You wouldn't hand your house keys to a stranger without checking credentials and reliability. So, why trust a moving company without making sure they’re licensed and insured?
Too often, people assume any mover with a truck qualifies to transport their belongings. Unfortunately, not all moving companies operate legally or carry the right coverage. Choose the wrong one, and you may have to pay for lost items, damage, or even injuries.
With this guide, you can avoid bad actors and scams and find moving companies with a great reputation. It breaks down what “licensed and insured” really means, why it matters to you, and how to verify credentials before signing any paperwork. Think of it as your moving insurance before you start packing your first box.
Thomas O'Sullivan is the Senior Manager of Service Operations at Porch Moving Group, where he oversees the post-booking customer experience for HireAHelper. His expertise is the part of a move most people never see — the logistics, coordination, and accountability that turn a booking into a finished move.
Thomas has spent six years in the moving and relocation industry, starting in corporate relocation and long-distance logistics before stepping into his current role. He's supported more than 130,000 moves across local labor, full-service, commercial, and long-distance work — experience he draws on to make sure HireAHelper content reflects how moves actually go.
A truck and a website don’t make a mover legal. Licensed means the company registers with the right agencies and follows the law. That way, you know they’re operating within legal bounds and have accountability. The status of the license varies depending on whether you're moving within the same state (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate).
Moving companies operating across state lines must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This agency gives movers a United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) number. It's like a mover’s federal ID. If the company carries household goods across state lines, it should also have a Motor Carrier (MC) number.
You can verify these numbers via the FMCSA’s mover lookup tool, so if you’re planning a move that crosses state lines, you should look up your movers before you book.
For in-state moves, there's no need for federal licensing, but state-level agencies may still have license requirements. Check your state’s transportation or consumer affairs website to see what licensing rules apply where you live. California, Texas, and New York all have their own departments of transportation or consumer affairs offices that regulate movers. In these cases, movers must meet certain safety, insurance, and pricing standards.
You’ve probably seen moving companies claim they’re “insured,” but you don't always know what that covers. Insured movers carry policies that protect themselves, their workers, and (to an extent) your belongings. But the types of coverage vary. Some don’t protect you as much as you’d think.
You can verify a mover's insurance through a document that proves their insurance, such as a Certificate of Insurance (COI). It outlines exactly what’s covered.
However, just because you've looked at a mover's COI doesn’t mean you’re fully protected. Their policies might not pay for the full value of what you've lost or what’s been damaged. You might want to look into purchasing additional moving insurance, like valuation coverage or third-party protection, to get total coverage. You can learn more in our Moving Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide.
When you hire licensed and insured movers, you're taking steps to protect your home, your belongings, and your bank account. If something goes wrong during your move — and it often does — licenses and insurance can turn a big problem into a small one.
“If your movers aren't licensed and don't have insurance, there's not much you can do. Without proper insurance, there's no way to get your money back if someone steals your belongings or anything breaks during transit.”
Proper licensing ensures your movers operate legally in your area. It also holds them accountable to state or federal standards for safety, maintenance, and complaint handling.
Insurance, on the other hand, offers financial protection for you and the movers. If a mover gets hurt or your dishes break, the insurance company decides who pays.
Many apartment buildings, condos, and HOAs require a COI from your movers before they’ll allow access to service elevators or loading docks. If your movers can’t provide one, you may lose access to elevators and parking on your moving day.
Cheap, unlicensed movers may look like a deal, but in the end, they can cost you much more than you save. While moving scams don't happen as often as they used to, successful scams cost 33% more than they did two years ago. Licensed movers have fewer complaints from their customers, and when complaints do crop up, customers have a clear path to a resolution.
If your movers aren't licensed and don't have insurance, there's not much you can do. Without proper insurance, there's no way to get your money back if someone steals your belongings or anything breaks during transit. If a mover slips on icy steps or gets hurt, and there's no workers' compensation coverage, you might even have to cover medical expenses. Without a license, you can't report scammers or recover any losses.
Even if the upfront quote seems appealing, going with a sketchy company can cost you far more in the end. Licensing and insurance are your first line of defense against disasters, delays, and outright fraud.
Don’t just trust their word. Always check a mover’s license and insurance to stay safe. The good news? Checking doesn’t take long, and it could save you thousands in damages or lost items. Here’s how to do it:
A reputable company won’t hesitate to show you a COI or answer any questions about their policies (their reputation is on the line, after all!), so if a mover dodges your request or gives excuses, walk away. There are hundreds of movers available in most major metros, so there's no reason to work with a company that can't show the basics — proof of insurance and licensing.
Unlicensed movers often operate in plain sight, using websites and fake reviews. But if you know what to look for, you can pick out the scams pretty quickly. Here are some common red flags:
If you're worried about who to hire, check with HireAHelper. Our platform does the vetting for you, connecting customers with licensed and insured companies, so you can skip to comparing prices and finalizing your moving date.
Yes, but not always in the same way. All long-distance (interstate) movers must have an FMCSA license and must carry insurance for your belongings, their workers, and accidents. For local (intrastate) movers, the rules vary by state. Always check your state’s specific laws.
“Many apartment buildings, condos, and HOAs require a COI from your movers before they’ll allow access to service elevators or loading docks.”
Solo operators or small teams should still carry basic liability and cargo coverage. If they operate professionally, they’ll provide their COI upon request. Some reputable smaller movers might partner with platforms like HireAHelper, which verifies mover credentials and provides guaranteed added protection. This proves useful when hiring independent help for loading/unloading services.
But even if your movers are fully licensed and insured, their liability coverage might not fully protect you in the event of loss or damage. Supplemental moving insurance is something worth considering, especially for high-value items.
Hiring licensed and insured movers is step one. But how do you narrow down your choices to the best one for your specific needs? Whether you’re considering a full-service or labor-only move, making a thoughtful choice upfront will save you time and potential financial headaches down the line.
Always ask for a US DOT number or check your state’s database for local companies. Then, request a COI and confirm they have the coverage you need.
If you're moving inexpensive furniture and items that only have sentimental value, the mover might not need high coverage limits. If you have antiques or other expensive items, you'll want to make sure the insurance limits are high enough, or you'll want to get separate coverage. If a mover can’t provide clear documentation at this step, move on.
Check multiple online reviews, especially those that mention how the company handles damage claims or last-minute issues. Ask for references if you're unsure. Compare quotes, but don’t base your decision on price alone, especially since shockingly low ones mean you might be getting scammed. Look at what's included, like valuation coverage or equipment fees.
HireAHelper pre-screens movers, displays real-time customer reviews, and lets you hire help by the hour. It’s a solid way to ensure you're working with reliable professionals without the risk of shady operators.
Think of it like hiring someone to take care of your most personal belongings. Trust, transparency, and track record matter.
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