Note: Every customer has different priorities. Some prefer speed to keep costs down, while others prioritize maximum protection. Understanding valuation lets you choose the balance that fits your needs.
Quick Navigation
- 1. What is Valuation?
- 2. Why No Insurance for Used Furniture?
- 3. Types of Valuation Coverage
- 4. Additional Stipulations for Full Value Protection
- 5. Why Are These Stipulations Included?
- 6. Example Scenario
- 7. Understanding Deductibles and Caps
- 8. Mitigating Risks During the Move
- 9. Homeowners and Renters Insurance
- 10. Protecting High-Value Items
- 11. Why Choose Pretty Strong Movers?
- 12. Ready to Move with Confidence?
Understanding your valuation options helps prevent misunderstandings and sets realistic expectations for a smooth, transparent moving experience.
1. What is Valuation?
Valuation is the mover’s level of liability for your belongings. It’s not insurance, but an agreed-upon financial responsibility if something goes wrong.
2. Why No Insurance for Used Furniture?
Standard insurance rarely covers used items due to depreciation, subjective condition, and a higher likelihood of claims. Valuation is the practical industry alternative.
3. Types of Valuation Coverage
Released Value Protection
- Cost: Free
- Coverage: Minimal — $0.60 per pound, per item
- Note: Not sufficient for high-value items.
Full Value Protection
- Cost: Additional fee based on declared value
- Coverage: Repair, replace, or cash-settle at market value (with stipulations)
- Deductibles: Commonly apply
4. Additional Stipulations for Full Value Protection
These rules apply only to Full Value Protection.
Caps for Minor Cosmetic Damages
$100 per item and $500 per move cap for scratches or dents.
High-Value Item Declaration
- Items over $1,000 must be declared and agreed upon.
Particle Board Clause
Particle-board furniture isn’t covered due to fragility.
Electronics Cap
Electronics capped at $200 unless declared.
No Coverage for Sentimental Value
Compensation is based on market value, not sentimental worth.
5. Why Are These Stipulations Included?
- Prevent Abuse: Stops inflated claims
- Fair Compensation: Reflects real-world conditions
- Transparency: Sets clear expectations
6. Example Scenario
A $5,000 vase is damaged:
Without Declaration
Capped at $1,000 minus deductible.
With Declaration
Fully covered up to $5,000 minus deductible.
7. Understanding Deductibles and Caps
- Discourages minor claims
- Keeps coverage affordable
- Ensures fairness
8. Mitigating Risks During the Move
- Extra Trucks: Less stacking, fewer risks
- Custom Packing: More protective materials
- Open Communication: Share concerns in advance
9. Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Check if your policy covers items in transit; it may offer better protection for high-value belongings.
10. Protecting High-Value Items
- Inventory & Photos: Document items
- Declare Values: Tell us about anything >$1,000
11. Why Choose Pretty Strong Movers?
- Experience: Years of trusted service
- Transparency: Clear valuation explanations
- Care: We treat your items like our own
12. Ready to Move with Confidence?
Contact Pretty Strong Movers to discuss your best protection plan.
Note: At Pretty Strong Movers, we know every customer’s priorities are different. Some value speed and a tight budget, while others prefer the utmost protection even if it takes more time and cost. Striking the right balance starts with knowing your valuation options.
Quick Navigation
- 1. What is Valuation?
- 2. Why Doesn’t My Mover’s Insurance Cover Used Furniture?
- 3. Types of Valuation Coverage
- 4. Additional Stipulations for Full Value Protection
- 5. Why Are These Stipulations Included?
- 6. Example Scenario
- 7. Understanding Deductibles and Caps
- 8. The Reality of Moving and How We Mitigate Risks
- 9. Homeowners and Renters Insurance
- 10. Protecting High-Value Items
- 11. Why Choose Pretty Strong Movers?
- 12. Ready to Move with Confidence?
This section is long, but it holds the most crucial information you should know before hiring any mover. Understanding valuation coverage—especially what counts as normal wear and tear—reduces misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page.
At Pretty Strong Movers, we realize your belongings are more than “stuff.” They’re memories, investments, and family treasures. Knowing how valuation works in household-goods (HHG) moving—and how to protect high-value items—lets you choose the right plan.
1. What is Valuation?
Valuation is the level of liability a moving company assumes for your goods. It’s not insurance; it’s a legally defined agreement that limits how much the mover must pay if something is lost or damaged.
2. Why Doesn’t the Moving Company Have Insurance that Covers Used Furniture?
Traditional insurance generally excludes used items in transit because of:
- Depreciation: Used goods lose value, making replacement cost hard to peg.
- Subjective Condition: Pre-existing scratches or wear are hard to verify.
- High Claim Frequency: Moves carry inherent risk. Covering every scuff would spike premiums unsustainably.
- No Factory Packaging: Unlike new, boxed goods, used items rely on blankets and pads—adequate but not perfect protection.
Valuation fills that gap, offering measured compensation and clarity for both parties. Pretty Strong Movers presents valuation tiers—and we recommend checking your homeowners or renters policy for added coverage.
3. Types of Valuation Coverage
Released Value Protection
- Cost: Included at no extra charge.
- Coverage: 60¢ per pound per item.
- Example: A 10-lb vase worth $1,000 = $6 reimbursement.
- Note: This basic tier lacks caps, deductibles, or special-handling rules—but Pretty Strong Movers’ liability is still limited to 60¢/lb.
- If that’s not enough, consider upgrading or talk to us about options tailored to your valuables.
Full Value Protection
- Cost: Premium based on your declared shipment value.
- Coverage: Repair, replace, or cash-settle at current market value (rules apply).
- Deductibles: Most plans include one.
4. Additional Stipulations for Full Value Protection
These apply only to Full Value Protection.
Caps for Minor Cosmetic Damage
$100 per item, $500 per move.
High-Value Item Declaration
- Items > $1,000 must be listed on the High-Value Inventory.
- Both you and Pretty Strong Movers sign to confirm value and handling needs.
Particle-Board Clause
Particle-board furniture is excluded due to fragility.
Electronics Cap
Electronics capped at $200 unless declared for higher coverage.
No Sentimental Coverage
Payouts reflect market value, not sentimental worth.
5. Why Are These Stipulations Included?
Preventing Abuse
- Caps deter inflated cosmetic claims.
- Declarations curb disputes over pre-existing damage.
Setting Realistic Expectations
- Even careful moves can leave small marks—these limits define what’s “normal.”
Encouraging Dialogue
- Discussing concerns early lets us plan special packing or extra trucks.
6. Example Scenario
Your 10-lb vase valued at $5,000 is broken:
Without Declaration
Standard cap $1,000 – deductible = payout.
With Declaration
Covered to $5,000 – deductible.
7. Understanding Deductibles and Caps
- Discourages minor claims.
- Keeps premiums reasonable.
- Makes coverage terms crystal-clear.
8. The Reality of Moving and How We Mitigate Risks
Inherent Risks
Tight loading saves space but increases chances of rub marks.
Communication
Tell us about fragile pieces—together we’ll choose the best plan.
Customized Plans
- Extra truck = less stacking.
- Custom crates & padding for delicate items.
- Flexible timelines for careful loading.
9. Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Your existing policy might cover items in transit—often with higher limits.
10. Protecting High-Value Items
Inventory & Photos
- Make a list and take clear pictures.
Talk to Us
- Flag any item over $1,000.
- Ask about custom protection plans.
11. Why Choose Pretty Strong Movers?
- Experience: Decades of combined know-how.
- Transparency: No surprise fees or fine print.
- Care: We move your items like they’re our own.
12. Ready to Move with Confidence?
Contact Pretty Strong Movers today to build the protection plan that fits your move.