What is an extraordinary-value item on an interstate move?

FMCSA describes an extraordinary-value item as one worth more than $100 per pound. Under Full Value Protection, ask about the special-item limitation in writing and specifically list such items on the shipping documents. A listing does not determine a claim payout.

Is moving valuation insurance?

Valuation sets the mover’s liability for loss or damage. It is not automatically third-party insurance, so read the exact written option and terms before treating two quotes as equivalent.

What does Released Value mean for an interstate move?

FMCSA says Released Value is offered at no additional charge but provides minimal protection: the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. Read the written selection on your documents.

Do I need to choose Released Value in writing?

FMCSA says that if you choose Released Value, you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading or contract agreeing to it. If you do not select it, FMCSA says the shipment is automatically transported under Full Value Protection.

MoveFinePrint guide

Moving Valuation Coverage on Written Estimates

Valuation is the mover’s liability option for loss or damage, not the haul price and not automatically insurance. Compare it on its own row.

Reviewed October 15, 2026 · General information, not legal advice

Short answer

Valuation is the mover's liability option for loss or damage. It is separate from the transportation price and is not automatically third-party insurance. Interstate household-goods moves use two federal names: Full Value Protection and Released Value. If two quotes use different options, their overall terms are not equivalent. Local rules vary by state.

Valuation is separate from the transportation price

Valuation describes how the mover's liability is set if goods are lost or damaged. It is not the haul price and is not automatically an insurance policy. Keep it on its own row when comparing files.

Two interstate options to recognize

For interstate household-goods moves, FMCSA names two liability options: Full Value Protection and Released Value. See FMCSA Liability & Protection. The option does not guarantee a claim outcome.

Identify extraordinary-value items before the move

Under Full Value Protection, FMCSA says movers may limit responsibility for items worth more than $100 per pound unless those items are specifically listed on the shipping documents. Ask the mover for a written explanation of the limitation and how to record these items before the move. Keep that record with the valuation election, not just a general packing list.

Fictional example, not a claim payout: an item worth $500 and weighing 2 pounds has a value of $250 per pound ($500 ÷ 2). That exceeds the $100-per-pound description. Neither this calculation nor a document listing promises a particular recovery amount. See the FMCSA explanation of extraordinary-value items.

Make the choice visible before signing

Free browser-only checklist

Can you find the valuation choice before you sign?

Check the words already on your paperwork. This tool does not upload, read, or send your documents.

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I found the exact valuation option named in writingI checked whether Full Value Protection is listedI checked whether Released Value is listedI found any signed Released Value selection, if that option is namedI noted any deductible, declared value, or special-item limitationI kept valuation separate from the transportation price

Keep the decision in its own row

For interstate moves, valuation is the mover’s liability for loss or damage. It is not insurance and is separate from the haul price. Full Value Protection and Released Value have different written terms; do not assume the same option appears in every quote.

Boundary: this checklist does not determine coverage, claim eligibility, a company’s responsibilities, or what outcome applies to a specific move.

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What to compare on the written estimate

The valuation or liability language.
The exact option named.
Any stated amount, limitation, or deductible.
Where the choice appears in the documents.

What federal rule describes the choice

49 CFR 375.201 describes the carrier's responsibility to provide full-value protection and the written conditions for released rates. Read the written election and the carrier's explanation; this guide does not decide a claim or coverage result.

Interstate and local moves

The two federal option names above apply to interstate household-goods moves. Terms and rules for local or in-state moves may differ by state. Educational information, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is an extraordinary-value item on an interstate move?: FMCSA describes an extraordinary-value item as one worth more than $100 per pound. Under Full Value Protection, ask about the special-item limitation in writing and specifically list such items on the shipping documents. A listing does not determine a claim payout.
Is moving valuation insurance?: Valuation sets the mover’s liability for loss or damage. It is not automatically third-party insurance, so read the exact written option and terms before treating two quotes as equivalent.
What does Released Value mean for an interstate move?: FMCSA says Released Value is offered at no additional charge but provides minimal protection: the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. Read the written selection on your documents.
Do I need to choose Released Value in writing?: FMCSA says that if you choose Released Value, you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading or contract agreeing to it. If you do not select it, FMCSA says the shipment is automatically transported under Full Value Protection.