Weighing protection against cost
Some people would rather not hand their belongings to someone else, regardless of the cost comparison. That's a legitimate reason to do a PPM/DITY move on its own. It's still worth reading Estimate Your Costs and Possible Surplus so you go in with real numbers either way — prioritizing protection over cost might mean a more careful (and more expensive) form of transit, all-new packaging and specialized containers, or hiring skilled packers for the hardest items.
What your insurance actually covers (and doesn't)
Don't assume your homeowner's or renter's policy covers a move — get the actual answer in writing from your insurer. Coverage varies a lot by carrier and policy, so ask specifically: does off-premises/personal-property coverage apply during a move; is transit covered, or only storage; does it cover accidental handling damage (a dropped box, a scuffed dresser) or only named perils like fire and theft; are self-packed items covered the same as professionally packed ones; what's the deductible and the per-item or total dollar cap; and are there geographic restrictions? A renter's or homeowner's policy, a rental-vehicle damage waiver, and any valuation the mover offers are different types of coverage — one can apply while another doesn't.
If you're hiring a covered interstate mover, understand valuation before you sign. Federal rules make full-value protection the coverage you receive unless you waive it in writing. The no-cost waiver option, released value, pays only 60 cents per pound per article regardless of the item's actual worth — and valuation is not the same thing as an insurance policy. Full-value protection repairs, replaces, or pays out the item's value and costs more. Ask which one applies and get the deductible and excluded-contents list in writing (FMCSA).
Separately, check with your auto insurer and credit card issuer whether coverage extends to a rental truck. Many auto policies and most credit-card rental protections exclude larger rental trucks. If neither applies, the rental company's own damage/cargo waiver may be the only real coverage on the table for that vehicle — get the actual terms before you decide to decline it.
Check it yourself
Coverage terms depend on your policy, mover, and rental contract. Rules, prices, and instructions change and differ by service, installation, and provider — open the sources below, confirm the current details for yourself, and get your move's specifics from your transportation office in writing.
Helpful Hints
- Keep an eye on the bottom line even when profit isn't the goal. A carefully executed PPM can still cost more than it pays out, especially once you factor in specialized packaging or hired help — know that going in rather than being surprised by it.
- Starting early is one of the best ways to increase the safety and security of your belongings. A rushed move gets done sloppily. Taking the time to pack well ahead of time pays off on moving day.
- Keep receipts for your moving expenses, but don't assume they all count. Only allowable operating expenses reduce the taxable part of a PPM payment, and your finance office decides which ones qualify — don't claim anything your finance office hasn't accepted. Read the primary sources yourself: IRS Publication 3 and DFAS's Army PPM page.