Insurance Coverage for Your International Move
Get a Free Moving Quote Now!
Start Your International Moving Journey
It might be your grandmother’s baby grand piano, or a painting you’ve had in your family for generations. No matter what kind of household goods you have to move, an important part of getting them overseas is beginning with the right documentation, knowing any shipping regulations, and getting the proper international moving insurance.
The right coverage gives peace of mind throughout your journey—whether by sea or air. Options vary by shipment value and protection level, and the final price is also influenced by your destination country and the specific risks associated with your move.
Why you need International Moving Insurance?
Relocating overseas subjects your possessions to long-distance travel and a variety of risks, including damage, theft, or total loss. While moving companies are highly advanced, unforeseen accidents like containers falling overboard, labor disputes leading to intentional “loss,” or mechanical failures can damage large numbers of shipments. Since shipping companies do not automatically provide comprehensive coverage for these events, international moving insurance is not just an optional extra—it is a critical safeguard. It ensures you have financial recourse and peace of mind, protecting you from bearing the full cost of replacing your belongings in a foreign country where replacement costs are often significantly higher.
The need for protection is further underscored by the realities of the shipping process itself. Several factors can lead to extra handling or potential damage, making robust insurance a wise investment.
Random Inspections
Approximately 5% of containers are subject to random manual inspections, which can also be triggered by improper paperwork, increasing the risk of handling damage.
Labor Disputes
In some ports, unionized dockworkers may intentionally “lose” containers as part of labor actions, leading to a total loss of your shipment.
Logistical Handling
The use of storage facilities and smaller vans for difficult-to-access final destinations results in additional handling cycles for your goods.
Maritime Accidents
Entire stacks of containers can be lost at sea due to severe weather, mechanical failure, or other unforeseen maritime incidents.
Higher Replacement Costs
A key advantage of insurance is reimbursement based on the replacement cost in your destination country, which is often much higher than the item’s original value in the United States.
Types of International Insurance
When researching insurance, you will generally encounter four main categories. Understanding their distinction is critical to choosing the right coverage for your needs.
Full Value Protection (FVP)
Ideal for high-value or fragile items like antiques and fine art, this policy provides the most comprehensive coverage. In the event of loss or damage, it ensures full reimbursement for the actual value or replacement cost of your items.
Declared Value Protection
A balanced option for standard household goods. You declare a total value for your entire shipment, and this serves as the maximum liability for the carrier. It is not a dollar-for-dollar payout per item but offers substantially more coverage than RVP.
Released Value Protection (RVP)
The most economical and basic option, often provided at no extra cost. Coverage is minimal, calculated based on weight (e.g., $0.60 per pound) rather than actual value. It is only suitable for low-value, non-fragile items you can afford to replace.
Third-Party Insurance
Provides an independent, customizable solution for maximum peace of mind. Purchased from a specialized insurance provider rather than the mover, it often offers more tailored coverage and can fill gaps left by standard mover-provided policies.
Each international moving company offers different types and degrees of protection, so be sure to have a thorough conversation about the available coverage and what each type provides. Be sure to discern the difference between insurance for air freights versus ocean freights respectively.
International Cargo Insurance Options
Here are some types of coverage many companies do offer (names may vary), but you also may want to contact a third-party provider to weigh your options:
Legal liability
This is your most basic insurance for many international moving companies, where your goods are automatically covered under a legal liability standard based on what the transportation industry sets.
Most of the time, the ocean carrier is responsible for approximately $500 per package (coverage for air shipments is determined by weight). While this protection is minimal, it ensures a basic level of compensation in the event of total loss, though partial losses are usually excluded.
Total loss coverage
Under Total Loss Coverage, compensation applies only if your entire shipment is lost, destroyed, or damaged beyond recovery. This policy does not cover individual items that are partially damaged. It’s a low-cost option for those shipping non-fragile, replaceable goods but is not recommended for high-value moves.
All-Risk Cargo Insurance
The safest (and most expensive) bet when it comes to shipping your goods covers any possible loss or damage during ocean transit. Usually, this includes water or fire damage, theft, partial loss, breakage, and more. Additionally, it covers non-delivery of goods and improper stowage by the shipping company. This type of insurance is recommended for all shipping household goods and automobile shipments.
What is not covered by International Moving Insurance?
Most of the standard international moving insurance policies contain these key exclusions:
Pre-Existing Damage & Poor Packing
Any damage that existed before the move or that results from improper packing (especially if you pack items yourself) is not covered.
Inherent Vice & Natural Deterioration
The policy will not cover damage caused by an item’s inherent weakness or natural aging, such as wood cracking from climate changes, leather drying out, or glass breaking under its own stress.
Confiscation & Prohibited Items
Losses from items being seized or destroyed by customs authorities, or any items that violate international trade laws, are excluded.
Pests, Neglect, and Nuclear/War Risks
Damage from insects, rodents, mold due to improper storage, or events like war and nuclear accidents are typically not covered.
Valuables & Data
Most policies exclude high-risk items like cash, jewelry, important documents, securities, and data stored on electronic devices unless specifically declared and scheduled.
How to Choose the Right Insurance?
Selecting the right insurance protection for your international relocation depends on three key factors: what you’re moving, your budget, and your specific needs. Here are the primary coverage options available:
Goods and Belongings Insurance
Moving companies typically offer different levels of liability coverage for your household items as discussed above, i.e., :
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Declared Value Protection (DVP)
- Released Value Protection (RVP)
Additionally, companies also offer All-Risk Coverage Insurance that have larger benefits. For those requiring temporary storage during their move, additional storage insurance can be arranged to protect your belongings while they’re in storage facilities. The best way to choose the right insurance is to get in touch with out expert and get a free quote based on your overseas moving type and destination.
Third-Party Insurance Policies
Independent insurance providers offer specialized coverage that often fills gaps in standard moving company policies. These separate policies:
- Cover risks that moving companies typically exclude
- Provide additional protection beyond your basic moving insurance
- Offer greater flexibility and customization options
- Typically include coverage for theft and accidental damage
Vehicle Shipping Insurance
Specifically designed for automobile transportation, this coverage protects your vehicle during international shipping. Key features include:
- Protection against damage, theft, and shipping accidents
- Coverage that exceeds the basic liability typically offered by moving companies
- Essential protection for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles
- Comprehensive coverage for repair or replacement costs
Each insurance type serves a distinct purpose in safeguarding different aspects of your international move, allowing you to customize protection based on your specific valuable items and concerns.
What Will Insurance Cost?
The cost of international moving insurance depends primarily on the type of policy you choose, the value of your goods, and the extent of coverage. As a general rule, premiums typically range from 1% to 3% of your shipment’s total value. For instance, If you have $25,000 worth of goods, you will probably want to take out a policy that covers at least that, right? In this case, you may be looking at a price of somewhere around $200 to $250.
The final price is also influenced by your destination country and the specific risks associated with your move.
Shipping regulations for Household Goods
The first thing you should know is that your shipping rules and regulations for household goods will vary depending on the country you are moving to. In most cases, you can ship your household goods duty-free provided the goods are used and were in your possession for at least six months to a year prior to your move.
Typically, electronics and new items are restricted, and you will need to pay duties and/or list these items separately.
Shipping Tips
- It is not advised to pack household shipments by yourself for international moves – especially artwork or antiques – for the following reasons:
- Your items will be traveling a long way, and you’ll want experienced professionals to pack and ship your goods to avoid any damage.
- Many countries will not accept “PBO” (Packed By Owner), which could cause a delay at customs.
- It may be difficult to obtain an insurance policy that will cover shipments that are not professionally packed. And if you can find one, it will likely be expensive.
- Before you have a surveyor come to your home to give you your moving estimate, you should have your artwork, antiques, or any other valuable items appraised – this will give you an idea of each piece’s value.
- Upon having your valuables appraised, you should then have a better idea of how to insure your items.
Ready to Protect Your Belongings?
Need an international moving company that offers top-notch insurance at affordable prices? We can help! Call International Sea & Air Shipping to schedule your in-home survey and find out more about what we have to offer!
FAQ’s
What is the best insurance for international moves?
The best coverage is typically that covers all risks and which provides comprehensive protection against damage, loss, and theft during transit. This is especially recommended for high-value items and household goods. Check with our moving experts for detailed information on this type of insurance.
Is moving insurance mandatory?
While not legally required, most reputable moving companies require some form of basic liability coverage. However, comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended to fully protect your belongings during international shipping.
How do I file an insurance claim?
Claims must be filed immediately upon delivery by documenting any damage with photos and notifying the insurance provider in writing. Most companies require submitted claims within 30-90 days of delivery with supporting documentation like repair estimates and original purchase receipts.
What documentation do I need for claims?
You’ll need the bill of lading, original inventory list, photos/video of damage, repair estimates, and copies of your insurance policy and claim form. Keep all original purchase receipts for high-value items.
What’s the typical claims timeframe?
Most insurance providers require claims to be filed within 30-90 days of delivery, with immediate notification upon discovering any damage or loss.