RVP vs FVP: Real-Dollar Settlement Examples With $0.60/lb Math

Last Updated: October 2026

TL;DR: Released Value Protection (RVP) is the default valuation coverage under 49 CFR Part 375 at $0.60 per pound per article. Full Value Protection (FVP) is the alternative that covers full repair, replacement, or settlement value based on the declared valuation of the shipment. RVP vs FVP: Real-Dollar Settlement Examples With $0.60/lb Math

Released Value Protection (RVP) is the default valuation coverage under 49 CFR Part 375 at $0.60 per pound per article. Full Value Protection (FVP) is the alternative that covers full repair, replacement, or settlement value based on the declared valuation of the shipment. For a 50-pound TV damaged in transit under RVP: 50 × $0.60 = $30 settlement regardless of the TV's actual $800 to $2,500 replacement value. Under FVP at a declared value of 10/pound coverage ratio), the same TV would settle at full replacement or cash value. The choice between RVP and FVP sits on every interstate household goods bill of lading and must be made before pickup.

Safebound Moving & Storage issues the valuation choice on every written estimate before pickup, with the declared value and the coverage ratio clearly itemized (USDOT 2900155, MC 975408). Safebound carries a 4.9 stars rating across 2,401 reviews and has completed 35,000+ moves since 2016. This guide walks through real-dollar settlement examples under both RVP and FVP to show the practical difference the valuation choice makes on common household item categories. Safebound provides free quote request for this scope.

Key Takeaways

• RVP is the default $0.60 per pound per article coverage; no additional cost but strictly capped by weight.

• FVP covers full repair, replacement, or settlement value at the declared value of the shipment; typically $8 to $20 per $1,000 of coverage.

• 50-lb TV example: RVP settles at $30; FVP settles at full replacement value.

• 200-lb sofa example: RVP settles at $120; FVP settles at full replacement.

• Governing regulation: 49 CFR Part 375 (interstate household goods valuation).

• The valuation choice is on every bill of lading and must be made before pickup; it cannot change after the fact.

How the $0.60 per Pound Math Works

Released Value Protection is the no-additional-cost default coverage. Under RVP, the carrier's liability for lost or damaged items is capped at $0.60 per pound per article. The weight is the shipping weight of the specific item (not the total shipment), and the cap applies to each article individually. Settlement calculation: article weight (lb) × $0.60 = maximum settlement, regardless of the article's actual purchase price or current replacement cost.

Worked example 1 (TV): a 50-pound 65-inch TV damaged in transit under RVP settles at 50 × $0.60 = $30. Current replacement value for a comparable 65-inch TV runs $800 to $2,500 depending on model. The $30 settlement does not cover replacement. Worked example 2 (sofa): a 200-pound 3-seat sofa damaged in transit under RVP settles at 200 × $0.60 = $120. Current replacement value for a comparable sofa runs $1,200 to $3,500. See the interstate movers service page for the FMCSA-regulated valuation framework.

How Full Value Protection Works

Full Value Protection covers the full repair, replacement, or cash settlement value of damaged or lost items up to the declared value of the shipment. The declared value is set at the estimate stage based on the full replacement cost of the shipment contents. For a typical 2-bedroom shipment with declared value of $50,000, FVP covers any single-item claim up to the full replacement cost of that item (not capped by weight).

FVP cost: typically $8 to $20 per $1,000 of declared value. For a $50,000 declared value shipment, FVP coverage costs $400 to 250 to $500) lowers the premium; zero deductible raises the premium. The FVP cost and deductible are itemized separately on the written estimate before pickup.

Real-Dollar Settlement Examples by Item Category

The following table shows settlement amounts under RVP (at $0.60/lb) versus FVP (at full replacement value) for common household item categories. The RVP settlement reflects the strict weight-based cap; the FVP settlement reflects typical replacement value for a mid-range item in each category.

Item

Weight (lb)

RVP Settlement

FVP Typical Replacement

65-inch TV

50

3-seat sofa

200

Queen mattress + box

100

Dining table (hardwood)

120

Dresser with mirror

180

Laptop

5

Framed art (medium)

15

The RVP settlement in every row is dramatically below the typical replacement value. For a shipment where any single-item loss would be substantial, FVP is the practical choice. The valuation decision is made at the estimate stage, not after a claim is filed.

When RVP Makes Sense and When FVP Makes Sense

RVP makes sense for shipments where the total declared value is low (short-notice local moves of modestly furnished apartments, dorm-room moves, moves where the shipper has already removed high-value items for separate transport), or where the shipper is willing to accept the strict weight-based cap in exchange for no additional valuation cost. The $0.60 per pound cap applies regardless of actual item value.

FVP makes sense for shipments with higher declared values, moves containing art, electronics, antiques, or specialty items where replacement cost exceeds the 400 to $1,000 on a $50,000 declared value) is small relative to the single-item claim coverage it provides.

Before You Book: Carrier Verification Checklist

Every household goods move involves specific federal and Florida state verification steps that protect the customer and lock the pricing. The checklist below pulls together the FMCSA, FDACS, and Safebound-side confirmations to run through before the written estimate is signed.

1. Verify Safebound USDOT 2900155 is Active on the FMCSA SAFER database at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. The record should show the carrier name, operating authority status, and the Motor Carrier (MC) 975408 interstate authority number.

2. Verify the Florida intrastate IM2839 license on the FDACS portal at fdacs.gov under the Mover Registration search. A current IM status is required for any pickup or delivery within Florida state lines.

3. Request a written, price-locked estimate (which holds unless volume or services change after signing) after a visual walkthrough of every room, closet, and garage. A phone-only guess is not an accurate cubic-foot inventory.

4. Confirm the deposit stays under 45% of the estimated total. The FMCSA Protect Your Move consumer guidance flags any deposit above that threshold as a scam-operator red flag.

5. Read the written estimate line by line before signing. Confirm the price-lock language, the pickup date, the first available delivery window, Released Value Protection ($0.60 per article per pound), and any add-on charges (full packing, long carry, shuttle, stairs, Full Value Protection).

6. Confirm the Bill of Lading (BoL) is reviewed and signed before loading begins. The BoL is the carrier-shipper contract and carries the delivery window, inventory manifest, and declared valuation.

7. On non-binding estimates, know the FMCSA 110% rule caps collectible charges at delivery to 110% of the written estimate; the balance is due within 30 days. Safebound price-locked estimates (which holds unless volume or services change after signing) sidestep this risk by locking the number up front.

8. File any claim for loss or damage inside the FMCSA 9-month window from delivery. Note visible damage on the BoL at delivery and photograph the item on receipt to support the written claim.

9. For interstate moves, confirm the carrier insurance filings (BI/PD liability + cargo) are on file at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. The record should show no out-of-service orders or safety flags.

10. Save the signed written estimate, Bill of Lading, inventory manifest, and all delivery paperwork for a minimum of 2 years. These records support any claim and provide the Safebound carrier-of-record documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Released Value Protection?

Released Value Protection is the no-additional-cost default valuation coverage under 49 CFR Part 375 at $0.60 per pound per article. The carrier's liability for lost or damaged items is capped at $0.60 per pound of the specific item's weight, regardless of actual replacement value.

What is Full Value Protection?

Full Value Protection covers the full repair, replacement, or cash settlement value of damaged or lost items up to the declared value of the shipment. FVP cost typically runs $8 to $20 per $1,000 of declared value, with deductible options affecting the premium.

How much does a 50-pound TV settle for under RVP?

50 pounds × $0.60 = $30 settlement under RVP, regardless of the TV's actual replacement value (typically $800 to $2,500 for a comparable 65-inch TV).

How much does a 200-pound sofa settle for under RVP?

200 pounds × $0.60 = $120 settlement under RVP, regardless of the sofa's actual replacement value (typically $1,200 to $3,500 for a mid-range 3-seat sofa).

Does FVP cover every item in the shipment?

FVP covers any single-item claim up to the full replacement cost of that item, subject to the declared value cap on the total shipment and the selected deductible. The declared value is set at the estimate stage based on total replacement cost of the shipment contents.

Can I change the valuation choice after pickup?

No. The valuation choice is made at the estimate stage and recorded on the bill of lading signed at pickup. It cannot change after the fact. The written estimate shows the RVP (default, no cost) option and the FVP (declared value and premium) option before pickup.

How much does FVP typically cost?

FVP typically runs $8 to $20 per $1,000 of declared value. For a $50,000 declared value shipment, FVP coverage costs $400 to $1,000 added to the base move cost. Higher deductible options lower the premium; zero deductible raises it.

What happens if a claim is denied?

A declined claim can be arbitrated through the FMCSA Household Goods Dispute Resolution Program (binding arbitration under 49 CFR Part 375 Subpart D) for disputes up to $10,000, or civil action in state or federal court for higher-value disputes. The arbitration decision is binding and enforceable.

Does Safebound default to RVP or FVP on a written estimate?

The Safebound written estimate shows both RVP (default, $0.60 per pound, no additional cost) and FVP (declared value, premium itemized) options. The shipper selects the valuation option before pickup, and the choice is recorded on the bill of lading signed at pickup.

Ready to Book Your Move?

Interstate moves subject to FMCSA valuation rules require working with a licensed carrier that itemizes both Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection options on the written estimate before pickup, with declared value, premium, and deductible shown separately. Request a price-locked written estimate (which holds unless volume or services change after signing) from Safebound Moving & Storage that covers crew size, cubic footage, transit timing, and the full valuation option framework before confirming the move date. For interstate moves subject to FMCSA valuation, or call 561-510-7191 to confirm crew availability and the preferred move date. Request a free quote.

People Also Read

• Moving Insurance Explained: Released Value vs. Full Value Protection

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

Sources & References

• FMCSA, Protect Your Move

• Florida DACS, Mover Verification

• FTC, Avoid Scams When You Hire a Moving Company

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

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) with trained and background-checked crews. Leo specializes in interstate moving regulations, USDOT compliance, residential relocation, and moving cost transparency, helping customers navigate the full moving process, from written, price-locked 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 and Forbes Featured. Get a free quote or learn about Safebound Moving & Storage.

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