices listed in the table are not a public offer.
- The exact cost for your move will depend on various factors, including the amount and type of items, the presence of stairs or elevators, any long carries involved, and additional services such as packing materials and handling of special or bulky items.
- The overall price will be calculated based on the number of movers and trucks required, the actual time spent on the job, and a fixed travel time fee for the round trip to your location plus any materials or additional services required.
- Moving blankets for furniture protection are included in our service and will be collected at the end of the move. Other packing materials like tape, shrink, different boxes, mattress covers etc are charged additionally or might be provided by the client.
- For local moves (less than 50 miles), there is no extra charge for fuel, which many companies include additionally.
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly are included in service, as well as TVs or paintings dismounting.
- For any moves over 3 bedrooms or packing services we recommend to schedule a free virtual or on site estimate.
Released value coverage (also known as basic coverage) is free of charge and will be provided during your move by default. The valuation statement on the bill of lading governs this: “The minimum coverage for moving companies in Massachusetts required by law is $0.60 per pound per article up to $10.000 (it’s included in the rate given), and it is called carrier liability insurance”. This means the damage to your belongings will be reimbursed based on their weight, not their value.
As a licensed common carrier within the state of MA, Flash Moving & Storage provides Basic Liability coverage for all household goods moved. Under this coverage, the Carrier’sCarrier’s maximum legal liability is limited to $.60/lb per article for move-related lost and/or damaged items. If the Shipper does not select additional coverage, this coverage is automatically provided. There is no charge for this option.
However, more coverage is needed for most moves. If an item is lost or damaged, you will receive $0.60 per pound per damaged item. For instance, if an item is damaged during the move, an item that you bought for $200.00 and weighed 100 pounds, you would only get $60.00 as compensation.
Released value protection is minimum coverage and is often not enough for high-value items. It’s a good option if you’re moving locally and have a few valuable items. However, in case of long-distance moves or items of significant value, it better to consinder full-value protection. Extra coverage is optional. You can consider purchasing.
For clients seeking full protection, Flash Moving & Storage offers Full Value Protection. This option is provided for additional charge and is based on the full value of the shipment declared by the Shipper.
It is more comprehensive option, where the moving company can repair or replace damaged items with kind and quality. But it goes for additional charge. Moving companies sell insurance to cover lost or damaged items. The cost of full-value protection is usually around 0.5-1% of the total replacement value of your belongings.
For move-related lost and/or damaged items documented at the time of delivery and at the Carrier’s discretion, Flash Moving & Storage will cover one of the following amounts*:
– Repair the item to its condition prior to the loss as when it was received by the Carrier;
– Pay the Shipper for the cost of such repairs;
– Replace the item with like kind and quality or pay the Shipper for the cost of replacing the item with like kind and quality.
Remember, it is crucial to declare high-value items (items valued over $100 per pound). High-value items may require additional forms and valuation coverage. All items of extraordinary/unusual value must be packed and unpacked by the Carrier for control, receipt, and liability. Shippers must have these items packed and unpacked and acknowledge receipt and condition at delivery time.
The cost of full-value protection will depend on your shipment’s total weight and declared value. Declared value is the amount you estimate the value of your belongings. Our moving company will confirm if the weight of the shipment corresponds with the declared value. The moving company will then charge a percentage of this value for full value protection, which is called a Transit Premium. Transit Premium is the fee due for insurance.
Here are the options our company provides for local moves based on the Declared Value. Please note that the Declared Value is calculated based on your estimate of the value and the total estimated weight of the shipment. You cannot purchase the coverage just for one or two items, but only for the whole move.
|
Total Declared Shipment Value |
Transit Premium (Zero Deductible) |
Storage Premium/Month (Zero Deductible)
|
|
$ 10,000 |
$125.00 |
$ 12.50 |
|
$ 15,000 |
$150.00 |
$ 15.00 |
|
$ 20,000 |
$175.00 |
$ 17.50 |
|
$ 25,000 |
$200.00 |
$ 20.00 |
|
$ 30,000 |
$225.00 |
$ 22.50 |
|
$ 35,000 |
$250.00 |
$ 25.00 |
|
$ 40,000 |
$ 275.00 |
$ 27.50 |
|
$ 45,000 |
$300.00 |
$ 30.00 |
|
$ 50,000 |
$325.00 |
$ 32.50 |
|
$ 60,000 |
$350.00 |
$ 35.00 |
How Full Value Protection WorksSuppose an item is damaged or lost during the move. In that case, the moving company is responsible for repairing, replacing, or reimbursing you for the item’s current market value. For example, suppose your $1,000 bike is damaged. In that case, you will have to file written claim with the moving company and we will repair it, replace it with a similar model, or give you a cash settlement for its value.
While full-value protection offers more coverage, it has some points that will limit mover’s liability :
– Exclusions: Certain items such as jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques, oriental rugs, electronics, artwork, marble, and other high-value items may not be covered under full value protection unless they are listed on the shipping documents.
– Packing Requirements: The Carrier must pack and unpack items of extraordinary value (with full value over $1,000 per item or over $100 per pound) for control, receipt, and liability. Shippers must pack and unpack these items and acknowledge receipt and condition at delivery time.
– Wear and Tear: Full value protection doesn’t cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or improper packing by the customer.
Moving insurance typically covers damage to household goods while in transit and storage. Liability coverage is important when hiring a moving company as it protects you from financial loss in accidents or damage. However, natural disasters, theft, or damage caused by improper packaging are often excluded. For example, suppose your moving truck is in an accident and your treadmill is damaged. In that case, your moving insurance will cover the cost of repair or replacement.
*Restrictions may apply, to get more detailed information about valuation options please contact us at info@flashmoving.net
Questions about the move? Check out FAQ
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Other Insurance OptionsIf you select released value with your movers, you can look into third-party insurance options. Some insurance companies offer relocation insurance, similar to declared value coverage. Total loss coverage is another option that replaces all your belongings in case of a catastrophic loss. Note, this type of policy will not cover individual items.
For example, if you’re moving across the country and want extra protection against natural disasters, a third party insurance policy might be your best option. These policies usually offer more flexibility and higher coverage.
When, you are making the move yourself, first, check what your renters insurance or homeowners policy cover. They may include coverage to items that you move in your car or a rental truck.
Another option when renting a truck to move your belongings is to purchase rental truck insurance from rental company that covers damage to the truck, your cargo, and even medical expenses for passengers. Note that theft, improper packaging, and normal shifting of cargo are often excluded from these policies.
The right moving insurance depends on the value and amount of items you’re moving, the distance of your move and the weather conditions. If you have a lot of high-value items, moving long-distance with unpredictable weather, full-value protection or third-party insurance is likely your best bet. For local moves with fewer items released, value protection might be enough. For example, if you’re hiring movers for local move a few blocks away and only have basic furniture and boxes which packed yourself, released value protection might be enough.
All professional movers are required by federal law to offer two types of valuation coverage: released value protection and full value protection. While both options can cover your belongings to a certain extent, they may not cover 100%. Accidents happen; having the right insurance coverage can save you from financial loss.
You deserve a smooth, stress-free moving experience — and we do everything in our power to make the process easy for you. From studio apartments and spacious family homes to small or large offices, our full-service moving crews have what it takes to handle the job.
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Moving can be a challenging process, whether it’s across town or to a new city. If you have questions about last-minute moves, residential or commercial relocations, packing, or storage solutions, our expert consultants are here to help. We provide professional guidance to make your move smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
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