Our experience, training and stringent standards are designed to prevent damage in the first place — expert packers, specialized packing techniques, inventory tracking and specially equipped moving vans. Occasionally, no matter how hard we try, an item may be damaged. That's why Allied offers valuation options that let us settle a claim quickly and keep your move on track.
Valuation is not insurance — and why that matters
Moving companies don't sell insurance. Instead, federal and state rules require movers to offer valuation: the level of liability the mover accepts for your goods. You choose the level before your move, and it determines how a claim is settled. Your homeowner's or renter's policy may or may not cover goods in transit — check with your insurance agent.
Option 1: Basic Liability Protection
Basic Liability Protection (also called released value) is included with your move at no additional charge, but you must select it in writing. Coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound per article. That means a 10-pound lamp is covered for $6.00 regardless of what it cost, and a heavy television is covered by its weight, not its value. It's the minimum the law requires and it's rarely enough for a full household.
Option 2: Allied Extra Care Protection (ECP)
ECP is a full replacement value plan. You declare a value for your entire shipment, and if an item is lost, damaged or destroyed while in our care, Allied will repair it, replace it with a like-kind item, or pay to do so — whichever is less — up to the declared value. Deductible options are available to adjust the cost of coverage.
Pairs and sets
ECP extends to matched sets and pairs, such as lamps, candlesticks or end tables. If a damaged item can't be repaired to its original condition, replacement compensation is provided for like kind and quality.*
*Complete replacement of multi-item sets of china, gold and silver flatware, and crystal glassware is excluded from pairs-and-sets protection under the ECP plan.
High-value items
Items valued at $100 per pound or more — jewelry, fine art, collections, certain electronics — must be listed on a High Value Inventory Form and presented to your Personal Relocation Consultant or driver before packing. This ensures your shipment carries the correct level of protection.
Understanding the difference
| Scenario | Basic Liability | Extra Care Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-screen TV damaged beyond repair | Weight × $0.60/lb | Repair or replacement at full value |
| One lamp from a matched pair broken | Weight × $0.60/lb for that lamp | Like-kind replacement for the pair* |
| Cost to you | Included | Based on declared value and deductible |
| Best for | Minimal shipments of low-value goods | Nearly every household move |
Still unsure what's right for you?
Just ask. We'll work with you to understand your coverage needs, estimate your household's total valuation, and answer any other questions. The bottom line: we want you to be satisfied when we drive away, and confident that if something goes wrong, it will be made right.
