When planning a move, especially from one apartment to another, there’s a lot to think about, packing, scheduling, changing your address, and hiring reliable movers. One aspect that’s often overlooked, however, is moving insurance. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but having the right insurance can protect you from unexpected losses or damages during the moving process. So, do you need insurance when hiring apartment movers? The short answer is: yes, and here’s why.
Understanding Moving Insurance
Moving insurance isn’t exactly like traditional insurance policies you purchase from an insurance company. Instead, it usually comes in the form of valuation coverage offered by moving companies. This coverage provides compensation if your belongings are lost or damaged during the move. It’s important to understand what’s included and what’s not, so you can decide whether you need to purchase additional protection.
Basic Coverage Isn’t Always Enough
Most professional moving companies offer basic coverage as required by law. This is commonly referred to as “Released Value Protection.” While it’s free, it only covers a small portion of the actual value of your items, typically around 60 cents per pound per item. That means if your 50-pound flat-screen TV is damaged, you’d only receive $30 in compensation. Not ideal if you’re trying to replace a $500+ item.
Full Value Protection: A Better Option
To better protect your belongings, many moving companies offer “Full Value Protection.” This type of coverage ensures the mover is liable for the replacement value of any lost or damaged goods in your shipment. If something is broken, the moving company can choose to repair it, replace it with a similar item, or offer a cash settlement for its current market value. While it comes at an additional cost, it offers much more comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
Third-Party Insurance
If you’re transporting high-value items like electronics, antiques, or artwork, you might want to go a step further and purchase third-party moving insurance. These policies are separate from the mover’s own coverage and can offer protection beyond what the mover provides, including coverage for natural disasters, theft, or damage during storage. Third-party insurance providers can offer flexible coverage limits and often allow you to insure specific high-value items individually.
When Is Insurance Really Necessary?
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth paying for extra coverage, ask yourself a few questions:
- How valuable are the items you’re moving?
- Can you afford to replace them if they get damaged or lost?
- Are you moving long-distance or across state lines?
- Are your belongings being placed in storage for any amount of time?
If your move involves expensive or irreplaceable items, cross-country transportation, or temporary storage, moving insurance is strongly recommended. Even if your movers are experienced and careful, accidents can still happen, whether it’s a drop during unloading, water damage in a truck, or something lost in transit.
Renters Insurance Might Help
If you already have renters insurance, check with your provider to see if your belongings are covered during a move. Some policies offer limited protection while your items are in transit, though this often depends on the circumstances and your policy terms. Keep in mind, renters insurance typically won’t cover damage caused by the movers themselves—that’s where valuation or moving insurance comes in.
What Insurance Doesn’t Cover
It’s just as important to know what’s not covered. Most moving insurance policies and mover-provided coverage do not cover damage to items you packed yourself. If your TV breaks because it wasn’t properly padded and you packed it, the mover might not be responsible. Also, items of extraordinary value—like jewelry, cash, or documents—are often excluded unless declared beforehand. Always read the fine print and ask your mover for a copy of their policy or valuation details.
How to Make Sure You’re Covered
To ensure proper protection, follow these steps:
- Ask your mover what kind of valuation coverage they offer.
- Review the policy details, including limitations and exclusions.
- Consider purchasing Full Value Protection or third-party coverage.
- Create a detailed inventory of your belongings.
- Take photos of valuable items before the move.
- Keep receipts for high-value items in case you need to file a claim.
Conclusion
Hiring professional movers can take a lot of the stress out of your apartment move, but without the right insurance, you could be left paying for broken or missing items. Basic coverage often isn’t enough, especially if you’re transporting valuable or sentimental belongings. While it’s an extra expense, the right moving insurance offers protection, peace of mind, and financial security—just in case the unexpected happens.
So yes, you do need insurance when hiring apartment movers. It’s one of the smartest decisions you can make for a smooth, secure move.
