Every long-distance move comes with some form of cargo protection — but "some form" covers a wide range, from nearly useless to genuinely protective. Here's what's standard, what's optional, and what it costs.
Released Value Protection: Free but Minimal
By default, all licensed movers are required to offer released value protection at no additional charge. The coverage: $0.60 per pound per item. That's it. If your 50-pound flat screen TV is damaged, you get $30. If your 15-pound laptop is lost, you get $9. Released value protection exists to satisfy FMCSA requirements — it doesn't actually protect your belongings.
Full Value Protection: What Actually Covers You
Full value protection means the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged items. If your TV is damaged, they repair it, replace it, or pay you the current market value. This is what most people mean when they say "moving insurance" — though technically it's cargo protection, not insurance.
Cost varies by carrier, but typically runs 1–2% of your declared shipment value. For a $30,000 household goods value, that's $300–600.
Third-Party Moving Insurance
You can also purchase separate moving insurance through companies like Baker International or Moving Insurance.com. This is worth considering if you have high-value items — art, jewelry, electronics, musical instruments — that exceed what full value protection would cover practically.
What AEY Moving Includes
Every AEY Moving shipment includes standard cargo protection as part of the binding estimate. Your belongings are covered in transit under our carrier insurance. We recommend full value protection for customers with high-value items and can connect you with third-party options.