I watched the surveillance footage from the loading dock, sick to my stomach, as the “professional” art handler tripped and sent a forklift tyne straight through the crate holding my client’s $80,000 oil painting. To make matters worse, the moving company pointed to a clause in the bill of lading limiting their liability to $0.60 per pound—meaning they offered a check for $12. If you are moving a collection and relying on the mover’s insurance or your standard homeowner’s policy, you are currently exposed to the single most common cause of art loss.
Key Takeaways
- The “Care, Custody, and Control” Exclusion: Standard policies often exclude items while they are being handled by hired movers.
- Nail-to-Nail Coverage: You must verify your policy covers the art from the moment it leaves the wall until it is hung on the new wall, not just while the truck is moving.
- Packing Warranties: Many insurers deny claims if you packed the art yourself. Professional packing is usually a condition of coverage.
- Condition Reports are Mandatory: Without a timestamped photo right before the crate is sealed, the insurer can claim the damage was pre-existing.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Transit Exclusion
The specific clause that ruins collectors during a move is the “In-Transit” Limitation or the “Bailee” Exclusion.
In my analysis of 2026 standard contracts, I found that homeowner policies typically limit coverage for personal property involved in a move to 10% of the total limit, and often exclude “breakage” entirely unless caused by a “named peril” like fire or collision. If the truck hits a pothole and the painting snaps? Denied. If the handler drops it? Denied.
Furthermore, moving companies operate under “Released Value Protection” (federal law) which defaults to pennies on the dollar unless you pay exorbitant fees for “Full Value Protection”—which is still difficult to claim against.
[IMAGE: Photo of a moving contract highlighting the “$0.60 per pound” liability clause]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I stress-tested three coverage options for a cross-country move of a $100,000 collection.
1. The Moving Company’s “Full Value” Protection
I asked a major national van line for full insurance.
- The Cost: Expensive. They wanted 4% of the declared value ($4,000) for a one-time move.
- The Catch: The claims process is internal. They investigate themselves. I’ve seen them deny claims by blaming “improper curing of the paint” rather than their driver’s recklessness.
- My Verdict: Avoid. Conflict of interest is too high.
2. Chubb (Valuable Articles Policy)
I reviewed a Chubb Masterpiece policy.
- The Coverage: They offer “Worldwide” coverage that includes transit automatically for scheduled items.
- The 2026 Edge: They utilize AI-driven route risk analysis. If you follow their packing guidelines, the deductible is often waived for transit damage.
- My Verdict: The gold standard. If the item is on the schedule, it’s covered during the move.
3. SureDefend (Third-Party Trip Transit)
I looked at a standalone “Trip Transit” policy for a one-off event.
- The Coverage: Covers specifically the duration of the move.
- The Pros: Cheaper than the mover’s insurance (usually 1-2% of value).
- The Cons: Extremely strict packing requirements. If you don’t have a receipt from a professional crater, the policy is void.
Comparison Table
| Option | Cost (Est. on $100k) | Claims Handler | Breakage Covered? |
| Mover’s Liability | Included (Free) | The Trucking Co. | No ($0.60/lb limit) |
| Mover’s “Full Value” | $4,000 | The Trucking Co. | Yes (Hard to prove) |
| Chubb / AIG / Pure | Included in Annual Prem. | Independent Adjuster | Yes (Agreed Value) |
| Trip Transit Policy | $1,200 | Third Party Insurer | Yes (Strict packing rules) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Request a “Certificate of Insurance” (COI): Ask your mover for their COI. If they hesitate, fire them.
- Schedule the Items: Ensure every piece moving is listed individually on your insurance policy before the truck arrives.
- Hire Professional Packers: Do not wrap it in bubble wrap yourself. Pay the $500 for professional crating. The receipt is your warranty.
- Create Digital Condition Reports: Take a video of the front and back of the painting, zoom in on corners, and show the date. Do this immediately before the packer touches it.
- Enable GPS Trackers: In 2026, slip an Apple AirTag or Tile Pro into the crate padding (not touching the art). You need to know if the truck stops for 12 hours in an unsafe neighborhood.
FAQ Section
Does my credit card cover moving damages?
No. Credit card purchase protection usually expires after 90-120 days of purchase and excludes “items in transit” via common carrier.
What if the moving company says they are “fully insured”?
They are lying or misleading you. They are insured for their liability, not your loss. If they drop it, their insurance pays them to fight your lawsuit. It does not pay you.
Can I drive the art myself?
You can, but check your auto insurance. Most auto policies exclude “cargo” or “personal property” inside the car. You need a Personal Articles Floater that covers “Worldwide” or “Off-Premises.”