If you want to brush up on this subject before moving day, here are some of the coverage plans offered. But before picking any option, be sure to discuss it with your moving company because rules and regulations change state by state. This is a good starting point to make a smart decision.

(Please note: None of the protections here are ', per say. They're called "valuation," which is based on transportation law and is a predetermined limit of liability that a mover agrees to.)

Basic Carrier Liability-Released Value
This mouthful is often called "limited liability" and is the minimum required by law. This protection is covered in the base price and does not cost you any extra money. As such, it is the most economical option available, but your goods are often covered to no more than 30- 60 cents per pound per article. This minimal amount of coverage, which must be provided by the mover to any consumer when transporting goods is called "released value" or "Carrier's Liability."

The coverage for local moves is commonly 30-60 cents per pound per article. The amount of liability will vary from state to state depending on how the regulations are structured in a particular state. For interstate moves it is 60 cents per pound per article. So, if you're using a long-distance mover and your 20-pound TV is destroyed in transit, you would be entitled to $12.00 for the replacement of the TV.

Obviously this will not replace the TV, so think carefully before agreeing to this level of coverage. If you agree to this option for the protection of the furnishings and boxes in your shipment you will be asked to sign a statement of agreement on the Bill of Lading.

Replacement Value Protection

This option is often referred to as "full-value replacement protection." With this plan, any goods lost, damaged or destroyed during the move will either be repaired, replaced, or a cash settlement made at the mover's discretion.



This is the most comprehensive ' plan available for the protection of your goods while in transit. Costs vary depending on the mover, but by choosing a higher deductible you can reduce the cost; however, the savings may not be worth comfort level no deductible coverage provides the customer. The mover can protect himself from loss or damage to high-value items, i.e., items with an individual value of over $100.00 per pound, unless you list these goods on the shipping document. Most movers, as noted under ''Extra Ordinary Value Items'' below, provide you with a high-value inventory sheet on which you can list these items.

Declared Value Protection
In some states, Declared Value Protection is available for intrastate/local moves. This coverage is based on depreciated value of an item regardless of current replacement cost. The whole shipment is covered at a value not to exceed the dollar amount that you, the customer, declare to the moving company.

With this option, the mover assumes liability for the entire shipment at an amount equal to 1.25 times the weight, or whatever the given amount is in a particular state, of your shipment. For example, if your shipment weighs 8,000 pounds, the mover will be liable for loss or damage up to $10,000.00. Though you have made no specific arrangements for this plan, you may automatically default to it, if you have not chosen another option. Again, this is subject to an individual state's regulations. The mover is entitled to charge you for this protection. Prices will vary; however, it will probably be around $7.00 for each $1,000.00 of liability assumed, In the case of a shipment weighing 8,000 pounds and a minimum declared value of $10,000.00, a charge of $70.00 will be added to your bill for the additional protection. Some states may require a minimum amount of coverage or so much per pound, whichever is greater.

Under this arrangement, if a 20-pound item with a replacement value of at $1,000 is damaged, but it is 3 years old, the mover is liable for the damage based on the replacement cost less 3 years depreciation. The normal depreciation is around 10% per year. Your valuables are somewhat protected under this plan, but you pay for it. The cost will, most likely, not be that much less than Full-Value Replacement Protection, so the Full-Value Replacement Protection is probably still the best option to choose.

Ask your mover for additional charges and rules.

Extra Ordinary Value Items
Items in your shipment with a value greater than $100.00 per pound per article are considered has having ''high'' or ''extraordinary value.'' You must advise your van line agent in writing that they are in your shipment to be considered for replacement value protection. Examples might include antiques, currency, cameras, video cameras, jewelry, collectibles, furs, and oriental rugs etc. Check with your mover about the terms and conditions and written declaration required for this level of protection.

Does My Homeowners ' Cover Me?

Some homeowner's ' policies cover household goods fully or partially while in transit, so check with your agent to see if and how you are covered. In the event you need to file a claim with the ' company, you will need to prove that the loss or breakage is due to the mover's negligence. If the damage is due to your poor packing skills, you get nothing.

How to Make a Claim

In the unlikely event you have loss or damage as a result of your move, you have nine months to make a claim on interstate moves. The time period may be different for intrastate/local moves. Again, it depends on the regulations in a particular state. Even if you have a claim, you are still responsible for paying for the move in a timely fashion. This is usually cash on delivery on the day of unloading or, if using a credit, a few days prior to the loading of your shipment. There are rules and regulations for the time in which the mover is required to respond to your claim and the time when the issue must be resolved. In the event you and the moving company cannot come to terms and arbitration is chosen to resolve the issue and you are not satisfied with the outcome of the arbitration process, you may sue for damages. Check with the local Better Business Bureau to get information on how the mover has handled claims in the past.

DIY Moving Options

Consumers who choose one of the do-it-yourself (DIY) options put their possessions in the greatest jeopardy. Equipment rental ' and homeowner's policies may cover some catastrophic losses but both have limited application and well-defined exclusions. Basically -- if you bend it, bust it, break it, or burn it -- you buy it. Read the fine print and then ask specifically about ' claims.

Helpful Information

If you are still a bit confused about valuation and the options available to you in the moving process, please check out the information available on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and American Moving & Storage Association websites by clicking the links below:

http://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/valuation/valuation-insurance.htm

http://www.moving.org/solving_problems/Default.asp