--- title: Choosing a Valuation Level: Worked Examples | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/valuation-released-vs-full-value/ 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 guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - Released value vs full value protection # Choosing a valuation level: worked examples Released value pays 60 cents per pound per article, so a 10-pound lamp would pay about 6 dollars under it, while Full Value Protection makes the mover repair or replace what it damages. Federal rules make Full Value Protection the default unless you waive it in writing, so read that line of the estimate before you sign. 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 not insurance in the usual sense. It is the level of responsibility a mover accepts for your goods while they are in its care, and it is chosen on paper before the move begins. Many customers sign the line without reading it, which is the one choice worth slowing down for. ## Two levels of liability Federal rules for interstate household goods moves offer two options. Full Value Protection is the starting point: the mover is liable for the replacement value of goods that are lost or damaged, up to the declared value of the shipment, and it settles a claim by repairing or replacing the item to its original kind and quality. Released value, also called the waiver of Full Value Protection, applies only if you waive full value in writing and limits the mover to 60 cents per pound per article. The difference shows up with heavy, low-weight or valuable items. A television, a laptop or a glass tabletop is worth far more than 60 cents per pound, so a claim under released value would pay a small fraction of the real loss. ## What to declare in writing Articles worth more than 100 dollars per pound, such as jewelry, fine art, collectibles and some electronics, are high-value items. If you fail to tell the mover about them in writing, liability for those articles can be limited to 100 dollars per pound. If you do notify the mover in writing, you are entitled to recovery up to the declared value of the articles, not to exceed the declared value of the whole shipment. See [high-value inventory](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/high-value-inventory/). ## Things that reduce a claim under either level - Packing a box yourself with too little protection, or with perishable or hazardous items the mover did not know about. - Choosing released value but shipping goods worth more than 60 cents per pound per article. - Declaring a value for the shipment that is lower than the real value of what you ship. - Failing to tell the mover in writing about articles worth more than 100 dollars per pound. ## How to choose Think through what it would cost to replace your belongings, not what they weigh. Most households own enough electronics, furniture and glassware that released value would not come close to covering a serious loss. Ask your estimator what Full Value Protection includes, whether a deductible applies (see [valuation deductible](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/valuation-deductible/)), and how the cost is shown on the estimate. O'Brien's explains its options on the [valuation coverage page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/valuation-coverage/). Your homeowner's or renter's policy may also cover goods in transit. Ask your insurer before the move, and keep the inventory and photos of valuable items together. ## Where valuation fits in a claim If something is lost or damaged, the valuation level you chose sets how much the mover owes. The steps to claim are in [how to file a moving claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/), and the inventory you sign at pickup and delivery is the record that decides most claims. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.201 and 375.203, mover liability](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375) - [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/) - [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/) - [Released value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/released-value-protection/) - [How to file a moving damage claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Your rights and responsibilities when you move (FMCSA)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/your-rights-and-responsibilities/) - [The bill of lading, explained](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/) - [How to check a mover's USDOT and MC number](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-check-a-movers-usdot-number/) - [Mover vs moving broker: how to tell](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/carrier-vs-broker/) - [How to choose a moving company](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-moving-company/) - [Questions to ask a mover before you book](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/questions-to-ask-movers/) - [How to file a moving damage claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) - [The moving inventory and high-value items form](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-inventory/) 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 free? Ask the estimator how each level is shown on your estimate. Released value requires you to waive Full Value Protection in writing and pays 60 cents per pound per article. ### Does valuation cover a move within Nevada? Moves inside Nevada follow the tariff approved by the Nevada Transportation Authority. Ask your estimator which liability rules apply to your move. ### Can I buy extra coverage from a third party? Some customers do. Ask your mover how it works with your claim and keep a copy of any policy with your moving papers. ## 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 Janet M. May 16, 2026 I was so impressed with the way the crew handled and packed each piece of furniture for short term storage. They were polite and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a move. ### Owner's reply Janet we are so glad to hear that your move was a great success and we sincerely appreciate you providing us with this wonderful review. We will continue to provide you with the best service as we move forward. J Judy H. April 7, 2026 I was so satisfied and impressed with O'Brien. My move went perfectly. If I have another move, it will be O'Brien for sure!! ### Owner's reply WE ARE THRILLED TO HEAR THE MOVE WENT SO WELL!!!! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to let us know. F Francie H. February 20, 2026 We were referred to O'Brien's Moving and Storage though a friend in Reno. We couldn't be more pleased with the Professionalism and Service. They were quick to set up Luke to come out and give us a quote and scheduled the actual move date right away. Luke was on time for our quote as were the movers on our moving day. All three of the gentlemen who moved us were professional and courteous from start to finish. From the initial phone call to the completion of our move, we felt like we were treated as family. We would definitely use them again and recommend O'Brien's Moving and Storage to our friends in the future. ### Owner's reply Francie, Thank you for this amazing review. The result you have expressed is exactly what we all strive to accomplish. I love that you walked away knowing you are now a part of the O'Brien's family, whenever you need us we are a phone call away! I will let the movers know about the kind words expressed about them, that will be very satisfying for all of them. We will look forward to any referrals you send our way, thank you for the opportunity! ## 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