Interested in moving insurance in California? Find out about moving and insurance coverage so you’re totally prepared for moving day.
In this post, we’ll explore moving insurance coverage and what you get with each type of insurance so you can find the best moving insurance for you.
DO YOU NEED INSURANCE FOR MOVING?
The short answer is no. There’s no legal obligation to get moving insurance coverage. However, it’s an extremely good idea. That’s all your worldly belongings on the truck at once! Could you bear the cost of replacing everything? Or would you want to?
Moving insurance is relatively affordable because it’s normally a matter of covering a one or few day time period. Having a reasonable amount of coverage can provide serious peace of mind when you’re watching the truck pull away with your entire life on board.
HOW DOES MOVING INSURANCE WORK?
There are different types of moving insurance in California that vary in the level of coverage the insurers provide. The best moving insurance for you depends on your risk tolerance and how many expensive items you’re moving.
WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOVING INSURANCE ARE THERE?
RELEASED VALUE PROTECTION MOVING INSURANCE
This is the cheapest option and it’s included in your moving contract. However, you may want to consider supplementing this type of insurance as the coverage is minimal.
Released value protection is a quick and easy way to get reimbursed in the event that your belongings are damaged.
However, there’s a significant catch. The amount you’ll receive is typically around 60 cents per pound regardless of what is being moved. Therefore, this reimbursement rate applies whether you’re moving an antique piano or bags of dog food.
FULL VALUE PROTECTION MOVING INSURANCE
This is the best option in terms of having the most comprehensive moving insurance coverage. With Full value protection, you decide what your belongings are worth, so you can expect a fair payout.
It’s also, unsurprisingly, the most expensive because the cost is determined by the value you assign to your cargo. Full value protection moving insurance costs around 1-5% of the total value of your belongings.
In the event of an accident or loss, the moving company will pay for the repairs, or replace it with an item of similar value to the original. Therefore, it’s important to note that you won’t get a brand new replacement for something that’s worn out.
Get in touch with Air1 Moving & Storage for a moving insurance quote for your belongings.
HOW ABOUT VERY EXPENSIVE ITEMS?
It’s definitely worth detailing these separately or purchasing a policy specifically for these items. So jewelry or other luxury items, for example, would be way undervalued at 60 cents per pound unless you make separate provisions for it.
THIRD PARTY MOVING INSURANCE
This is sometimes called “separate liability coverage.” You still get the small coverage of released value protection, but your items are also protected up to the limits of the third party moving insurance policy.
In the world of moving insurance, it’s important to check what’s covered and what’s not. Your policy needs won’t be exactly the same as anyone else’s because everyone’s belongings are different.
YOUR LIABILITY WITH MOVING INSURANCE
Check any policy carefully before deciding what’s the best moving insurance for you. Importantly, some insurance companies do require that you let the movers pack your belongings for you.
Air1 Moving & Storage has years of experience packing and shipping, so we know how to do it safely and effectively.
Beware! If you pack your own belongings without the proper materials and expertise, you’re likely to end up with something getting broken during the move.
WHAT MOVING INSURANCE DOESN’T COVER
Moving insurance coverage doesn’t extend to the following:
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Natural disasters.
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Valuable items that you didn’t declare in writing before the move.
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Perishable items like food, unless you state what’s in those boxes.
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Hazardous materials such as flammable chemicals.
Thinking of moving paints and aerosols? Make sure you’re on the right side of the law. Read our article about what movers can’t legally move.
HOW MUCH DOES MOVING INSURANCE COST?
It depends what type of moving insurance coverage you’d like. Very basic coverage is free when you choose a licensed moving company.
Do you have several expensive belongings you’d like to insure separately? The insurance coverage can cost up to 5% of the value of the items, taking into account those valuable extras.
ARE MOVING COMPANIES REGULATED IN CALIFORNIA?
Yes, moving companies such as Air1 Moving & Storage are regulated and we have our own insurance.
However, this only means we’re responsible for released value protection, which is minimal coverage. If you’re concerned about your belongings on moving day, we suggest that you take out a separate moving insurance policy.
DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER GOODS IN TRANSIT?
Unfortunately, most regular homeowners insurance policies don’t cover you for when your belongings are being packed or moved.
However, if you need secure storage, check your policy. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover that your items are covered in storage under the same conditions as they are in your home. That’s fire, theft and so on.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE MOVING INSURANCE?
Talk to Air1 Moving & Storage about moving insurance in California. Whether you’re moving locally, long-distance or internationally, we can advise you on the best moving insurance for your budget and belongings.
In fact, if you’d like to purchase moving insurance, we offer two great plans.
THE SAFEST WAY TO MOVE? CHOOSE CAREFUL, EXPERIENCED, LICENSED MOVERS
If you’re reading this, it’s because you probably like to think ahead so you can avoid nasty surprises.
Air1 Moving & Storage has been doing local, long-distance and international moves from California for over 20 years. We know how to pack, load and unpack in the best way possible to avoid breakages while getting everything done swiftly.
Read more on our website about the reasonably priced and customized moving insurance that we offer.
CONTACT AIR1 MOVING & STORAGE TO RECOMMEND MOVING INSURANCE IN CALIFORNIA TO SUIT YOU
If you’re concerned about your valuables on moving day, it’s well worth considering comprehensive insurance. In any case, talk to us about what you need and we can advise you according to your situation.
Our experienced movers are waiting for your call at (866) 750-3386. Alternatively, you can use our short contact form, or email us at [email protected].
