Hiring a packing company to handle your move is a smart way to reduce stress, but you need to know exactly who you're trusting with your belongings. Insurance and proper licensing aren't optional—they're your financial protection if something breaks, gets lost, or damaged during the packing process.
Why Insurance and Credentials Matter
A packing company's insurance and credentials prove they're legitimate, trained, and accountable. Without them, you have zero recourse if your grandmother's china cabinet arrives in pieces or your electronics vanish. The difference between an insured, credentialed mover and an uninsured operator could cost you thousands in uncompensated losses.
Check for Department of Transportation (DOT) Registration
Any packing company operating across state lines must have a DOT number. You can verify this instantly on the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) website. Search by company name or DOT number to confirm:
- Active registration status
- Safety inspection history
- Any complaints filed against them
- Average complaint rating
Local, in-state moves sometimes fall under state regulations instead, so ask your packing company upfront which licensing body oversees them. If they can't provide a clear answer or refuse to let you verify their number, walk away.
Understand the Two Types of Moving Insurance
Most household goods movers offer two insurance tiers. Knowing the difference prevents nasty surprises when you file a claim.
Released Value Protection is the bare minimum and typically comes "free" with your move. It covers only 60 cents per pound of damaged items—meaning if a 100-pound leather sofa is destroyed, your payout is just $60. This is almost useless for valuable belongings.
Full Value Protection (also called declared value coverage) is what you actually want. It costs extra—usually 1–2% of your total move cost—but covers replacement value if items are lost or damaged. For a $5,000 move, expect to pay $50–$100 for full value protection. Verify what's excluded (often jewelry, cash, art) and get the coverage limit in writing.
Request Proof of Liability Insurance
Ask the packing company for a Certificate of Insurance showing general liability coverage. This protects you if a crew member is injured on your property or damages your home during packing. The certificate should list your name as the "certificate holder" and show coverage limits of at least $300,000–$500,000.
Don't accept verbal assurances. Request the actual certificate, and verify the policy is active by checking the issue and expiration dates. If they hesitate or can't provide it within 24 hours, they likely don't have it.
Verify Worker's Compensation Coverage
If a mover gets injured at your home and the company lacks worker's comp, you could face a lawsuit. Ask to see proof of active worker's compensation insurance for all crew members who'll be packing your home. This varies by state, but most states require it for companies with employees.
Solo operators (one-person packing services) may be exempt in some states. If you're hiring an independent contractor, ask if they carry their own liability insurance.
Check Background and Training
Credentials go beyond paperwork. Look for:
- ProMover certification through the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA)—indicates formal training and ethics compliance
- Local moving company licensing (varies by municipality)
- BBB accreditation and ratings
- Google and Yelp reviews mentioning professionalism and care with fragile items
A company with ProMover certification has passed background checks and committed to industry standards. This matters when someone's in your home for hours handling valuables.
Get Everything in Writing
Before you hire, request a detailed written estimate that specifies:
- Which insurance option you've selected (released value or full value)
- Coverage limits and exclusions
- The insurer's name and policy number
- Liability coverage details
- Any add-on costs
Never accept a verbal quote. Verbal promises about insurance or coverage limits aren't enforceable if a claim arises.
Use a Trusted Comparison Platform
Instead of cold-calling dozens of packing companies and verifying each one individually, you can use platforms like Mercoly to compare and find trusted packing services providers—complete with verified credentials and customer reviews—all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if a packing company claims they're "fully insured" but won't show me the certificate? That's a red flag—they're either lying or uninsured. Legitimate companies provide certificates immediately; asking to see proof is completely standard.
Q: Can I buy additional insurance beyond what the packing company offers? Yes, you can purchase a separate moving insurance policy through a third-party insurer, which sometimes covers gaps or higher-value items the mover's policy excludes.
Q: How do I know if a company's insurance actually covers fragile items like art or antiques? Always read the policy exclusions in writing and specifically ask whether high-value or specialty items are covered; many standard policies exclude them without a special rider.
Start vetting today—contact at least three insured, licensed packing companies and compare their credentials side-by-side before hiring.