Finally, consider paying a pre-move visit to the moving company. George Bennett of the American Movers Conference, a trade association for moving companies, notes that if you find that the trucks and blankets they use are in horrible condition, it's not far-fetched to assume that your beloved possessions could end up in tatters also. If you are moving across state lines and using a national van line, the DOT may also be able to confirm that a van line has the appropriate license and insurance for interstate moves. To Insure or Not to Insure Most homeowner's or renter's insurance policies do not cover the moving process, so any losses you incur are almost completely uncovered since movers accept very little liability for lost or damaged goods. Generally, their liability is only 60 cents per pound not very much if they break a priceless antique vase.
Most movers offer an insurance policy for an additional charge.
If you take it, we recommend that you go for a policy offering full replacement cost. Generally, though, most people prefer to pack things themselves. Doing so allows you to create detailed inventories for each box. Movers, on the other hand, pack things where they find them. So if you leave a sweater in the kitchen on moving day, you are likely to find it with the pots and pans and not with the rest of your clothes.