I just filed a claim with my insurance company for damage to my vehicle during my PCS move. It does not provide full insurance coverage nor is it a substitute for private insurance. Congress instead determined to lessen the hardships of military life by providing compensation for personal property losses attributable to special circumstances surrounding military service or employment. Insurance coverage is contractual. On the other hand, you don't pay premiums for coverage under the Personnel Claims Act.
Coverage is automatic for losses incurred incident to military service.
In addition, with a household goods shipment, private insurance will generally cover your property only if it has been lost or is damaged by fire or flood. However, coverage is limited to the substantiated value of an item at the time of its loss, damage, or destruction . For a car damaged in shipment, we first determine the amount of your repair costs, usually by looking at an estimate of repair. In this example, the amount we would pay you is the same as your deductible. Adjudication of an insured household goods shipment works the same way.