Professional moving insurance doesn’t cover everything. Certain items are routinely excluded because they’re high-risk, hard to value, require special handling, or are legally prohibited. Here are the most common exclusions:
Valuables and Irreplaceable Items
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Cash, currency, banknotes
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Jewelry, watches, gemstones
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Coins, stamps, coin or stamp collections
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Deeds, bonds, traveler’s cheques, negotiable items
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Art, antiques, historical documents, collectibles
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Furs or fur-trimmed garments
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Sports memorabilia
These items often have limited coverage or are entirely excluded due to theft risk and valuation difficulties. Transport them personally or get specialized insurance.
Perishable Goods
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Food (especially open or perishable items)
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Plants
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Refrigerated or frozen items
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Anything with a limited shelf life
Insurers exclude these due to spoilage, wilting, or temperature damage during transit.
Hazardous Materials
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Flammable liquids (paints, solvents, gas canisters)
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Explosives
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Corrosives
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Compressed gases
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Toxic substances
These require specialist transportation and are always excluded from standard policies.
Live Animals
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Pets and all live creatures
Animals aren’t considered “goods” and require dedicated humane transportation.
Illegal or Prohibited Goods
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Drugs
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Firearms, ammunition (unless specifically declared)
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Contraband or stolen property
Owner-Packed Goods (PBO/OPG)
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Boxes or items packed by you rather than professionals
Most policies offer reduced liability (often max $250) for owner-packed items unless the external box is visibly damaged.
Items with Pre-existing Damage or Inherent Vice
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Damage that existed before the move
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Items inherently prone to damage (poor construction, extreme fragility, wear and tear)
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Internal mechanical/electrical failure unless there’s clear external damage
Delicate Items Not Professionally Packed
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Glass/marble tables and tops
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Paintings, framed pictures
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Chandeliers, display cases
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Lamps (not in special cartons)
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Mattresses/box springs (not in mattress cartons)
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Plasma televisions
Wrapping in moving pads alone doesn’t count as professional packing.
Furniture Construction Exclusions
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Veneered chipboard, particleboard, composite board, pressed wood furniture
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Damage from dismantling/reassembling these items
Vehicles and Special Items
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Motorcycles (not covered)
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Motor vehicles, trailers, campers, snowmobiles, boats (limited coverage only, must be on Bill of Lading)
Other Exclusions
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Alcoholic beverages
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Wrinkled or soiled clothing, linens, drapes, rugs
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Cosmetic damage (marring, scratching) unless caused by insured peril
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Consequential loss (business interruption, loss of income, emotional distress)
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Items not declared or exceeding value limits
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Items not listed on the mover’s inventory
Always review your policy’s specific terms and declare high-value items to ensure proper coverage.