Do Movers Cover Broken Items in 2026: RVP, FVP, and the Federal Minimum

Last Updated: May 2026

Yes, movers cover broken items, but the default coverage is small. Federal rules set the floor at $0.60 per pound per article. That is Released Value Protection (RVP), and it ships with every licensed interstate move at no charge. Full Value Protection (FVP) is a paid upgrade that covers repair or replacement at current market value.

Safebound Moving and Storage has run interstate moves under USDOT 2900155 since 2016. The carrier holds 4.9 stars and 2,401 reviews and has completed 35,000+ moves across all 50 states with trained and background-checked crews. Safebound offers both RVP at no charge and FVP as a paid moving valuation coverage upgrade on every long-distance move.

The sections below break down what each coverage type pays, when FVP is worth the cost, the claim filing steps, and the items that are never covered by a mover.

Key Takeaways

• Federal Floor: Released Value Protection pays $0.60 per pound per article. A 10-pound TV worth $500 pays out only $6 under RVP.
• Standard, No Charge: RVP ships with every licensed interstate move at no extra cost. It is the default on the Bill of Lading unless FVP is selected in writing.
• FVP Upgrade: Full Value Protection covers repair or replacement at current market value. It is quoted per move based on declared inventory value.
• Claim Window: A carrier must acknowledge a claim in writing within 30 days and offer or deny a settlement within 120 days, per FMCSA rules.
• PBO Limit: Movers can deny claims on Packed by Owner (PBO) boxes that arrive intact. The contents inside were never inspected by the crew.
• Hand-Carry Rule: Cash, jewelry, key documents, and medications should ride with you, not on the truck. Most are not covered by either RVP or FVP.

The five sections below map each coverage type, the claim process, and the items that fall outside any mover's liability.

What Does Released Value Protection Cover?

Released Value Protection (RVP) pays $0.60 per pound per article. It is the federal minimum and the default on every Bill of Lading for licensed interstate moves. The carrier owes you weight times $0.60 for any item lost or damaged in transit. Nothing more, even if the item was worth far more than its weight in dollars.

The math is brutal for light, high-value goods. A 10-pound TV worth $500 pays $6. A 4-pound laptop worth $2,000 pays $2.40. A 6-pound vase worth $1,000 pays $3.60. RVP works fine for heavy, low-value items (dressers, washing machines) and fails for electronics, art, and small valuables. Owners of light, high-value goods should ask about Full Value Protection before move day.

What Does Full Value Protection Cover and When Is It Worth It?

Full Value Protection (FVP) covers repair or replacement at current market value. If a carrier loses or damages an item, the carrier has three options: repair the item, replace it with a like item, or pay cash at current market value. FVP is a paid upgrade, quoted per move based on declared inventory value and any deductible. It is selected in writing before loading, not added after the fact.

FVP is worth the cost when your shipment includes high-value items light enough that RVP would only pay pennies on the dollar. Electronics, art, fine china, designer furniture, and instruments are the classic FVP cases. For low-value moves of heavy items, the upgrade rarely pays back. Safebound quotes FVP during the visual or video walkthrough so you can compare both options on a written estimate before signing.

How Do RVP and FVP Compare on the Bill of Lading?

The Bill of Lading lists the coverage option you selected. RVP is the default; the box is pre-checked unless you opt up to FVP. The carrier cannot upgrade you to FVP without your signed selection, and you cannot downgrade after loading. The chart below compares the two on payout, cost, and claim handling.

Coverage Feature	Released Value Protection (RVP)	Full Value Protection (FVP)
Cost	$0 (standard with every licensed interstate move)	Quoted per move based on declared value
Payout basis	$0.60 per pound per article	Repair, replace, or cash at current market value
Best for	Heavy, low-value items	Light, high-value items (electronics, art, fine china)
Default on BOL?	Yes (federal minimum)	No (paid upgrade, must be selected in writing)
Deductible	None	Varies by carrier and declared value
Carrier options on a claim	Pay $0.60 per pound per article	Repair, replace, or cash settlement

The Safebound team reviews both options during the estimate so you can choose with full cost and payout numbers in hand. FVP terms and any deductible are written into the Bill of Lading and the estimate, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

How Do You File a Claim for Broken Items?

Note any damage on the delivery receipt before the crew leaves. Take dated photos of every damaged item, the box it came in, and the packing material inside. Do not throw away the box or the broken item. The carrier has the right to inspect both. Submit the carrier's claim form in writing, with photos, the Bill of Lading number, and proof of value (receipt, appraisal, or photo of a price tag).

The federal claim timeline is set by 49 CFR Part 370. A carrier must agree to the claim in writing within 30 days. The carrier then has 120 days to pay, deny, or ask for more time in writing. Keep copies of every email and form. If the carrier misses a deadline, file a complaint with the FMCSA at fmcsa.dot.gov for interstate moves. For in-state moves, file with Florida DACS (Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) at fdacs.gov.

What Items Are Never Covered by a Mover?

Mover liability never covers six classes of items. First, hazardous materials (flammable liquids, propane, batteries, paint, cleaning chemicals) are banned from any licensed truck and are never covered. Second, perishable food and live plants are barred or excluded because of climate and pest rules. Third, cash, financial papers, and key documents must ride with you. Fourth, jewelry above a low limit must be declared in writing or hand-carried.

Fifth, Packed by Owner (PBO) boxes that arrive intact are usually denied. The crew did not see the contents go in, so they cannot vouch for the start state. Sixth, items not listed on the high-value inventory sheet are excluded if they exceed the carrier's declared-value rule. For high-value art, electronics, or instruments, request full-service packing by the crew so the box is covered under RVP or FVP, not denied as PBO.

5 Things to Confirm About Your Coverage Before Move Day

1. RVP is included at no charge: Standard on every licensed interstate move at $0.60 per pound per article. If the estimate lists a fee for RVP, the carrier is overcharging.
2. FVP quoted in writing before loading: Ask for the FVP rate, any deductible, and the total declared value on the Bill of Lading before move day. FVP cannot be added after the crew arrives.
3. High-value items declared in writing: Any single item worth over the carrier's declared-value limit must be listed on the high-value inventory sheet before loading or it is excluded.
4. PBO vs full-service packing: PBO boxes that arrive intact may be denied at claim time. For fragile or high-value items, professional packing puts the carrier on the hook for the contents.
5. Hand-carry list ready: Cash, jewelry, prescriptions, passports, social security cards, and any item you cannot replace should ride with you. Most are excluded from mover liability either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do movers pay if they break your stuff?

Yes, but the amount depends on the coverage on your Bill of Lading. Released Value Protection pays $0.60 per pound per article, the federal minimum, at no charge. Full Value Protection covers repair, replacement, or cash at current market value and is a paid upgrade. For lightweight, high-value items like electronics or art, RVP often pays only a few dollars; FVP is the option that actually covers the loss.

What is the difference between RVP and FVP?

RVP is the federal minimum at $0.60 per pound per article and ships with every licensed interstate move at no charge. FVP is a paid upgrade that covers repair or replacement at current market value. RVP is weight-based and ignores actual value; FVP tracks the real cost to replace an item. RVP is the Bill of Lading default; FVP must be selected in writing before loading and cannot be added later.

How do you file a damage claim with a mover?

Note damage on the delivery receipt before the crew leaves. Take dated photos of the item, the box, and the packing material. Keep all damaged items and packaging for inspection. Submit the carrier's claim form with photos, the Bill of Lading number, and proof of value. The carrier must acknowledge within 30 days and pay or deny within 120 days, per 49 CFR Part 370.

What items will movers not pack or cover?

Movers cannot transport hazardous materials (flammable liquids, propane, batteries, paint, cleaning chemicals), perishable food, or live plants. Cash, jewelry, key documents, prescriptions, and high-value items that are not declared in writing on the high-value inventory sheet are also excluded. The Safebound recommendation is to hand-carry these items in your own vehicle to keep them under your control during the move.

How much does Full Value Protection cost?

FVP is quoted per move based on the total declared inventory value, the route, and any deductible the carrier offers. It is not a fixed percentage. Ask for the rate and any deductible on the written estimate so you can compare FVP against RVP before signing the Bill of Lading. The price locks based on the agreed inventory and scope, so the cost will not change unless declared value or services change.

Can you sue a mover for damaged goods?

You must first file an administrative claim under the Bill of Lading and 49 CFR Part 370. Federal rules require the claim process to run its course before a lawsuit. If the carrier denies the claim or misses the 120-day window, you can escalate by filing a complaint with the FMCSA at fmcsa.dot.gov. Florida intrastate disputes can also be filed with Florida DACS at fdacs.gov.

How do you prove a mover damaged something?

Compare the item's state at origin with its state at delivery. Dated photos before loading and dated photos at delivery are the strongest proof. The inventory sheet signed at pickup notes any pre-existing damage; the delivery receipt notes new damage. Keep the broken item and its box for inspection. The carrier needs the physical evidence to verify the loss occurred during transit.

What is the difference between moving insurance and valuation?

Valuation is a federal liability limit set by the Bill of Lading (RVP or FVP). It is built into the moving contract. Moving insurance is a separate policy purchased from a third-party insurer. Valuation is regulated by FMCSA rules; insurance is regulated by state insurance laws. Most homeowner's or renter's policies do not cover in-transit damage, so confirm with your insurer before relying on existing coverage.

Does Safebound offer Full Value Protection?

Yes. Safebound offers FVP on every long-distance and interstate move as a paid upgrade quoted during the visual or video walkthrough. The rate, any deductible, and declared value are listed on the written estimate and the Bill of Lading before loading. Released Value Protection at $0.60 per pound per article is included at no charge as the federal default on every Safebound move.

Ready to Book a Move With the Right Coverage?

The right coverage choice is built into the written estimate, not added at the door on move day. Pick a licensed carrier that quotes both RVP and FVP in writing before loading. The choice can be the gap between a fully paid claim and a $6 payout on a $500 TV. Get a written estimate that covers crew size and any high-value items that need declaration before move day. Request your quote or call 561-510-7191 to confirm crew and your preferred move date.

People Also Read

• What Does Moving Insurance Actually Cover? (And What It Doesn't)
• How to Pack Fragile Items for a Long-Distance Move

Sources & References

• FMCSA, Protect Your Move
• Florida DACS, Mover Verification
• FTC, Tips for Hiring a Moving Company

Safebound Moving & Storage is licensed, insured, and certified throughout Florida and the continental United States. USDOT 2900155 | MC 975408 | FL IM2839. BBB Accredited. Forbes Featured. Verify at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

About the Author

Leo Cavaretta | Moving Industry Specialist, Safebound Moving & Storage

A licensed and insured carrier with trained and background-checked movers headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, Leo specializes in interstate moving regulations, USDOT compliance, residential relocation, and moving cost transparency, helping customers navigate the full moving process, from binding estimates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees to long-distance logistics, with confidence. Since 2016, Safebound has completed more than 35,000 residential and commercial relocations across all 50 states. Safebound holds USDOT 2900155, MC 975408, and FL IM2839, and is BBB Accredited. Get a free quote or learn about Safebound Moving & Storage.

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