Local moving

Basis: 60 cents per pound, per article

A 40 lb television that cost $1,200 settles at 40 × $0.60 = $24. That is the whole payment, not a deductible.

Fits: Small, low-value loads, or a move where you carry the fragile things yourself.

• Required to be offered at no cost on every interstate move under federal rules.
• Liability is calculated on weight alone, so value never enters the maths.
• You must sign for it in writing. If nothing is selected, Full Value applies by default.

Basis: Minimum declared value of $6.00 per pound of shipment weight

A 4,200 lb household must be declared at a minimum of $25,200. At the sample rate that is about $454 with a $500 deductible.

Fits: Most household moves. Anything with furniture you would actually replace.

• We repair the item, replace it with a like item, or settle at current market replacement value.
• Deductible options of $0, $250 and $500 change the premium. Higher deductible, lower premium.
• Items over $100 per pound (jewellery, coin collections, fine art) must be listed on a high-value inventory form or they fall outside the cover.

Basis: Whatever your policy says about goods in transit

Many renters and homeowners policies cover belongings in transit at a reduced limit. Call your agent and ask for the goods-in-transit sub-limit before you decline Full Value.

Fits: Households already carrying a scheduled-items rider.

• This sits on top of carrier liability, it does not replace it.
• Ask whether your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value.
• Get the answer in writing before move day, not after a claim.