Moving Insurance Value Calculator
Estimate the declared value of your household goods for a move, and compare the premium against basic released-value coverage.
How it works
Declared value = rooms·value per room + high-value items · Premium = declared value·rate% · Basic payout = weight·$0.60/lb
Movers offer two kinds of protection. Basic released-value coverage is usually free but pays a flat 60 cents per pound, so a 10-pound laptop is worth $6 no matter its price. Full-value protection insures the actual declared value and costs a percentage of it. Estimating your declared value from room contents plus high-value items shows both the premium and the gap you would swallow if you relied on the basic option alone.
Worked example
Four rooms at $4,000 each plus $3,000 of electronics gives a $19,000 declared value. At a 1.2% rate the full-value premium is about $228. Basic 60¢/lb cover on a 5,000 lb shipment would pay just $3,000 — a $16,000 gap if everything were lost.
Frequently asked questions
What is released-value protection?
It is the minimal, usually free coverage movers must offer: 60 cents per pound per article. It is cheap because it pays by weight, not worth — fine for heavy, low-value furniture but far short for electronics and valuables.
How do I estimate my declared value?
A common shortcut is a per-room figure for furnished rooms plus a separate line for high-value items like art, jewellery and electronics. This is an estimate for choosing coverage, not a substitute for a proper inventory.
Is full-value protection worth it?
If the coverage gap under basic protection would be painful to absorb, the premium — often around 1% of declared value — is usually worthwhile. Check the deductible and any per-item limits before deciding.
Related calculators
Educational estimate only — confirm coverage terms, limits and deductibles with your mover or insurer.