The default liability coverage on most international moves is shockingly low. Understanding your options before you sign is one of the highest-value things you can do to protect your shipment.
Without purchasing additional coverage, most movers' default liability for international shipments is minimal — often based on weight rather than value. A 5-lb laptop worth $2,000 might be covered for $3. This is not insurance; it's the legal minimum. Never ship internationally without purchasing additional coverage.
Movers are generally required to offer full-value protection, where they're liable for the repair or replacement of lost or damaged items at current market value. This sounds reasonable, but movers retain the right to repair, replace, or pay cash value, and disputes can be slow. Full-value protection offered by the mover also typically excludes items you packed yourself (PBO — Packed By Owner).
For international moves, purchasing a separate all-risk marine cargo insurance policy from a specialist insurer is almost always the best option. This provides coverage through the entire transit chain: packing, truck, port, ocean, port again, delivery. Key terms to know:
Marine cargo insurance for international household goods typically runs 0.5%–1.5% of declared value. On a $40,000 shipment, that's $200–$600. Given that a single broken antique or water-damaged piece of furniture can easily exceed that amount, it's almost always worth it.
Most cargo insurance policies require you to notify the insurer of damage within 7–14 days of delivery. Photograph all damage before moving items from where they were placed. Keep all original packing materials until your claim is resolved — insurers may want to inspect them to determine cause of damage.
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