How Does Moving Valuation Coverage Work in Tacoma Washington?
Summary: The most important thing to know is not to confuse moving valuation with insurance. There are two types of moving valuation coverage: full value protection and release value protection. Basically, movers in Tacoma Washington are responsible for the replacement value of goods lost or stolen in your shipment depending on the level of protection you choose.
What is Moving Valuation Coverage?
Moving valuation coverage is the protection your moving company is required to offer to protect you in the event your belongings are lost or damaged during a move.
Many people think it works like insurance, but it doesn’t, and knowing the difference can save you a lot of stress later.
What moving valuation covers can differ depending on where you are headed. For interstate (moves between states) movers are subject to the rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Moves that take place within Washington however, follow the rules set by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
How Much Does Moving Valuation Coverage Cost in Tacoma Washington?
Basic valuation coverage is generally included with a professional move, but customers can usually pay for a higher level of protection. Full Value Protection means the mover may repair a damaged item, replace it with a comparable item, or provide a cash settlement based on its current replacement value, subject to the mover’s terms and deductible options.
The cost of Full Value Protection is not a single standard rate in Tacoma. Pricing can depend on the declared value of your shipment, the moving company or van line, and the deductible you select. A higher deductible will generally lower the cost of the protection, while a lower or $0 deductible will cost more.
What are the Differences in Coverage for In-State Vs. Out of State Moves From Tacoma?
H3: In State – Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Coverage (WUTC)
For moves that are completed within the boarders of the state of Washington, what your moving valuation covers is decided by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).
The WUTC offers three options: .
- Option 1 (the Released Value equivalent): $0.72 per pound for each lost or damaged item, regardless of actual value. No deductible. No cost.
- Option 2 (Full Value with a deductible): After the deductible, the total declared value of the items, or $9.16 times the weight, whichever is greater. Deductible: $300. Cost: 0.55-1.42 per $100 of declared value.
- Option 3 (Full Value, no deductible): Total declared value of items, or $9.16 times weight, whichever is greater. No deductible. Cost: 0.66-1.88 per $100 of declared value.
If you do not choose an option on the bill of lading, Option 2 is the default.
Options 2 and 3 do not apply to: antiques, fine arts, painting, statuary, and similar irreplaceable items; memorabilia, souvenirs, collector’s items, and other items whose age or history make up a significant part of their value.
Out of State – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
For moves that go outside of the boarders of the state of Washington, what your moving valuation covers is decided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Full Value Protection: Your mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. Unless you choose the Released Value option, your mover will automatically move your belongings under this level of liability. The minimum declared value is $6.00 per pound times the weight of your shipment. Pricing isn’t set by the government; the exact cost for Full Value Protection varies by mover and may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that can reduce your cost.
- Released Value Protection: The most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. The FMCSA example: if a 10-pound stereo component, valued at $1000 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $6.00.
- High value items: Your coverage can be reduced if you fail to notify your mover in writing of articles valued at more than $100 per pound.
How Much does Moving Valuation Cover?
| WUTC (in state) | FMCSA (interstate) | |
| Basic coverage rate | $0.72 per pound | $0.60 per pound |
| Minimum declared value for full coverage | $9.16 per pound | $6.00 per pound |
| Number of options | Three (basic, full with $300 deductible, full with no deductible) | Two (released, full) |
| Default if customer doesn’t choose | Option 2 (full, $300 deductible) | Full Value Protection |
| Price of full coverage | Set by state within a range per $100 | Set by each mover |
| Special items | Antiques and memorabilia excluded from full coverage | Items over $100/lb must be declared in writing |
What are the differences between Moving Valuation Coverage and Insurance?
There are three key differences between moving valuation coverage and insurance.
#1: The Group That Stands Behind It
Valuation coverage is the moving company’s own liability, not a policy from an insurer. This means in the case there is an incident during your move, you will be dealing directly with your moving company to get it resolved. You may want to check their online reviews to see if anyone else has stories about how the company dealt with their moving valuation.
Some level of moving valuation coverage will always be applied to your move, but you may want to purchase added coverage from an insurance company if you can’t find any history on how your movers have dealt with valuation coverage in the past.
Under federal rules, some movers may also offer to sell, or procure for you, separate liability insurance from a third-party insurance company when you release your shipment for transportation at the minimum released value.
#2: What it Protects Against
Valuation only covers loss or damage the mover is responsible for, and it comes with a long list of exclusions. In Washington, for example, the mover is not liable for losses from Acts of God, and it isn’t responsible for items like jewelry, precious stones, or precious metals. Insurance can help fill those gaps.
Third-party insurance supplements valuation coverage on extraordinary items more than $100 per pound on damage from natural disasters.
#3: Costs, and Whether or Not you Have to Buy It
Some level of valuation comes free with every move from a licensed mover.
In Washington, basic protection has no cost, and interstate movers must offer two different liability options by federal law. Insurance is optional and something you pay for on your own.
It’s also worth checking what you may already have, since the WUTC suggests you talk to your insurance agent before hiring a mover to see if you need additional coverage.
Is it Worth Getting Moving Insurance?
For many moves, the valuation coverage from a licensed mover is enough. But it depends on what you are moving. Before you decide, it helps to know what valuation does not cover.
- Coins, deeds, cash, jewelry, precious stones, metals, items of extraordinary value, live plants, food, furniture made of pressed board or particle board
- They are not responsible for boxes you back yourself, unless you can prove damage was caused by a movers negligence (video of them dropping or slamming a box)
- “Acts of god” like floods, tornadoes or planes falling out of skies
Even the higher coverage options have limits. Washington’s replacement cost options do not apply to antiques, fine art, paintings, statues, and similar items that can’t be replaced, or to memorabilia, collector’s items, and other things whose age or history is a big part of their value.
If you’re moving items for a business or office in Tacoma you may also want to consider getting separate insurance.
When Insurance Makes Sense
If you are moving any of the items above, or anything that would be hard or impossible to replace, moving insurance is worth a close look.
Insurance can also help with risks that valuation doesn’t cover, like damage from natural disasters. And you don’t have to choose one or the other. Valuation and insurance can work together.
Storage is another reason to think about it. If your things go into long term storage, your mover’s coverage ends once they enter permanent storage.
Many warehouses limit their liability to $0.10 per pound per article, which means the warehouse would only pay $1 for a 10 pound broken lamp, even if it is worth more.
Where to Get Moving Insurance in Washington
- Your current insurance company: Start here. The WUTC suggests you talk to your insurance agent before hiring a mover to see if you need more coverage. Many homeowners and renters policies won’t cover your belongings while they are in transit, so ask about add-ons.
- Your moving company: Under federal rules, some movers may offer to sell or arrange separate insurance from a third party insurance company. Ask your mover what options they can help with.
Are Movers Liable for Damage?
Yes, but only up to a point. Licensed movers must have liability for loss or damage to your items during your move. However, their liability will be less than the value of your goods unless you pay for more protection. How much they owe you depends on the coverage level you pick.
For moves within Washington, the basic option pays $0.72 per pound for each lost or damaged item, regardless of actual value. For moves to another state, basic coverage pays no more than 60 cents per pound per article. If you choose full coverage, the mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods.
Movers are also not liable for certain items and situations, like jewelry, pets, plants, and boxes you packed yourself, unless the mover was careless.
If something does get damaged, note it on your paperwork while the movers are still there. In Washington, you have nine months from the date of delivery to file a loss or damage claim with your mover.
What Are Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring Movers?
Valuation coverage only protects you if you hire a licensed mover. In our earlier post, How to Sniff Out a Moving Scam Before it Costs You Thousands, Tony Bouie, General Manager of our Tacoma location, shared three big warning signs:
- A price that seems too good to be true
- A quote without seeing your things
- No license number
That last point matters most for this topic. An unlicensed mover doesn’t have to offer you any valuation coverage at all. The WUTC warns that movers without a permit operate outside the law with no guaranteed protection for loss or damage to your belongings.
How to Do Your Own Homework
- Read the reviews. Look at customer reviews and complaints, and get recommendations from people you know and trust who have recently moved. Check a few places, like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and look for patterns.
- Check the state license for moves within Washington. Legitimate movers will list their state license number on their website. You can look it up on the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission’s website to make sure the permit is active.
- Check the USDOT number for moves out of state. A U.S. DOT number is required by FMCSA for interstate moves. The FMCSA’s mover search tool gives you up to date access to registered interstate movers and their complaint history.
- Confirm they are insured. All for-hire moving companies that operate in interstate commerce must be licensed and insured. In Washington, movers with a UTC permit must follow state safety, insurance, and service standards.
For example, Lincoln Moving & Storage lists our USDOT License as #153161 and WUTC License #2278. Feel free to look us up to test it out!
Planning a move in Tacoma? Our team can help! Complete our estimate form or contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Full Value Protection worth paying for?
Full Value Protection provides more protection than basic released-value coverage. It may be especially worth considering if you are moving expensive furniture, electronics, artwork, or other belongings that would be costly to repair or replace.
Can I choose a deductible for Full Value Protection?
Often, yes. Movers may offer several deductible options, with higher deductibles generally resulting in a lower upfront cost. Ask your Tacoma moving company to explain the available options and pricing before selecting your coverage.
Are high-value items covered under standard moving valuation?
High-value belongings may require additional documentation or declaration before your move. Tell your mover about jewelry, artwork, antiques, collectibles, or other valuable items so you understand how they will be valued if they are lost or damaged.
