Insurance and Protection
What coverage we carry, how mover liability actually works under federal and state law, and what you can do to protect your property before moving day.
Moving + Storage under one roof, one company, one point of contact Plus complimentary moving blankets, wardrobe boxes, and floor protection with every move.
The $10M Protection Tower
As a licensed, asset-based carrier (USDOT #2551548), Ontrack Moving® maintains a $10M Protection Tower on every move we operate. This tower protects buildings, premises, third parties, our crew, and our vehicles. To verify the licensing behind this coverage yourself, our licensed and insured movers page walks through the federal SAFER check step by step.
General Liability
Protects against third-party property damage and bodily injury during the course of a move. Required by building managers, HOAs, and Class A properties. This does not cover your personal items.
Workers' Compensation
Protects our crew members in the event of an on-the-job injury. This means you are not liable if a mover is injured on your property.
Commercial Auto
Insures our fleet of 20+ vehicles for collisions and traffic-related liability while on the road. This covers the truck itself and roadway incidents, not the contents inside the truck.
Building and Premises
Protects against damage to elevators, lobbies, hallways, common areas, and third-party structures during a move. This is liability protection for the buildings we work in, not for your belongings.
The coverage listed above protects buildings, premises, third parties, our crew, and our vehicles. It does not cover your personal belongings. Liability for your items is limited to $0.60 per pound per article unless you purchase additional protection. Details in the next section.
Your Belongings: $0.60 Per Pound Per Article
Your household goods, furniture, electronics, and personal items are covered at $0.60 per pound per article only. This is the standard basic cargo liability required by federal (FMCSA) and state law. It is calculated by weight, not by value. It is not replacement-cost coverage. It is not insurance.
If an item is damaged or lost, the maximum liability is the item's weight multiplied by $0.60. That is all. If you want replacement-value protection, you must purchase additional coverage from a third-party provider before your move.
In Transit (On the Truck)
While your items are loaded on our trucks and moving between locations, liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article. A 50-pound item has a maximum liability of $30, regardless of what it cost or what it is worth to you. Additional protection is available through independent third-party providers.
In Storage (Our Warehouse)
While your items are stored in our warehouse between pickup and delivery, liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article. The same weight-based calculation applies. Additional protection is available through independent third-party providers.
What $0.60 Per Pound Actually Looks Like
This is basic cargo liability, not insurance. It is not replacement-cost coverage. If the retail value of your belongings matters to you, purchase third-party protection before your move.
How Mover Liability Works Under Federal and State Law
Moving companies are carriers, not insurers. The liability protection available through a mover is defined by federal (FMCSA) and state transportation regulations, not by insurance law. Understanding this distinction matters.
Interstate Moves (Federal / FMCSA)
For moves crossing state lines, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires carriers to offer at minimum Released Value Protection. This limits the carrier's liability to $0.60 per pound per item. That means a 50-pound item has a maximum liability of $30 regardless of its retail value. This is not insurance. Additional protection must be purchased separately from a third-party provider.
California Intrastate (State + Federal Standards)
For moves within California, the basic liability level is $0.60 per pound per item, consistent with federal standards. This is weight-based, not value-based. A $3,000 sofa weighing 100 pounds has a maximum liability of $60 under basic coverage. Additional protection must be arranged through a third-party provider before the move. Ontrack Moving® holds California license CAL-T190721.
Arizona (Federal FMCSA Rules Apply)
For moves within Arizona, federal FMCSA rules apply. Released Value Protection limits liability to $0.60 per pound per item, the same as interstate moves. A 50-pound item has a maximum liability of $30 regardless of what it cost. This is federally mandated. Ontrack Moving & Storage LLC operates under Arizona Entity #23604982 with full intrastate authority.
The Ontrack Signature 15-Point Protocol
Our proprietary handling framework is standard on every move. These are physical safeguards designed to reduce the risk of damage during transit.
Note: These protocols reduce risk. They do not change the $0.60/lb liability limit on your belongings. If replacement-value protection matters to you, purchase third-party coverage before your move.
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Floor ShieldingRam Board and Masonite panels laid from door to truck. Hardwood, tile, marble, and polished concrete are covered before a single dolly rolls.
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Door Jam ArmorPadded corner guards secured to every door frame in the carry path. Prevents scuffs and dents from furniture passing through tight entries.
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Railing WrapsMoving blankets and stretch wrap applied to exposed banisters, handrails, and newel posts along the carry route.
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Threshold PlatesMetal or composite ramp plates bridging elevation changes at doorways. Eliminates wheel impacts on transition strips and thresholds.
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Wall GuardsPadded panels positioned at hallway pinch points, stairway turns, and elevator interiors. Protects painted surfaces and textured walls.
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Soft CratingMulti-layer blanket and foam wrap for oversized pieces like mirrors, glass tabletops, and flat-screen displays. Secured with stretch film, never tape on surfaces.
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Glass Hard SidingCardboard corner protectors and rigid side panels for framed art, beveled mirrors, and glass shelving. Prevents flex damage during transit vibration.
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Corner Block ArmorFoam or cardboard blocks fitted to exposed corners of wood furniture, stone surfaces, and cabinetry. Absorbs impact at the most vulnerable contact points.
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Thermal StagingFor cross-state and long-distance moves, climate-sensitive items (wine, electronics, wood instruments) are loaded in temperature-managed zones inside the truck.
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Vibration Damping LoadHeavy items placed on rubber mats, secured with ratchet straps at calculated intervals. Prevents shifting, rattling, and surface-to-surface contact during transit.
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Detailed Inventory TaggingEvery item tagged, labeled, and condition-checked before loading. 15+ years of hands-on accountability on every job when applicable.
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Vacuum Sealed HardwareAll disassembled hardware (bolts, screws, shelf pins, TV mounts) bagged, labeled by item, and taped directly to the parent piece. Nothing arrives in a mystery bag.
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Hazardous SweepPre-load inspection identifies items that cannot be transported: propane, batteries, aerosols, chemicals. Flagged and separated before loading begins.
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Mission Critical BriefCrew lead reviews the full scope with the client or site contact before the first item is touched. Priority pieces, fragile zones, and building restrictions are confirmed face to face.
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Final Verification WalkRoom-by-room walkthrough at destination with the crew lead. Every item checked against the inventory log. Placement confirmed. Nothing leaves the truck unaccounted for.
Why We Do Not Sell Insurance Directly
Some moving companies offer in-house "insurance" or "full value protection" packages as part of their pricing. We chose not to do this for a simple reason: conflict of interest.
If we sell you a protection product and then process your claim, we are on both sides of the transaction. The company paying the claim is the same company that caused the damage. That creates an incentive to minimize payouts.
We believe the protection you purchase should come from an independent source that has no financial relationship with the carrier handling your move. That way, if something goes wrong, you have an advocate that works for you, not for us.
Options for Additional Protection
Third-Party Moving Insurance
Independent providers such as movinginsurance.com offer coverage based on declared replacement value. Policies are issued by licensed insurers, not by the moving company.
Terms, premiums, deductibles, and exclusions vary by provider and policy. We recommend obtaining a quote at least one week before your move date.
Homeowners / Renters Policy
Some policies include coverage for personal property in transit. However, many have exclusions for professional moving services, sub-limits on certain item categories, or deductibles that reduce the practical benefit.
Contact your insurer directly and ask specifically about goods-in-transit coverage, applicable deductibles, and any exclusions.
The Ontrack Flexibility Guarantee
Life changes. Timelines shift. We built our cancellation policy to respect the reality that busy professionals deal with every day.
72+ Hours Notice
100% refund less non-recoverable third-party credit card processing fees. No questions, no pressure, no penalties.
Inside 72 Hours
One-time reschedule at no additional charge. We hold your crew assignment and shift the date. Just call during business hours.
Under 24 Hours / No Show
3-hour labor minimum applies. We cannot fill a specialized crew's schedule on that kind of notice. Our movers lose a full day of work.
All cancellation and reschedule requests must be made during business hours. Voicemails and emails sent outside of business hours are processed the next business day.
Long-distance and commercial jobs: Cancellation terms are defined in your signed proposal and may differ from the standard residential policy above.
Ontrack does not lock anyone into non-refundable deposits. That is broker behavior. We are an Asset-Based Carrier and we treat your move with professional respect.
What to Check Before Moving Day
The best time to address protection is before the truck arrives. These steps take 30 minutes and can save you significant stress if something unexpected happens.
COI on Request: Ontrack Moving® can provide a certificate of insurance (COI) upon request for your building or project. Contact our office with the requirements and we will have it prepared before your move date.
Common Questions
Your items are covered at $0.60 per pound per article only. This is basic cargo liability required by federal and state law, not replacement-cost coverage. A 50-pound item has a maximum liability of $30 regardless of its retail value. Moving companies are carriers, not insurers. If you want replacement-value protection, you must purchase it separately from a third-party provider before your move.
Released Value Protection calculates liability based on the weight of the item, not the retail value. A 20-pound television would have a maximum liability of $12. A 150-pound dresser would have a maximum liability of $90. This is a common baseline under federal transportation regulations for interstate moves.
No. Released value protection is a liability limitation defined by transportation law. It is not an insurance policy. Insurance is a separate product issued by a licensed insurer. We recommend busy professionals who want replacement-cost protection obtain a policy from a third-party provider such as movinginsurance.com or check their homeowners or renters policy for in-transit coverage.
Yes. Third-party moving insurance providers such as movinginsurance.com offer independent coverage based on declared value. Terms, premiums, deductibles, and exclusions vary by provider and policy. We recommend obtaining a quote before your move date.
Some policies include coverage for personal property in transit, but many have exclusions, deductibles, or sub-limits that may reduce the practical benefit. Contact your insurer directly and ask specifically about goods-in-transit coverage, applicable deductibles, and any exclusions for professional moving services.
Ontrack Moving® can provide a certificate of insurance (COI) upon request. Many Class A buildings, HOAs, and property managers require a COI before allowing movers on site. We generate COIs directly from our insurer, not through a third party. Contact our office with the building requirements and we will have it prepared before your move date.
Under Released Value Protection, all items are valued at $0.60 per pound regardless of actual worth. If you have high-value items such as art, electronics, antiques, or musical instruments, we recommend declaring them in advance and obtaining third-party coverage for the replacement value. Our crew applies specialized handling protocols for fragile and high-value items, but the financial protection level is determined by the valuation you select.
Confirm the valuation and protection level on your paperwork. Identify high-value items and communicate handling requirements to the crew lead. Take photos of fragile and high-value items before the move. Check with your building about COI, elevator reservation, and floor protection requirements. Review your homeowners or renters policy for in-transit coverage and deductibles. Consider third-party insurance if replacement value matters to you.
Not necessarily. We offer Remote Managed Relocations designed specifically for busy professionals who cannot be on-site.
Your crew lead conducts a walkthrough at origin, tags and condition-checks every item before loading when applicable, and keeps you informed throughout the process. At destination, you approve the final placement from wherever you are.
For busy professionals who prefer to be present, we welcome that. Either way, every item is photographed, tagged, and tracked from origin to destination. The documentation is the same whether you are standing in the room or on a conference call across the country.
Moving is not an exact science. Variables like traffic conditions, weather, stairs, elevator wait times, narrow hallways, and item complexity can all affect the timeline. That is the nature of this work.
We bill in 15-minute increments, which means you are never rounded up to the next full hour. Our crew works steadily and efficiently. We do not rush because rushing causes damage, and damage costs everyone more than an extra 30 minutes of labor.
If the job runs past the estimate, your crew lead communicates the revised timeline in real time so the invoice reflects what you were told during the move. We would rather be honest about timing than cut corners to hit a number.
What Customers Say About Our Process
How our crews handle valuable and fragile items on every move. Bay Area Reviews | Arizona Reviews
Grandfather clock arrived without a single mark
Cesar, Miguel, and Jose were early, fast, and careful with our items. We had lots of stairs at the starting location and they were up and down, no issues or complaints. They really protected our grandfather clock, which was the item I was most worried about. They protected it so securely there wasn't a scratch, smudge or dent anywhere on it. We had no missing items.
Verified on Google
Every piece shrink-wrapped and secured
James met with us prior to the move and gave us an estimate. His estimate was spot on. As for the move itself, this crew did an excellent job. Every piece of furniture was shrink wrapped or covered with moving blankets and secured to the item being moved. We have moved several times over the years, but this was the most professional and hard working crew we have ever used. Not a single item was damaged.
Verified on Google
Nothing broken, nothing lost
Francisco, Jahir and Tim made my entire move flawless! Wrapping my large screen TV, disassembling beds, pitching items in the garbage that were way too heavy for me to do on my own, and so, so many boxes, nothing broken, nothing lost... In the end, unbelievably affordable! No hidden fees, no watching the clock, all costs upfront and clear.
Verified on Google
