---
title: Released Value Protection Meaning | O'Brien's
url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/released-value-protection/
business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage
address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814)
hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955
type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941
---

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- [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/)
- Released value protection

# What is released value protection?

Released value protection is the basic liability level in which the mover answers for loss or damage at 60 cents per pound per article. It applies only when you waive full value protection in writing, under 49 CFR 375.201(c).

or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683)

[4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/)

Released value is the lower of the two liability options printed in every interstate estimate. It costs nothing extra, which is its appeal, and it pays very little against a real loss, which is the reason to read this entry before you sign.

## How the 60 cents works

Under released value, the amount paid for a damaged or lost item is its weight times 60 cents, not its price. A 10-pound lamp that is destroyed would produce a payment based on 10 pounds, whatever it cost to buy. The rate is per article, so each item is measured on its own.

The Surface Transportation Board sets the released rates order, and 49 CFR 375.201 notes the carrier may adjust the rate annually for cost of living. The figure on your estimate is the one that applies to you.

## It must be a written choice

Full value protection is the default. A mover cannot assume you want released value, and it applies only after you waive full value in writing on the valuation statement. The estimate and the bill of lading both carry that statement, and the bill of lading records the level you picked.

Because the choice is yours, take the time to read the statement at the estimate, not on the morning of the move.

## When people choose it

Even then, ask your estimator about optional coverage above the basic level, since the tariff may offer other valuation choices at a stated charge.

- A move of low-value belongings that are easy to replace
- A household that carries separate homeowner's or renter's coverage and has checked how it responds to goods in transit
- A short shipment where the owner accepts the risk knowingly

## Released value and your own paperwork

Declare any article worth more than 100 dollars per pound in writing before the move, or recovery on it may be limited. Photograph valuable pieces, keep receipts and mark them on the inventory so the condition is on record.

O'Brien's explains both options at the estimate, using the estimate's valuation statement. For a Nevada-only move, the Nevada Transportation Authority tariff governs liability, and the estimator will tell you what that says. Call 775-359-6683 with questions.

### Sources (checked October 18, 2026)

- [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.201](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFRaf957489d1c5963/section-375.201)
- [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.203](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFRaf957489d1c5963/section-375.203)
- [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf)

### Free in-home estimate

- An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home
- A written, itemized estimate
- 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep

[How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/)

### Visit or call the office

2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431

[775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683)

| Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| --- | --- |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |

[Get my free estimate](#estimate)

### Related

- [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/)
- [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/)
- [Valuation coverage: released value vs full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/valuation-coverage/)
- [Released value vs full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/valuation-released-vs-full-value/)

Moving glossary

## Read next

- [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/)
- [Order for service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/order-for-service/)
- [High value inventory](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/high-value-inventory/)
- [Accessorial charges](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/accessorial-charges/)
- [Long carry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/long-carry/)
- [Shuttle service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/shuttle-service/)
- [Flight charge](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/flight-charge/)
- [Origin agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/origin-agent/)

Answers

## Questions people ask

Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/).

### Is released value the same as insurance?

No. It is a limit on the mover's liability, not an insurance policy, and it pays by weight, not by value.

### Can I change my choice later?

Change it before the move by updating the valuation statement. The level is recorded on the bill of lading you sign.

### Who sets the 60 cents rate?

The Surface Transportation Board's released rates order sets it, and 49 CFR 375.201(c) points movers to that order.

## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews

What customers say about O'Brien's

[Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938)

J Jennifer C.

August 3, 2023

Customer service, packers, and loaders were very responsive, professional, and did an overall great job.

C Christy R.

March 25, 2023

All of the above! Have used o'briens several times in the past and always had great timely service!

### Owner's reply

Christy thank you so much, not just for the 5 star review but also for continuing to stay a O'Brien's Customer. We appreciate your repeat business and you know we love talking with you anytime! You know where to find us when you need us!

J Jessica D.

February 14, 2023

I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!!

### Owner's reply

Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do.

## Get your free, in-home moving estimate

An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate.

Rather talk?

[Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet.

2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941

U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070
