Released value protection pays 60 cents a pound. Here is what that means.
6 min read · updated 2026-07-26
Released value protection is the free federal minimum and pays 60 cents per pound per article, regardless of what the item is worth. Full value protection makes the carrier liable for repair, replacement or cash settlement, and costs extra.
Almost nobody reads this part of the paperwork, and it is the single largest gap between what people assume they have and what they actually have.
What released value actually pays
Released value protection is included at no charge on every interstate household goods move. It pays 60 cents per pound, per article. The calculation uses the weight of the item, not its value.
- A 30-pound television: about $18, whatever it cost.
- A 10-pound laptop: about $6.
- A 200-pound antique dresser: about $120.
- A box of documents or jewellery weighing 2 pounds: about $1.20.
What full value protection changes
Under full value protection the carrier is liable for the replacement value of a lost or damaged item. The carrier chooses among repairing it, replacing it with a like item, or paying a cash settlement — the choice is the carrier's, not yours.
It costs extra, and the amount varies by carrier and by the declared value of your shipment. Deductibles are common and reduce the price. Federal rules require the estimate to present both options, and released value applies only if you sign a waiver of full value protection — so if nobody showed you that choice, ask which one is on your paperwork.
Items that are treated separately
Carriers may limit liability on articles of extraordinary value — typically anything worth more than $100 per pound, which covers jewellery, furs, art, collections and important documents. These usually must be listed specifically on an inventory form. If they are not listed, the higher liability may not apply to them even under full value protection.
What to actually do
- Ask which level of liability is on your paperwork, and get the answer in writing rather than verbally.
- Price full value protection before you decide. It is often a smaller number than people expect relative to the cost of the move.
- List high-value items separately, in writing, before the truck is loaded.
- Check whether your homeowner's or renter's policy covers goods in transit — some do, and it can be cheaper than buying coverage from the carrier.
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Common questions
How much does released value protection pay?
60 cents per pound per article. A 30-pound television is worth about $18 under this coverage regardless of its purchase price. It is free and included on every interstate move.
Is full value protection worth it?
It depends on what you are shipping. Released value pays by weight, so it is worst for items that are light and expensive — electronics, jewellery, art. If a meaningful share of your shipment fits that description, the gap is large.
Does my home insurance cover a move?
Some homeowner's and renter's policies cover belongings in transit and some do not. It is worth asking your insurer directly before buying coverage from the carrier, because the answer varies by policy.