Moving your household across borders means your belongings face real risks—ship damage, customs delays, theft, and weather exposure during weeks or months in transit. Understanding what international moving insurance actually covers (and what it doesn't) is the difference between recovering your losses and absorbing them yourself. We'll break down the coverage types, cost expectations, and what to verify before your items leave the dock.
Two Main Insurance Types for International Moves
International moving companies typically offer two distinct coverage models: released value and full value protection.
Released value is the bare-bones option. Your mover's liability caps at roughly $0.50 per pound, per item—so a 50-pound box of electronics might be worth $500 but only recovers $25. This is often included "free" in a quote because the liability floor is so low. It's genuinely only viable if you're shipping items you don't mind losing.
Full value protection (sometimes called "full replacement value") means the mover is liable for the replacement cost of damaged or lost items at current market prices. You'll pay extra for this—typically 1–3% of your total move cost, so $200–$600 on a $20,000 shipment. This is what most people should carry for an international relocation.
What Actually Gets Covered
A standard full value insurance policy from your international mover covers physical damage during transit: water damage from container leaks, impact damage from rough handling, breakage of furniture or appliances, and loss of items (if a box goes missing between pickup and delivery).
What typically does not get covered:
- Wear and tear or pre-existing damage
- Items explicitly listed as "high value" (jewelry, artwork, antiques, collectibles)—these require separate riders or scheduled coverage
- Consequential losses (if your damaged refrigerator spoils food, the food loss isn't covered)
- Customs confiscation or government seizure
- Transit delays or temporary storage costs
- Mechanical or electrical failure after delivery
High-Value Items Require Extra Steps
If you're shipping items worth more than $500–$1,000 each—fine art, watches, family heirlooms—standard full value won't fully protect you. You need a scheduled rider or fine art endorsement, which adds detailed descriptions, appraisals, and photos to your policy.
Get appraisals before your move. An international mover will ask for them anyway when you claim. Budget $100–$300 per appraisal; it's worth it for items you'd struggle to replace at fair value in a claims dispute.
Comparing Coverage When Getting Quotes
When you request moving quotes, ask each company directly: "What's included in your standard liability, and what does full value protection cost?" Answers vary. Some movers use third-party insurers; others self-insure. Some bundle coverage into the move cost; others charge separately.
Look for these specifics in writing:
- Maximum liability per item and in total
- Deductible amount (often $250–$500)
- Whether coverage applies door-to-door or only during ocean transit
- Timeline for filing a claim (usually 9–12 months from delivery)
- Whether they require photos or inventories before packing
Customs Damage Isn't Always Your Mover's Problem
International moves cross customs inspections, and inspectors sometimes open and repack boxes. If your items arrive damaged from a customs inspection, your mover typically isn't liable—customs damage falls on the shipper or receiver depending on Incoterms. Verify this with your mover and ask if they can wrap items in customs-approved packaging to reduce inspection damage risk.
Actual Cost Ranges
A full value protection rider on a standard international household move (20–50 cubic meters, ~$15,000–$30,000 base cost) usually runs $250–$800. Door-to-door coverage with fine art riders for high-value items can push toward $1,500. Compare this against what you'd lose if a container floods mid-ocean—the math usually favors coverage.
Get Multiple Quotes with Coverage Details
When comparing international movers and storage providers, request detailed insurance breakdowns alongside pricing. Mercoly lets you find and compare trusted international moving companies side-by-side, so you can evaluate both cost and coverage in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my homeowner's insurance cover items in transit internationally? No—most home policies exclude items in transit or in commercial storage. You need mover-provided or standalone international transit insurance.
Q: What happens if my mover goes bankrupt before I file a claim? This is rare but possible; check if the mover carries bonding or if their insurer is underwritten by a licensed carrier. Ask about this before signing.
Q: Can I buy extra insurance beyond what my mover offers? Yes—some specialty insurers sell standalone international moving policies, though they're pricier and rarely necessary if your mover offers full value protection.
Get quotes from trusted providers today to compare coverage options and costs for your specific move.