Moving Companies Coverage Guide
Movers face WC (back injuries dominate), cargo coverage (released-value vs. full-value protection), and property damage (door frames, walls, hardwood floors). Long-haul movers also need motor truck cargo on a trip basis.
Critical Coverage
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
What it covers
Damage to customer property — walls, hardwood floors, door frames, banisters during moves.
Common misconception
Property damage during moves is one of the most common claim types. Care/custody/control riders are essential.
What it does NOT cover
Cargo (separate coverage). Employee injuries.
The gap — what happens without it
Furniture move damages stair banister — $4K repair. GL with care/custody/control pays.
What drives your premium
Revenue, vehicles, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Care/custody/control rider for customer premises.
Workers' Compensation
Covers employee injuries and illnesses on the job
What it covers
Back injuries from lifting (top loss type), foot injuries from dropped boxes, slip/fall.
Common misconception
Moving WC has high class rates due to lifting frequency.
What it does NOT cover
Owner exemption.
The gap — what happens without it
Mover suffers herniated disc — $80K medical, surgery. WC pays.
What drives your premium
Payroll, state, claims
Endorsements to ask about
All-states for interstate.
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicles used for business purposes
What it covers
Liability and physical damage on box trucks and trailers. Movers' fleets are heavy and frequently rented/leased.
Common misconception
Movers using rental trucks think the rental coverage suffices. Most rental policies have minimal liability and exclude business use.
What it does NOT cover
Cargo (need cargo coverage). Rented trucks not on policy.
The gap — what happens without it
Box truck rear-ends — $130K. Commercial auto pays.
What drives your premium
Vehicles, MVRs, radius, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Hired auto for rentals. Cargo. Trailer.
Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment)
Covers tools, equipment, and materials in transit or at job sites
What it covers
Customer goods in transit (cargo). Movers are governed by state/federal valuation rules — $0.60/lb default vs. full-value protection.
Common misconception
Customers think their goods are 'fully insured.' Default released-value protection is $0.60 per pound — a $2,000 TV weighing 50 lbs is covered for $30 unless full-value purchased.
What it does NOT cover
Items not on inventory. Mysterious disappearance. Items packed by owner (PBO) — limited liability.
The gap — what happens without it
Truck fire destroys household goods. With full-value coverage purchased, claim pays $80K. Without it, default released-value pays $4K.
What drives your premium
Cargo value, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Full-value protection. Newly acquired property.
Important Coverage
Commercial Umbrella
Extends limits above your primary policies
What it covers
Excess over auto/GL/EL.
Common misconception
Severe auto claims push past $1M.
What it does NOT cover
Punitive (some).
The gap — what happens without it
Multi-vehicle accident hits $2.4M — umbrella covers excess.
What drives your premium
Underlying, fleet, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Follow-form.
Not sure what you need?
Text us your trade and state — we'll tell you exactly what coverages apply to your business and shop the market for the best rate.