Basic liability
The basic level in California is limited to a set amount per pound per article. That can be far below what an item is actually worth. A light but expensive item, such as a laptop or a piece of art, would be covered for very little under the basic level.
Full value protection
Full value protection is a higher level where the mover repairs, replaces or pays the current value of a damaged or lost item, up to the value you declare for the shipment. It costs more than the basic level and has its own terms, such as a deductible or limits for very high-value items.
How to choose
Think about what it would cost to replace your belongings, not what you paid for them years ago. If most of your furniture is older and you plan to replace it anyway, basic liability may be enough. If you are moving valuable furniture, art or electronics, full value protection is usually worth considering.
High-value items
Many valuation plans require you to list items worth more than a certain amount per pound separately on the paperwork. Art, antiques, jewelry, collections and electronics often fall into this group. If they are not listed, they may not be covered at their full value.
Your own insurance
Some homeowner's and renter's policies cover belongings in transit. Call your insurer before the move to ask what is covered and whether any limits apply.
Our options
Your written estimate lists the valuation options we offer and what each one costs, and you choose before the move begins.
An example
Imagine a laptop worth far more than its weight would suggest. Under basic liability, which pays by the pound, the payout would be small. Under full value protection, the same laptop would be repaired or replaced at current value, subject to the terms of the option. That difference is the reason to think about valuation before the move, not after.
Packing and valuation
Some valuation terms treat items you packed yourself differently from items packed by the mover, especially for internal damage to boxes. Ask how your chosen option handles owner-packed boxes, and pack fragile items carefully or have them packed for you.
Documenting before the move
Take photos of valuable items and their condition before moving day, and keep receipts or appraisals for high-value pieces. If you ever need to make a claim, this makes it faster and easier.
When to decide
Decide on valuation before moving day, not on the morning of the move. Read the terms of each option, compare them with your own insurance and list any high-value items. On the day, you confirm the choice on the paperwork before the crew starts.
Valuation for long moves
On long moves within California, where the price is usually based on weight and distance, valuation is just as important. Longer trips mean more handling and more time on the road, so make the valuation choice with the full move in mind.
Questions to ask
Ask what each option covers, what it costs, whether there is a deductible and how high-value items must be listed. Clear answers make the choice easy.