May 19, 2026

Full Value Protection in 2026: How It Is Quoted and What It Covers

Last Updated: April 2026

Full value protection is the federally regulated, higher-tier liability coverage offered by interstate movers that holds the carrier responsible for the replacement value of any household item lost or damaged in transit. Mandated under 49 CFR 375.701 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move, full value protection requires moving companies to repair, replace, or settle the depreciated cash value of damaged goods at the customer's chosen declared value. Understanding how this coverage is calculated and quoted protects consumers from unexpected loss exposure during a long-distance relocation.

Safebound Moving & Storage operates as a Florida-based interstate carrier with 35,000+ moves completed since 2016. The company holds USDOT 2900155 and MC 975408 authority and serves customers across all 50 states from its West Palm Beach headquarters.

Every full value protection quote issued by an interstate carrier must align with FMCSA disclosure requirements and the federal valuation rules published in 49 CFR 375.701. Carriers are required to offer this protection level to interstate household goods customers and document the declared value, deductible, and minimum valuation calculation in writing before loading begins.

Key Takeaways

Full value protection is the federally regulated higher-tier liability coverage that holds the carrier responsible for the replacement value of items lost or damaged during interstate transport, in contrast to the free 60 cents per pound released value protection.
The cost of full value protection is calculated based on the declared value of the shipment, which must be at least $6.00 multiplied by the shipment's weight in pounds, and typically ranges from 1% to 5% of the declared value depending on the deductible selected.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR 375.701 require carriers to offer full value protection at the consumer's option and to clearly disclose the cost, deductible options, and exclusions before any goods are loaded onto the truck.
Standard exclusions to full value protection include items of extraordinary value over $100 per pound that have not been disclosed in writing on a high-value inventory form, and damage to items packed by the customer rather than the carrier.
Filing a claim under full value protection requires written notice within 9 months of delivery, supported by photographic documentation, the original Bill of Lading, and the carrier's inventory list completed at origin and destination.

How is full value protection calculated and quoted on a move?

Full value protection is quoted based on the declared value of the shipment, which is the customer's stated total monetary worth of the household goods being moved. The federal valuation rules under 49 CFR 375.701 set a minimum declared value of $6.00 multiplied by the shipment's total weight in pounds. A 7,500 pound household shipment, for example, must carry a minimum declared value of $45,000 unless the customer elects a higher amount.

The premium for full value protection is then calculated as a percentage of the declared value. The premium varies based on the declared value selected, the deductible chosen, and the specific shipment. Safebound Moving & Storage quotes full value protection per move rather than at a published rate. Customers receive the exact premium in writing alongside the binding estimate after the inventory survey is complete. To review pricing for a specific shipment, request a quote at safeboundmoving.com/get-a-free-quote/.

What does full value protection actually cover during transit?

Full value protection covers the replacement value of lost or damaged items at the declared value level, including direct damage caused by the moving crew during loading, transit, or unloading. Carriers have three options for resolving a valid claim: repair the damaged item to its original condition, replace the item with one of like kind and quality, or pay the depreciated cash value of the item.

Coverage extends to standard household goods including furniture, appliances, electronics, kitchenware, and clothing. Items of ordinary value packed by the carrier's professional crew receive the highest level of protection. For damaged items, the carrier must restore the item to its pre-move condition or compensate the customer at the agreed-upon declared rate. The carrier is not permitted to limit liability to the released value default of 60 cents per pound once full value protection has been elected and documented.

When does choosing full value protection make financial sense?

Full value protection becomes financially worthwhile when the actual replacement cost of household items exceeds the 60 cents per pound limit of released value protection. A 10 pound flat-screen television worth $800, for example, would receive only $6 in compensation under released value protection but the full replacement amount under full value protection minus the deductible.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumer.ftc.gov/articles/moving-company-scams, consumers should evaluate the total replacement cost of their shipment when deciding between protection levels. Households with a combined inventory value exceeding $20,000 generally benefit from full value protection. Customers with antiques, heirlooms, fine art, or electronics often find the premium represents a small fraction of potential out-of-pocket exposure during a long-distance transit.

What are the standard exclusions to full value protection?

Standard exclusions to full value protection include items of extraordinary value over $100 per pound that have not been listed on a high-value inventory form before loading. This category typically covers jewelry, currency, deeds, important documents, precious stones, and artwork without a disclosed declared value. Customers must complete and sign a separate inventory listing each high-value item with its declared value to maintain coverage above the per-pound cap.

Damage to items packed by the customer is also excluded from full value protection, even when the carrier transports the boxes. This rule, called the Packed By Owner (PBO) exception, allows carriers to deny claims on customer-packed cartons when the damage results from inadequate packing materials or methods. Per FMCSA, fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move, carriers are also not liable for items destroyed by natural disasters, acts of war, or government seizure during transit.

How does full value protection compare to released value protection?

Released value protection is the federal minimum liability level that carriers must offer free of charge to all interstate moving customers. The protection limits the carrier's responsibility to 60 cents per pound per article, regardless of the actual item value. A 50 pound dresser damaged in transit would receive only $30 in compensation under released value protection, even if the dresser cost $1,500 to replace.

Full value protection, in contrast, holds the carrier liable for the full replacement value of damaged or lost items up to the declared value of the shipment. The trade-off is cost: released value protection is included in the base move price, while full value protection adds a premium quoted per move based on declared value and deductible. Customers should review the comparison below before making a final coverage decision.

Feature	Released Value Protection	Full Value Protection
Cost	Included in base price	Quoted per move
Coverage Basis	60 cents per pound per article	Declared value of shipment
Repair or Replace Options	Limited to weight-based payout	Repair, replace, or cash settlement
Required by Federal Law	Yes, default coverage	No, must be elected in writing
Deductible Options	None	$0 to $1,000 typical range
Best For	Low-value short moves	High-value interstate moves

Source: 49 CFR 375.701 valuation requirements (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).

What documentation is required to file a claim under full value protection?

Filing a claim under full value protection requires written notice to the carrier within 9 months of the delivery date, as established by the federal claim filing window under 49 CFR 370. Customers must provide a copy of the original Bill of Lading, the carrier's inventory list completed at origin and destination, photographs of the damaged items, and a written estimate of the repair or replacement cost.

The carrier has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of the claim and 120 days to deny, settle, or make a settlement offer. Per FMCSA, fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move, customers should retain copies of all signed move-day paperwork until the claim window closes. Most licensed interstate carriers publish a claims process page outlining the documentation standards customers should expect when filing a coverage request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does full value protection work?

Under full value protection, the moving carrier is responsible for the replacement value of any item that is lost or damaged in the entire shipment. The carrier must either repair the item, replace it with one of similar kind and quality, or compensate the customer at the agreed declared value. Full value protection is the broader liability option for an interstate move and is governed by 49 CFR 375.701.

How much does full value protection cost?

Moving companies must offer two types of liability coverage: free released value protection at 60 cents per pound per article, and purchasable full value protection at up to $100 per pound declared value. Safebound Moving & Storage quotes full value protection per move based on declared value, shipment size, and deductible selected. Customers receive the exact premium in writing with the binding estimate.

How much is a $1,000,000 general liability policy?

The cost of a $1 million general liability insurance policy for a small business typically ranges from $250 to over $3,000 annually, depending on industry risk factors and claim history. The average monthly cost is around $45. This figure relates to commercial liability and is separate from the cargo liability provided by a moving carrier's full value protection.

How much does $100,000 of personal liability insurance cost?

Personal liability insurance typically costs around $8 to $10 a year for every $100,000 in coverage. Standard home insurance policies usually include between $100,000 and $500,000 in personal liability coverage, though some policies offer limits as high as $1 million. Personal liability insurance is distinct from the cargo liability included with a moving company's full value protection.

What is the difference between full value and released value protection?

Full value protection pays the replacement cost of damaged items up to the declared value, while released value protection pays only 60 cents per pound per article. A 10 pound electronic item worth $1,000 would receive $6 in compensation under released value protection but the full $1,000 minus deductible under full value protection. The trade-off is that released value protection is free while full value protection is quoted per move based on declared value and deductible.

Are there items not covered by full value protection?

Items of extraordinary value over $100 per pound that have not been listed on a high-value inventory form before loading are excluded from full value protection. Customer-packed cartons may also be excluded under the Packed By Owner exception when damage results from packing methods. Currency, jewelry, and important documents are typically excluded unless declared in writing on a separate high-value inventory form.

How do I file a claim under full value protection?

Customers must submit a written claim to the carrier within 9 months of delivery, including the Bill of Lading, the origin and destination inventory list, photographs of damage, and a written repair or replacement estimate. The carrier has 30 days to acknowledge the claim and 120 days to issue a settlement decision per the federal timelines under 49 CFR 370.

Is full value protection worth the cost for short-distance moves?

Full value protection generally becomes worthwhile when the shipment contains items valued above the 60 cents per pound released value cap. For short-distance moves with primarily lightweight or low-value items, released value may be adequate. For long-distance moves with significant electronics, furniture, or fragile items, the premium typically represents a small fraction of potential loss exposure.

What is a deductible in moving insurance?

A deductible is the amount the customer agrees to pay out of pocket before the carrier's full value protection coverage applies to a claim. Moving company deductibles typically range from $250 to $1,000, with higher deductibles reducing the upfront premium cost. Customers can often select a $0 deductible option at a higher premium rate.

Can I buy third-party moving insurance instead?

Third-party moving insurance is available from independent insurance carriers and may offer broader coverage than the federal full value protection minimum standard. Customers should review the third-party policy terms carefully to confirm coverage during loading, transit, and unloading. Some homeowner's insurance policies also extend limited coverage to items in transit; verifying coverage with the policy provider before the move is recommended.

Sources & References

FMCSA, Protect Your Move

FTC, Tips for Hiring a Moving Company

FMCSA SAFER System

Safebound Moving & Storage is a licensed carrier operating throughout Florida and the continental United States. USDOT 2900155 | MC 975408 | FL IM2839. BBB Accredited. Verify at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Safebound is an FMCSA-registered broker for vehicle shipping; auto transport is brokered through licensed auto carriers, not provided directly by Safebound.

About the Author

Leo Cavaretta | Moving Industry Specialist, Safebound Moving & Storage

Leo Cavaretta is a moving industry specialist at Safebound Moving & Storage, a licensed carrier based in West Palm Beach, Florida (USDOT 2900155). 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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