Full Value Protection: What’s Actually Covered
Most people don’t understand moving coverage until something breaks. Watch our expert explain the real difference between Full Value Protection and basic liability, with real dollar examples.
Coverage Comparison
Two levels of protection. Very different outcomes.
Federal law requires movers to offer two levels of valuation coverage. Understanding the difference could save you thousands.
Your mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged items based on the declared value of your shipment.
- Covers full current market value of items
- Mover must repair, replace, or settle
- Applies to all items packed by movers
- Deductible options available to lower cost
Example: 5,000-lb shipment (5,000 × $6/lb)
$30,000 in coverage
Your mover is responsible for only $0.60 per pound per article, regardless of the item’s actual value. This is the federally mandated minimum.
- Only pays based on weight, not value
- No obligation to repair or replace
- Included at no extra cost (because it covers almost nothing)
- Leaves you exposed on high-value items
Example: 30-lb TV worth $800 (30 × $0.60/lb)
Payout: $18.00
What is Full Value Protection?
Full Value Protection (FVP) is not insurance. It is a valuation-based liability agreement between you and your mover.
The $18 Calculator
Here’s what basic 60-cent-per-pound coverage actually pays on common household items:
| Item | Weight | Value | 60¢/lb Payout | Your Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55" Samsung TV | 30 lbs | $800 | $18 | $782 |
| MacBook Pro | 4 lbs | $2,500 | $2.40 | $2,497.60 |
| Dining table (wood) | 80 lbs | $3,000 | $48 | $2,952 |
| Artwork (framed) | 15 lbs | $5,000 | $9 | $4,991 |
| Leather sofa | 120 lbs | $4,500 | $72 | $4,428 |
“I show every customer the $18 number. Your TV weighs 30 pounds. At 60 cents a pound, that is $18. That is what you would get if it breaks. Eighteen dollars for an $800 television. Once people hear that number, the decision makes itself.”
Ross Sapir, Founder & President, Roadway MovingWhy You Must Declare High-Value Items
The same math is brutal at the top end. Picture a crystal vase worth $50,000 that weighs 10 pounds. Under basic 60-cent-per-pound liability, the most you could recover is about $6. That is why items worth more than $100 per pound, such as fine art, jewelry, crystal, and collectibles, must be declared in writing before your move. Declaring them is what allows Full Value Protection to stand behind their real value instead of their weight.
Crystal vase, 10 lbs
Declared value: $50,000
~$6
recoverable under basic 60¢/lb liability
What Full Value Protection Does NOT Cover
Even with FVP, there are important exclusions you should know about:
Items you pack yourself in your own boxes are excluded from FVP claims. If the box fails, that is on you.
This is the single most common reason a claim gets denied. If you plan to pack any boxes yourself, read our Box Quality guide first so you know what retail boxes can and cannot survive on a long-distance move.
Items worth over $100/lb (jewelry, art, collectibles) must be declared in advance or they may be excluded.
Protect What Matters Most
Ask your Roadway relocation specialist about Full Value Protection options for your upcoming move.
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