Moving can be one of life’s most stressful experiences — from packing up your entire home to trusting strangers with your valuable belongings. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make during this process is choosing the right moving company. While price and availability matter, nothing is more important than ensuring you’re working with fully insured movers.
Hiring insured professionals not only protects your possessions but also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re covered if something goes wrong. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to verify that your movers are truly insured — not just claiming to be.
What Is Moving Insurance and Why It Matters
Before you can verify a mover’s insurance, it’s important to understand what moving insurance actually covers. Many people are surprised to learn that not all moving companies offer the same level of protection.
There are three primary types of coverage:
- Released Value Protection: Basic coverage (often free) but only offers minimal reimbursement (e.g., $0.60 per pound).
- Full Value Protection: Covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement for lost or damaged items.
- Third-Party Insurance: Offered by external providers for additional protection.
Without proper insurance, you may end up footing the bill for any losses or damages. That’s why it’s crucial to verify that your movers are fully insured movers, not just claiming to be.
Legal Insurance Requirements for Moving Companies
Depending on where you’re moving — within a province, across provinces, or internationally — insurance requirements will vary.
For local moves within Canada:
- Movers must carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
- Some provinces require companies to register with local transportation authorities.
For long-distance or cross-border moves:
- Movers must be licensed by federal bodies (like the FMCSA in the U.S.) and carry cargo and liability insurance.
Always ask the moving company to clarify what legal insurance they carry and whether it applies to your type of move.
How to Confirm If a Mover Is Fully Insured
So how can you confirm that your chosen movers are truly insured?
Here’s a simple checklist to verify their credentials:
- Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) – This document lists their coverage and insurer.
- Check if they have General Liability Insurance – Covers property damage or bodily injury.
- Ensure they carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Protects you from liability if a mover is injured.
- Ask about cargo coverage – This insures your items in transit.
If you’re hiring Anber Movers, rest assured you’re in safe hands. Anber Movers is a reputable company that proudly carries full insurance coverage, providing customers with reliable, worry-free service on every move. Don’t hesitate to ask us for proof — we’re happy to provide it.
Watch Out for These Red Flags
Unfortunately, not all moving companies operate ethically. Here are some common red flags that may indicate the movers are not fully insured:
- Refuse to provide a Certificate of Insurance.
- Use vague language like “we have some coverage.”
- Provide no documentation or proof of coverage.
- Offer extremely low estimates (often a sign of cutting corners).
- Have no DOT number or local license.
When hiring a mover, remember: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choosing fully insured movers is the smart way to avoid costly surprises.
Use Government and Online Tools to Verify
You don’t have to take the mover’s word for it. Here are some trusted tools to verify insurance and licensing:
- Provincial Transportation Authority Websites – Look up business licenses and registration.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Check for accreditation and complaints.
- Google Reviews & Yelp – See what past customers say.
- FMCSA Mover Lookup Tool (U.S.) – If the company handles international or cross-border moves.
- Company Website & Social Media – Check for transparency in how they describe their coverage.
If the mover is evasive or has no digital footprint, it’s a sign to dig deeper — or walk away.
What Happens If You Use Uninsured Movers?
Many homeowners only discover their movers weren’t insured when it’s too late. If your movers drop your flat-screen or damage your floors, and they’re not properly insured, guess who’s paying?
Here’s what could happen:
- You cover repair or replacement costs out-of-pocket.
- Injured movers could file a lawsuit if they weren’t covered by workers’ comp.
- No recourse for stolen or missing items.
- Homeowners insurance may not cover damages caused by uninsured contractors.
To avoid these outcomes, only trust fully insured movers — like Anber Movers, who meet all legal and ethical standards.
What to Do If Your Movers Aren’t Insured
If you’ve already booked movers and now discover they aren’t insured, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
- Cancel the contract before the move date (check terms to avoid fees).
- File a report with the BBB or your provincial consumer protection office.
- Search for reputable alternatives — like movers listed on verified platforms.
One helpful way to find reliable, fully insured movers in your area is through a trusted Google Business Profile. Look for high ratings, clear service listings, and contact info.
Contact Us – Anber Movers
Don’t leave your move to chance — partner with a team that’s experienced, professional, and fully insured. At Anber Movers, we prioritize the safety of your belongings and the trust of our customers.
Ready for a safe, professional, and insured move?
Contact Anber Movers today for a free quote:
Conclusion
Hiring movers is about more than just cost — it’s about trust, security, and professionalism. By verifying insurance, asking the right questions, and recognizing red flags, you can ensure your belongings are protected every step of the way.
When you choose a reputable company like Anber Movers, you’re getting more than muscle. You’re getting fully insured service that keeps your move stress-free and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How can I tell if a moving company is truly fully insured?
A: Ask the movers to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI). It should clearly show general liability, cargo, and workers’ compensation coverage. Reputable fully insured movers will never hesitate to share this documentation.
Q2: Does “licensed and bonded” mean a mover is insured?
A: Not necessarily. A bonded company may have a surety bond to protect against fraud, but that doesn’t guarantee they have liability or cargo insurance. Always verify if they are fully insured movers.
Q3: What happens if my items are damaged during the move?
A: If your movers are fully insured, you can file a claim and receive compensation depending on the type of coverage they carry (e.g., full value vs. released value protection).
Q4: Can I buy additional insurance for my move?
A: Yes, you can purchase third-party moving insurance to add extra protection for high-value or fragile items, especially if you’re concerned about limited coverage options.
Q5: Are fully insured movers more expensive?
A: Not always. While reputable, fully insured movers may charge a bit more, the added protection and peace of mind far outweigh the small difference in price — especially if damage or accidents occur.