Everything You Need to Know About Moving Insurance in 2025!

It is important to understand what is moving insurance before you begin your move. Even with careful planning, accidents can happen. Boxes can tear, glassware can break, and furniture can get scratched or dented. 

Our team at Professional Movers has been moving families and businesses since 2018, completing thousands of relocations. We have seen firsthand how proper insurance protects your belongings from unexpected problems.

In this guide, we will explain the types of moving insurance, what they cover, and how to choose the right option for your home or office. With the right protection, you can focus on settling into your new space knowing your items are safe.

2. What is Moving Insurance?

Moving insurance is a type of protection designed to safeguard your belongings while they are being transported from one home to another. Whether you are moving across the city or across provinces, there is always a risk of damage, loss, or delay, and moving insurance ensures that you are covered for those situations.

There are different types of moving insurance coverage options. The most common are Released Value and Full Value Protection. Released Value is the most basic option and offers limited coverage based on the weight of your items. Full Value Protection, on the other hand, covers the repair or replacement cost of your belongings if they are damaged or lost.

For people planning a move across provinces or a long-distance relocation, moving insurance for long distance ensures that you have peace of mind, no matter how far your belongings travel.

3. Types of Moving Insurance Coverage

There are a few main types of coverage to consider when selecting moving insurance coverage options.

Released Value Protection is the lowest cost option. It covers only a small fraction of the value of your items, typically based on weight, and is not ideal for high-value or fragile belongings.

Full Value Protection is the more comprehensive choice. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing items that are lost, damaged, or destroyed during the move.

Third-party insurance is separate from the mover’s policy. It is purchased through a different insurance provider and can provide additional coverage, especially for valuable or irreplaceable items.

What is third-party Insurance, and how does it compare to the mover’s options?

Third-party insurance often provides broader coverage and higher limits than standard moving insurance offers. It is useful when the standard options do not meet the value or type of items being moved.

4. What Does Moving Insurance Cover?

Moving insurance covers items that are agreed to be packed and transported by the movers and documented in your moving contract. This generally includes furniture, appliances, and boxed personal items. There are, however, certain items that may not be covered. High-value items such as jewelry, important documents, antiques, and rare collectibles often require separate insurance or special arrangements due to their high replacement costs.

Moving insurance can cover:

• Damaged items during transport

• Lost items that are part of the mover’s documented inventory

• Delayed items, depending on your policy

Does moving insurance cover items packed by the owner?

Yes, but only for physical damage to the container. Internal damage to the items inside boxes packed by you may not be covered unless specifically agreed with the mover.

Does moving insurance cover fragile items like glass, marble, and ceramics?

Yes, as long as these items are professionally packed and documented by the movers in the inventory list.

5. How to Choose the Best Insurance Coverage for Your Home Move?

When searching for movers in the Greater Toronto Area, consider the following:

• Look for companies that offer comprehensive insurance options, including standard liability and full-value coverage.

• Confirm whether insurance applies to both local and long-distance moves.

• Ask for details of the insurance policies, especially regarding high-value items like electronics, artwork, and antiques.

• Check if optional full-value protection is available for extra peace of mind.

• Understand any extra charges for coverage beyond standard liability.

Which moving company in GTA Ontario, provides the best insurance coverage?

Professional Movers provide moving insurance in the GTA Ontario region at CAD 6 per pound of weight for each item, which is the highest coverage rate in the region.

6. How Much Does Moving Insurance Cost?

Moving insurance costs depend on several factors, including the size of your home, the total value of your items, the distance of the move, and the type of coverage selected. Local moves may have lower premiums, while long-distance moves often require higher coverage limits.

A helpful way to estimate your costs is by using a moving insurance calculator. You can enter your home size, distance, and type of coverage to get a quick online quote.

Is the premium moving insurance worth it for local moving?

Yes, even for local moves, the peace of mind and protection against accidental damage or loss make it worthwhile.

What is the cost of full value protection insurance for house moving?

It varies depending on the mover and the items being moved. Some movers include it in the total moving charges, while others may charge extra based on the value and quantity of items.

7. Do Movers Provide Insurance?

Most professional moving companies provide some form of insurance, but it is important to understand what is included. Standard liability usually covers a very limited amount per pound of damaged or lost goods. Optional full-value coverage provides more comprehensive protection, covering repair or replacement costs.

Do movers provide full value coverage if they damage my items?

Yes, but only if you have selected the full-value protection option and the items are documented in the inventory.

Do movers provide insurance for any specific item?

Yes, movers can provide coverage for furniture, appliances, electronics, and other agreed-upon items. High-value items may require a separate policy.

8. Can My Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Help?

Some homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies may provide coverage during a move, but there are often limits and exclusions. Typically, coverage may apply for short distances or limited damage, but it is important to check with your insurer. Many policies will not cover items that are lost or damaged during long-distance moves unless a specific endorsement is added.

Does my homeowner’s or renter’s insurance cover my belongings during a move?

It depends on your policy. The safest approach is to call your home or renters’ insurance provider before your move and ask for a detailed guide on what is covered during transit. This ensures you understand any limitations and whether additional coverage is needed for your belongings.

9. Buying Separate Policies for High-Value Items

For jewelry, artwork, antiques, electronics, and other high-value items, it is often possible to purchase a separate insurance policy. This provides added protection beyond what standard moving insurance covers.

Can I buy a separate policy for high-value items?

Yes, it depends on your mover. Many movers offer full-value protection and do not charge extra for insurance, but high-value items may require additional coverage for full peace of mind.

10. How to Claim Moving Insurance?

Filing a claim requires careful documentation and timely action. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Document the damaged items with clear photos and videos.

2. Gather your moving contract, inventory list, and receipts.

3. Notify your moving company within the specified period, usually between thirty and ninety days.

4. Complete the moving company’s claims form with detailed descriptions of each damaged or lost item.

5. Keep a copy of all documentation and retain damaged items if requested for inspection.

6. Maintain records of all communication with the moving company.

What documents are needed to claim moving insurance?

You need the moving contract, inventory list, receipts for valuable items, photographs or videos of the damage, and a completed claim form the moving company.

Conclusion

Moving insurance is essential to protect your belongings during any move, whether local or long-distance. Understanding moving insurance coverage options, comparing moving insurance costs, and knowing what is included can help you avoid unexpected losses and stress. Professional Movers provide not only expert handling of your items but also reliable insurance coverage, ensuring that fragile, high-value, and everyday belongings are protected throughout the move.

Getting an affordable moving insurance online quote with Professional Movers is simple and convenient. By choosing Professional Movers, you combine trusted moving services with comprehensive insurance coverage near you, giving you complete peace of mind from start to finish. Protect your belongings and make your next move secure and worry-free with our movers.