--- title: What Is a Valuation Deductible? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/valuation-deductible/ 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 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - Valuation deductible # What is a valuation deductible? A valuation deductible is the amount of a loss or damage claim that you bear yourself before the mover's Full Value Protection pays the rest. FMCSA says the cost of Full Value Protection may vary by mover and may be subject to various deductible levels, which are set in the mover's tariff. 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/) Valuation is the system movers use in place of ordinary insurance. Full Value Protection is the default level under 49 CFR 375.201(b), and a deductible is one of the dials a tariff may attach to it. Knowing where the dial is set tells you what a small claim will really pay. ## How Full Value Protection works Under Full Value Protection, if an article is lost, destroyed or damaged in the mover's custody, the mover repairs it, or pays for the repair, or replaces it with an article of like, kind and quality, or pays for the replacement. The shipment moves at this level unless you waive it in writing, and the initial estimate must include this level of protection. The charges for Full Value Protection must be in the mover's tariff. ## Where a deductible fits A deductible lowers what the mover pays on a claim by a set amount. Some tariffs offer several levels, and the cost of coverage can differ by level. Ask for each option in writing, with its price, before you choose. Ask also whether the deductible applies per claim, per article or per shipment. The tariff answers that, and the estimator can read you the clause. ## The other choice The alternative is to waive Full Value Protection in writing. Section 375.201(c) then limits the mover to the extent provided in the Surface Transportation Board's released rates order, which the booklet describes as no more than 60 cents per pound per article, at no charge to you. A deductible does not apply the same way there, because the amount is already minimal. Compare the two in [released value versus full value](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/valuation-released-vs-full-value/). ## Questions before you pick A high-value article that you did not list is limited under 375.203. List jewelry, antiques and similar items in writing before the move. - What deductible levels does the tariff offer, and what does each cost? - Does the deductible apply to each claim, each article or the whole shipment? - What declared value is the coverage based on? - Which items above 100 dollars per pound need to be listed in writing? - How do I file a claim, and where do I send it? ## On an O'Brien's move For an interstate move, the valuation options come from the Bekins tariff and your written estimate, which must include the liability election notice. The free in-home estimate is the right time to ask how each deductible level changes the charge. Read [valuation coverage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/valuation-coverage/) for the overview and call 775-359-6683 with any question. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.201 liability](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 limits on liability](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 - [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/) - [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bill-of-lading/) - [Linehaul](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/linehaul/) - [White glove service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/white-glove-service/) - [Binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/binding-estimate/) - [Non binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/non-binding-estimate/) - [Not to exceed estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/not-to-exceed-estimate/) - [Released value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/released-value-protection/) - [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/) 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 a valuation deductible the same as insurance? No. Valuation is the mover's liability for your goods. Separate cargo insurance, if you buy it, is evidenced by a policy the mover must issue under 375.303. ### Does waiving Full Value Protection remove the deductible? Waiving means you accept released value, which FMCSA describes as minimal protection at 60 cents per pound per article. ### Where do I find my deductible options? In the mover's tariff and the liability election on your estimate. Ask the estimator to show you. ## 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) A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! P Patrick R. September 19, 2026 The two gentlemen that helped me move today were very Helpful and professional! ## 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