DIY Moving Risks: What Your Insurance Doesn’t Cover in a DIY Move

When you calculate the price of moving — from packing supplies to closing costs — it’s tempting to look for ways to cut corners during a move. Couldn’t you save money by renting your own truck? Do you really need to hire movers? Handling your own move can seem like a good option, but it won’t always be more affordable.  

That’s because there are hidden costs in a DIY move. Gaps in personal insurance protection can leave you vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses, and you may even be liable for damages to the rental truck under certain agreements. Moving without professional help can also make the relocation process more stressful.  

If you’re contemplating a DIY move, you should first consider the true expense of moving on your own. Learn about the pros and cons of moving by yourself below, including renting a moving truck, getting help from friends and family and relying on personal insurance.

The Rental Truck: More Than Just a Vehicle

Many people have rented a truck to haul a sofa, an appliance or supplies for a special event. But moving a whole household is a different beast entirely, especially if you’re moving long-distance.

Rental trucks for residential moves are much bigger than what you’re likely accustomed to driving. There’s a big difference between maneuvering an SUV through narrow city streets and driving a 26-foot truck, and things only get trickier along the freeway. If you have a lot to move, you may even need more than one vehicle and driver to handle it all. 

Standard waivers for rental trucks may not insulate you from overhead damages that occur to the vehicle or your belongings. If the rental agency offers additional coverage, it’s likely to cost more. Plus, those policies may still leave your possessions without protection. If the rental truck would break down, you could be stranded for hours waiting for help and a large-vehicle tow, putting you and your belongings at further risk.

If disputes arise during your move, credit card companies might be able to help you recoup the cost of the rental, but they’ll be of little use when it comes to the contents of your vehicle. That means filing a claim with your personal insurance company, which often won’t cover damages incurred during transit (see more below).

Professional movers, on the other hand, shift liability for damages away from the customer. United Van Lines is fully insured and works only with experienced drivers. We offer protection plans to cover your belongings, and in the unlikely event anything is damaged or lost, our claims process is straightforward and easy.

Your Valuables: When Personal Insurance Falls Short

If you have good homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, your personal belongings may be well-protected while they are on your property. But when they’re loaded onto a moving truck or housed in a storage unit, the situation could be very different.

Moving puts your property at higher risk than when it is inside your home, especially if you’re making a DIY move. If your friend bumps that bathroom mirror and it breaks, it can mean more than just bad luck — you may have to pay out of pocket for repairs.

Personal insurance policies often limit coverage to events like theft, fire and accidents. So, if damage occurs because of improper packing, mishandling or mechanical breakdown, your insurance may not cover the replacement. Standard policies often cap reimbursement for personal property outside your home at just 10% of your total policy coverage. And filing a claim may make your insurance rates go up.

So, how can you best protect yourself against losses during a move? A licensed, interstate mover must be registered with the U.S. DOT, be fully insured and provide financial protections during a move. United Van Lines offers full-value protection for all your belongings — from clothing to appliances — for all of our full-service moves. Should anything be damaged during your move, our claims process is simple. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about your insurance rates increasing.

Learn more about United Van Lines’ full-value protection plans.

The Friends and Family Crew: Liability and Injuries

Friends and family can be a big help when you move — watching after kids or pets, helping to organize a rummage sale or picking up takeout all make the process less stressful and more fun. But when you’re relying on them to help you carry heavy loads, you may be putting people — including yourself — at risk.

It’s easy to stumble on the stairs with a box in your hands, and moving large appliances and furniture can cause strains and even long-term injuries. If an accident happens in your home, you may be liable for these damages. Before asking anyone to assist you, check your home insurance policy to see what your liability coverage is.

If you’re renting a moving truck, you’ll also want to carefully review the coverage provided by the rental company. Some may offer personal accident insurance (PAI), supplemental liability protection (SLP) and damage waivers for an additional fee. Compare these with your personal car insurance to see if the rental company’s policy duplicates your existing plan. Check with your current insurance carriers to find out if there are motor vehicle exclusions that limit coverage while you’re on the road.

When you work with a professional mover, the company — rather than you — would be liable for accidents and injuries suffered by the employees, who may also receive workers’ compensation. If you want to avoid headaches and unnecessary financial burdens during your move, consider contracting a reliable company to handle your relocation.

Comparing Full Value Protection vs. DIY Moving Insurance

With so many variables between moving on your own and hiring a professional, it helps to compare them directly. Who’s to blame if an item breaks during shipping? Are you liable for mechanical or cosmetic damages to a moving truck? Let’s take a look at the biggest differences between the full-value protection provided by United Van Lines and the liabilities of a DIY move.

*Damages are covered if they occur as a result of services rendered by United Van Lines. Learn more here.

The True Cost of DIY: Risk vs. Reward

As you can see, the perceived benefits of handling your own move may be just that — wishful thinking. Let’s take a look at some of the indirect costs of a DIY move.

Moving by yourself takes longer than professional moves. It requires more time off from work, and you may need to spend extra money on babysitting or pet care services.

Then, there’s increased personal liability for a DIY move. If there are any mishaps along the way — breakage, injury or accidents — your initial cost-saving plan to handle everything yourself may turn out to be budget-buster.

But the worst thing about a DIY move may simply be the added stress. Planning a move requires a lot of patience, along with organizational and negotiating skills that not everyone may possess. Then there’s packing, loading the truck and driving — sometimes for several days across the country — all of which takes a toll.

Having your move professionally managed can save you time, money and hassle. When you partner with United Van Lines, your move will be handled by a team of moving experts offering transparency and accountability at every stage.

Stay Safe and Protected During Your Move with America’s #1 Mover®

For nearly 100 years, United Van Lines has been the nation’s choice for residential moves. Our experienced and dedicated staff will handle your belongings as if they were their own. All our full-service moving packages are managed by a personal move coordinator and include our full-value protection plan, along with standard loading, unloading and placement of furniture and appliances.

When you have questions along the way, you can reach us by phone, email or online through the MyUnited Move Portal. Our professional moving estimates rely on a visual in-home assessment, so you’ll know you’re getting an accurate, binding quote.

See how United Van Lines can simplify your moving experience today.