Most moving companies are stuck at 7-10% margins, working harder instead of smarter. Here's what they're missing: valuation coverage isn't just protection—it's profit.
Here's the reality:
- 50% of moves have damage claims
- 1 in 3 movers don’t offer valuation
And here's the opportunity:
- Valuation increases job value by 5-15%
- Selling valuation adds 2-3% top-line revenue
- 70-90% of the valuation sale is pure profit
If you're doing 60 jobs a month and selling valuation on 35% of those jobs, here's the money math:
- 21 jobs sold with valuation
- @ $150 ea., that's $3,150 in extra revenue
- @ 80% profit, that's $2,520 in your pocket
Ready to make bank like a Mariah Carey at Christmas? Here's what you need to know.
Two types of coverage you can sell
Let's break down the two types of coverage you can offer and how to price for maximum revenue.
1. Released Value Protection (RVP)
- Free basic coverage required by law
- Covers $0.60 per pound
- Example: 30 lb. TV = $18 coverage 😬
2. Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Premium coverage option
- Covers actual item value
- Example: 30 lb. TV = full replacement cost 👍
💯 Moving owner Tim Krupp pulls in $250k a year from valuation sales. Grab his claims process cheat sheet here.
5 steps to start selling valuation coverage
If you're not all-in with valuation, the results are underwhelming.
Here's your playbook to turn it into a serious revenue stream—without adding hours to your workload.
1. Set your pricing
The difference between 7% and 20% margins isn't just selling more—it's pricing smarter. Here's how real movers structure their valuation pricing:
- Use simple tiered pricing
- Offer multiple deductible options (no deductible, $250, $500, or $1,000)
Smart movers use this extra revenue to build a claims fund. Instead of watching your cargo insurance premiums skyrocket over a broken TV, you handle small claims in-house.
Pro tip: Always list excluded high-value items (worth $100+) like jewelry and collectibles in your estimates.
2. Train your team
Your team can't sell what they don't understand. Here's how to fix that:
- Know your legal limits
- Track claims by crew
- Offer bonuses for claims-free jobs
Don’t forget to make coverage options crystal clear:
- Released value ($0.60/lb.) vs. actual cash value
- What's covered (and what's not)
- Your liability for customer-packed boxes
- Update all your sales scripts
3. Update your process
Let's talk about paper forms and lost revenue. Every time your crew can't offer coverage on-site, you're losing money. Here's what top movers do:
- Switch to digital inventory
- Add valuation options on every estimate
- Enable on-site sales in the crew app
4. Promote it
Your customers want protection—they just don't know to ask for it. Here's how you get ahead of it:
- Add a "Protection Options" page to your website
- Share real claim stories on social media
- Offer at multiple touch points (follow up calls, text reminders, upsell campaigns)
Quick win: Add this line to your quotes: "Most customers choose full coverage for total peace of mind."
Some movers even offer explainer videos to help customers understand their valuation coverage options in less than two minutes.
5. Keep it simple
Remember, moving is stressful. The more you reduce the chaos for customers, the better.
Keep the process as seamless as possible:
- Streamline paperwork
- Use digital forms
- Automate follow-up
Using moving company software like SmartMoving keeps everything organized and on track:
- Job details and documents = centralized
- Customer portal = easy to sign and pay
- Upsell opportunities = triggered automatically
The result? Simple for customers, efficient for you.
Make smart moves to boost your profit
Most movers work their tails off for barely any profit. SmartMoving changes the equation.
Our profitability platform helps you:
✅ Add valuation to quotes with one click
✅ Track coverage and claims automatically
✅ Join thousands of movers who've doubled their margins
Book a tour to see it live.👇
