We understand that a move isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B—it’s about protecting what matters to you along the way. As a locally-owned moving company representing Mayflower Transit in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, we’re committed to guiding you through the process with clarity, compassion, and the kind of insight that only comes from decades of experience. And when your journey takes you across state lines, that experience becomes even more important due to more complex logistics and increased regulatory considerations.
But what if something unexpected happens? What if a piece of furniture is damaged in transit, or an item isn’t located upon delivery? These are the “what-ifs” we take very seriously. While we hope you’ll never face them, they’re an important part of the conversation we have with our clients—helping you prepare so you can make confident, informed decisions. An important part of planning an interstate move is discussing valuation coverage—so let’s take a closer look at how it works.
What Is Valuation Coverage?
For interstate moves, federal regulations require moving companies to offer valuation coverage options which determines the mover’s level of financial responsibility if loss or damage occurs. Consumer protection laws require that Full Value Protection coverage must be included in the initial quoted total for a move across state lines. While valuation is not insurance, it’s a formal agreement about the extent to which the mover can be held financially liable if loss or damage is proven. We offer two main valuation options to help protect your belongings during your interstate move.
Released Value Protection
This is the most economical choice, included at no additional cost, but the protection is minimal. This coverage limits the mover’s liability to $0.60 per pound, per item. That means if a valuable 20-pound flat-screen TV were damaged, you would only receive $12.00 (20 lbs x $0.60), regardless of its actual market value.
Full Value Protection
This is our default level of coverage unless you opt out in writing. We calculate this by multiplying your shipment’s total estimated weight by $6 per pound. For example, a 6,800-pound shipment would have a declared value of $40,800. You can also declare a higher value for your shipment if you choose.
Full Value Protection means that if an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed during your move, we’ll either repair it, replace it with a similar item at current market value, or provide a cash settlement for the cost of replacement. However, items valued at more than $100 per pound—such as antiques, fine jewelry, or original artwork—must be listed separately on a High Value Inventory Form for them to be covered beyond the $100 per pound per item cap.
Support Through the Claims Process
Behind the scenes, our claims manager steps in to carefully review each situation, working with you to ensure the process is fair, transparent, and handled as quickly as possible.
What Valuation Doesn’t Cover
Valuation coverage only applies when the moving company is found responsible for damage or loss. However, it does not cover every situation, and there are important limitations to be aware of, including:
- Items packed by the customer unless a carton is lost or there is physical transit damage to the box, damage inside the box is not covered. Transit damage must be visible and notated on the driver’s inventory exception list while the delivery crew is onsite. A damaged carton should be opened during the check-off process to see if damage has occurred to an item(s) within the carton and the customer should keep the damaged carton to assist with the claims process of verifying the inventory number.
- Perishable or hazardous goods that were not disclosed to the moving company
- Damage resulting from unexpected weather conditions or natural disasters beyond the mover’s control (Acts of God)
- High-value items not declared separately prior to the move
- Claims reported more than nine months after the move has been completed
To help provide broader protection, we also offer optional waivers on interstate moves that can extend your coverage, such as:
- Pairs & Sets Waiver: Covers or compensates the entire set if one item is damaged
- Mechanical Malfunction Waiver: Protects against certain equipment failures not caused by mishandling
- Acts of God Waiver: Extends coverage to include natural disasters and similar unforeseen events
These waivers help address some of the common gaps in standard valuation coverage and give you extra peace of mind during your interstate move.
Helping You Make the Right Choice
Our goal is always to provide honest guidance, not upsells. We walk you through your valuation options during your estimate and explain the potential risks of under-coverage so you can choose the protection that best fits your unique needs.
We know your belongings are more than just furniture—they’re memories, investments, and essential parts of your daily life. That’s why our team is committed to guiding you with care and we walk you through your protection options from the very beginning.
Ready to Plan a Confident Move?
As your trusted moving company in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, we’re proud to be a resource for our community. If you’re preparing for a move and unsure about the right level of protection for your belongings, we’ll walk you through the options so you can make the decision that feels right for you.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation—and let’s make your move a smooth, secure, and stress-free experience.
