Accidents are rare on a well-run move, but it pays to know what happens if something gets broken or lost. This page explains the coverage that comes with every Condor Moving Systems move, how to buy full replacement coverage if you want more protection, and what to do if you ever need to file a claim.
Quick version: every move includes released value coverage at 60 cents per pound per article, at no extra charge. If you want your things covered for what it would cost to replace them, you can buy full replacement coverage from Baker International, an independent company that specializes in moving insurance. Condor doesn’t sell it ourselves.
What's included on every move: released value (60¢ per pound per article)
Released value is our basic liability as your mover, and it costs you nothing extra. If an item is lost or damaged while it’s in our care, the most we pay is 60 cents per pound for that item. The payout is based on the item’s weight, not what it’s worth.
It’s moving coverage (also called valuation), not insurance. Condor Moving Systems doesn’t sell insurance.
How the math works
- A 50-pound TV is damaged: 50 lb × $0.60 = $30 maximum, no matter what you paid for it.
- A 10-pound stereo component is lost: 10 lb × $0.60 = $6 maximum.
- A 150-pound dresser is scratched: 150 lb × $0.60 = up to $90 toward the repair.
That’s why released value works best for everyday furniture and boxes. For electronics, art, antiques or anything light and expensive, think about adding full replacement coverage (see below).
Texas moves vs. out-of-state moves
- Moving within Texas: the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles says you and your mover agree on the mover's liability before the move, and its own example is a 50-pound TV paid at $30. TxDMV also points out that a mover's liability limits are not the same as insurance, and that you can get additional insurance. Read the TxDMV "When You Move in Texas" brochure.
- Moving out of state: federal rules require interstate movers to explain two liability levels, Full Value Protection and Released Value, and you must sign a statement on your bill of lading or contract if you choose Released Value. See FMCSA's Liability & Protection guide.
- Either way, your coverage choice is written on your paperwork before we load the truck. Ask your Condor move consultant if anything is unclear.
Want full replacement value? Buy it through Baker International
Condor Moving Systems doesn’t sell full value replacement coverage in-house. If you want more than 60 cents per pound, you can buy household goods transit insurance from Baker International Insurance Agency, an independent company that has specialized in moving insurance since 1981. Baker describes its policies as “all-risk” replacement cost coverage, with claims settled by Baker’s own in-house claims staff. You buy the policy directly from Baker, and Baker sets the price and the terms.
How to buy it, step by step
- Book your move with Condor first. Baker asks you to get two things from your mover before you buy: our registration number and the estimated weight of your shipment. Both are on your Condor estimate, or just ask your move consultant.
- Get a quick estimate on Baker's site. Baker's quote tool starts from the total replacement value you enter. Baker notes the final price can change based on shipment weight, deductible, destination and other details.
- Pick Condor Moving Systems from Baker's mover list. If you can't find us in the list, Baker asks you to call them before you continue.
- Insure the full replacement value of everything you're moving. Baker's policy has a coinsurance clause, so if you insure for less than the real value, a claim can be paid at a reduced rate.
- Buy early. Baker says to buy as soon as your mover and move dates are confirmed, because coverage normally has to be issued before packing or loading begins.
More from Baker: what you need before buying and Baker’s coverage FAQ. Baker International is a separate company. Its prices, policy terms and claims are handled by Baker, not by Condor Moving Systems. Read your policy before you move.
Released value vs. full replacement coverage through Baker
| Feature | Released value (included) | Full replacement coverage (Baker International) |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Condor Moving Systems, as our basic liability as your mover | Baker International Insurance Agency, an independent company |
| Is it insurance? | No. It's moving coverage (valuation). | Yes. Baker sells household goods transit insurance. |
| Cost | Included at no extra charge | You pay Baker. Get a quote from Baker for your move. |
| How a payout is figured | 60¢ × the item's weight in pounds | Replacement cost, under the terms and deductible of your Baker policy |
| Example: 50-lb TV | Up to $30 | Based on what it costs to replace, per your policy |
| How to get it | Automatic on your Condor paperwork | Buy from Baker before packing or loading begins |
| Who handles a claim | Condor's claims process | Baker's claims staff |
What can limit your coverage
Whatever coverage you choose, a few things can reduce what’s paid on a claim. The federal moving guide lists these:
- Packing hazardous, perishable or dangerous items without telling your mover.
- Owner-packed boxes: if you packed the box yourself, it can be harder to prove the damage happened during the move.
- Not telling your mover in writing about items worth more than $100 per pound, such as jewelry, silverware, china, furs and antiques.
- Signing a delivery receipt that releases the mover from liability. Cross out that kind of wording before you sign.
- Waiting too long to report loss or damage.
Source: FMCSA, Liability & Protection. Baker’s FAQ also says contents packed by the owner may have limited coverage unless outside damage to the box is noted on the delivery paperwork. Some items we can’t move at all; see our non-allowables list. Not sure about an item? Ask your move consultant before moving day.
Tips to protect your belongings
- Make a simple inventory of what you're moving, room by room.
- Photograph or video valuable and fragile items before the move, showing their condition.
- List anything high-value (art, antiques, collectibles, electronics) in writing and tell your move consultant before moving day.
- Keep jewelry, cash, important papers and medications with you instead of on the truck.
- Have fragile items packed professionally. Our packing and crating service can handle as much or as little as you want.
- Check your homeowner's or renter's policy. FMCSA suggests doing this before you buy separate moving insurance. FMCSA: How do I insure my belongings?
- At delivery, check items and note any visible damage on the paperwork before the crew leaves.
- Keep damaged items and boxes until your claim is settled; they may need to be inspected.
Planning the whole move? Our week-by-week moving checklist covers coverage decisions along with everything else.
How to file a claim
- Inspect everything first. Our claim form allows one submission per customer, so unpack and check your whole shipment.
- File in writing, on time. For out-of-state moves you have 9 months from delivery. For moves within Texas, file within 90 days of delivery.
- Use our online claim form: File a Claim with Condor Moving Systems. Include photos, your bill of lading and inventory, and repair estimates or receipts.
- Bought a Baker policy? File your claim with Baker first. A third-party policy is your primary coverage, so it comes before a claim with Condor.
If you can’t agree on a claim for an interstate move, you can use the arbitration process. For moves within Texas, TxDMV offers free mediation for damage and fee disputes; see the TxDMV moving page. You can also review your rights and responsibilities as a moving customer.
Moving Coverage FAQ
Is moving coverage the same as insurance?
No. Released value is our liability as your mover, sometimes called valuation, and it pays up to 60 cents per pound per article. Insurance is a separate policy. If you want insurance for your move, you can buy it from Baker International.
What does released value coverage pay?
Up to 60 cents per pound for each lost or damaged item, based on its weight. A 50-pound TV would be paid at no more than $30. It’s included on every move at no extra charge.
Does Condor sell full value protection?
No. Condor Moving Systems doesn’t sell full value replacement coverage in-house. You can buy full replacement coverage directly from Baker International, an independent company that specializes in moving insurance.
When should I buy coverage from Baker International?
As soon as your move with us and your dates are confirmed. Baker says coverage normally has to be issued before packing or loading begins, so don’t wait until moving day.
What do I need from Condor to buy a Baker policy?
Baker asks for your mover’s registration number and the estimated weight of your shipment. Your Condor move consultant can give you both. Our numbers are USDOT 1126171, MC-458180 and TxDMV 006041428C.
How long do I have to file a damage claim?
For interstate moves, 9 months from delivery. For moves within Texas, 90 days from delivery. Use our online claim form, and if you bought a Baker policy, file with Baker first.
Questions about coverage for your move?
Get a free written estimate and we’ll walk you through your coverage before moving day. Prefer to talk? Call 877-460-6683.
Sources: FMCSA Liability & Protection · TxDMV “When You Move in Texas” (Jan. 2025) · Baker International FAQ. Last reviewed October 2026.