Moving Insurance Toronto & GTA: What’s Covered, What’s Not, and How Much It Costs (2025)
What Ontario Law Says About Moving Insurance in Toronto
Why You Need More Than Ontario’s Basic “Released Value” Insurance
Unlike most Ontario trades, the moving industry has no formal licensing or regulatory body—which means anyone with a truck can advertise as a mover. To protect yourself, it’s essential to understand your moving coverage options before letting any local Toronto movers handle your belongings. Below, we clarify the legal basics, explain coverage upgrades, and reveal the real-world costs behind movers insurance in the GTA.
Ontario’s default Released Value Protection covers items at just $1.32 per kilogram (approximately $0.60 per pound), as set out in Ontario Regulation 643/05 (Carriage of Goods). For perspective, if movers damage your 200-kg dresser worth $1,500, you’d recover only about $27. The province’s Consumer Protection Act, Conditions of Carriage, and Carriage of Goods regulations offer some added safeguards:
- Signed Bill of Lading required before movers depart—listing addresses, declared value, and the mover’s liability limit (O. Reg 643/05 s.11).
- Final invoice can’t exceed the original written estimate by more than 10% unless explicitly approved by you via a signed change order (CPA s.40).
- Damage claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days, with any necessary court action following within 90 days, or your claim expires (O. Reg 643/05 s.8).
- Movers cannot hold your belongings “hostage” to force additional payment; payment disputes must be resolved through Small Claims Court, not on your driveway (CPA, 2002, s.40 & s.100(2)).
Keep these points in mind. Next, we’ll unpack every coverage option, clearly showing their costs, exclusions, and how to confidently choose the right insurance for your move.
Moving Insurance Toronto: Coverage Options Explained
Released Value Protection (Basic Moving Insurance)
Released Value is Ontario’s legally mandated default moving coverage, offered automatically at no additional cost. However, protection is minimal: movers limit liability to $1.32 per kg ($0.60 per lb) per item, far below most items’ true replacement value.
- 💵 Typical Cost: Free (mandatory by law).
- ✅ Pro: Economical, no extra charges.
- ⚠️ Con: Won’t adequately cover valuable or easily damaged items.
- 🔑 Ideal For: Small moves, budget moves, or relocations without high-value or sensitive items.
Full Value Protection
A paid upgrade purchased directly from your mover. If your items are lost or damaged due to mover negligence, the mover must repair, replace, or reimburse at current market value—up to your declared shipment valuation. This valuation is based on your stated value per kilogram multiplied by your shipment’s total weight. For example, declaring $22/kg ($10/lb) on a 2268 kg (5000 lb) move covers your belongings up to $50,000.
- 💵 Typical Cost: Approximately 1% of declared value (e.g., $50,000 coverage ≈ $500).
- ✅ Pro: Comprehensive, hassle-free coverage for most household items.
- ⚠️ Con: Increases moving cost; exceptionally valuable items might require individual valuation.
- 🔑 Ideal For: Most household or family moves where reliable, worry-free protection is essential.
Third-Party Moving Insurance
A standalone policy obtained through a specialised insurance broker or provider. This coverage complements and expands beyond any protection offered by your moving company. Policies can be customised for your specific shipment, covering the full declared value of items and per-item special requirements. Also typically covers risks (such as theft, flood, and fire) often excluded from mover-provided policies.
- 💵 Typical Cost: Usually 1–5% of declared value (e.g., $50,000 coverage may cost up to $2,500).
- ✅ Pro: Independent adjusters; broader coverage including excluded perils.
- ⚠️ Con: Costly; requires detailed inventory documentation, itemised valuations, and pre-move photographs.
- 🔑 Ideal For: Moves involving items of extraordinary value, such as heirlooms, antiques, or artwork.
Home or Condo Insurance “In-Transit” Rider
Many existing home or condo insurance policies automatically extend coverage to items in transit for a limited period during a move—usually without additional premiums. Confirm specific details and eligibility with your home insurance provider before moving day.
- 💵 Typical Cost: Often included at no extra cost (requires prior notification to insurer).
- ✅ Pro: Conveniently included in many home insurance policies; pairs easily with basic Released Value Protection for extra peace of mind.
- ⚠️ Con: Coverage typically limited to 30–45 days; usually excludes accidental damage during handling.
- 🔑 Ideal For: Anyone with existing home or condo insurance, performing a standard residential relocation between primary residences.
What Moving Insurance in Toronto Doesn't Cover
Even the best moving insurance Toronto can buy comes with fine-print and restrictions you need to know about before purchasing your policy. The items below are almost always excluded—unless you arrange a special rider, declare them in writing, or hire a specialty carrier.
🚫 Not Covered by Moving Insurance
- Cash, coins & jewellery — Classified as items of “extraordinary value”; always carry these personally.
- Important documents & data drives — Movers aren’t liable for intrinsic value. Keep passports, wills, deeds, and digital storage devices (hard drives, USB sticks) with you.
- Live plants & pets — Considered perishable or “no-carry” items under O. Reg 643/05. These must travel with you.
- Hazardous or flammable goods (propane, paint, aerosols) — Prohibited by provincial transport laws. Movers can refuse loading and void coverage if found onboard.
- Perishables & opened bottles — Spoilage or leakage isn’t covered; transport food, wine, and cleaning products in your own vehicle.
- Mechanical/electronic malfunction without visible damage — Internal issues (like TVs not powering on) are assumed pre-existing since movers can’t inspect inside devices.
- Owner-packed boxes — Boxes you pack yourself typically aren’t insured for breakage unless the moving company professionally packs them.
- Fine art & antiques above declared value — High-value collectibles require separate declarations and typically a special rider or third-party insurance policy.
- Particle-board/IKEA-style furniture — Classified as having “inherent vice”; insurance providers assume it may not survive disassembly and reassembly.
- Consequential losses — Missed flights, hotel stays, business downtime, or other costs related to delays aren’t covered.
- Acts of God (flood, earthquake, road closures, infestation) — Natural disasters generally aren’t covered by mover-provided coverage, though certain third-party policies may offer limited protections.
Tip: Before your move, carefully review your moving company’s policy wording. Clearly declare any high-value items (typically over $100 per lb) separately to ensure they receive appropriate coverage or consider third-party moving insurance for total peace of mind.
In conclusion, understanding exactly how moving insurance works—and what’s excluded—can save you serious headaches and unexpected expenses on moving day. The key to a worry-free move is clarity: confirm coverage details early, declare valuable items upfront, and choose the protection level suited for your belongings. With the right moving insurance Toronto residents can confidently trust, you’re fully prepared to handle whatever comes your way on moving day.