Your piano is valuable—not just in dollars, but often in sentiment. When you hire movers, you assume they’ll protect it. But what happens if something goes wrong? The answer depends entirely on the type of insurance your mover carries.
Not all moving insurance is the same. Some policies offer minimal coverage that wouldn’t even cover a cracked soundboard. Others provide full protection, but may cost extra. Understanding the differences is essential to protecting your investment.
Ottawa Movers offers a Damage‑Free Guarantee backed by $1.5 million in insurance. It’s comprehensive coverage included as part of our standard service—no hidden fees, no surprises. With a zero‑claim record on pianos, we’ve earned the trust of thousands of Ottawa residents.
Understanding piano moving insurance is essential to protecting your investment.
This article is part of our piano mover etiquette series .
Types of Moving Insurance – What’s the Difference?
When you hire a moving company, you’ll typically encounter two levels of insurance coverage.
Released Value Protection
- What it is: Basic coverage included at no extra cost.
- What it covers: The mover is liable for a minimal amount—usually $0.60 per pound per item.
- Example: For a 600‑lb upright piano, you’d receive just $360 if it’s damaged or lost. That’s far less than the cost of repairing a cracked soundboard or broken strings.
- Limitation: This is not real protection for a valuable piano.
Full Value Protection
- What it is: Comprehensive coverage, often offered at an additional cost.
- What it covers: The mover is responsible for the full replacement value of any item damaged or lost during the move. They will repair the item, replace it with a similar one, or pay the current market value.
- Benefit: This is the level of protection you want for a piano.
Insurance for piano movers Ottawa comes in two main types – know which one you’re getting.
What Full Value Protection Covers
When you choose Full Value Protection (or a mover that includes it), you’re protected against a range of potential mishaps:
- Damage during loading and unloading – scratches, dents, broken legs, cracked soundboards.
- Damage during transport – from shifting or vibration.
- Loss or theft – though rare, coverage applies.
- Repair or replacement – the mover pays to fix or replace the item to its pre‑move condition.
At Ottawa Movers, our Damage‑Free Guarantee functions like Full Value Protection. We guarantee no damage to your piano or property. If something does happen, we cover repair or replacement up to $1.5 million—no extra charge.
What Is Not Covered
Even the best insurance has exclusions. Understanding these helps you prepare and avoid surprises.
Typical exclusions:
- Pre‑existing damage – The mover is not responsible for damage that existed before the move.
- Acts of nature – Floods, earthquakes, and other “acts of God” are usually excluded.
- Improper packing – If you pack the piano yourself, the mover may not be liable for damage caused by inadequate packing.
- Valuable items not declared – Some policies require you to declare high‑value items separately.
How to minimize these risks: Choose a mover that handles all packing and uses professional materials. Ottawa Movers does all the wrapping and padding, so there’s no question about who is responsible.
Piano moving damage coverage Ottawa excludes certain scenarios – know them.
How Ottawa Movers’ Damage‑Free Guarantee Works
Our guarantee is simple and transparent:
- Before the move: We document the piano’s condition with photos and notes.
- During the move: Our CAM‑trained crews use specialized equipment and proven techniques to prevent damage.
- After the move: You inspect the piano with us. If you find any damage that occurred during the move, we cover repair or replacement up to $1.5 million.
Our record: With over 23,000 successful moves, we’ve never had a claim on a piano. That’s the result of 48+ years of experience, the right equipment, and a culture that puts safety first.
Protect Your Piano – Choose Ottawa Movers
When you hire a mover, you’re trusting them with something irreplaceable. Don’t leave that trust to chance. Choose a company that offers real protection, transparent terms, and a proven record of care.
With Ottawa Movers, you get a Damage‑Free Guarantee, $1.5 million in insurance, and the peace of mind that comes from decades of experience. We’ve moved thousands of pianos safely—and we’re ready to move yours.
Get your free, no‑obligation in‑home assessment today. We’ll assess your piano, explain your coverage, and provide a transparent quote.
[Get Your Free Piano Moving Quote]
FAQs About Piano Moving Insurance
Is basic moving insurance enough for a grand piano?
No. Basic Released Value Protection pays pennies per pound. For a grand piano worth $10,000 or more, you need Full Value Protection or a comparable guarantee.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover a piano move?
Often not. Many home insurance policies exclude damage that occurs during a move. Check your policy or ask your mover for coverage.
How much does Full Value Protection cost?
It varies by mover. Some charge a percentage of the piano’s value; others include it in the base price. Ottawa Movers includes our Damage‑Free Guarantee at no extra cost.
What if the piano is damaged after delivery?
Document the damage immediately with photos and contact the mover. Ottawa Movers stands behind our guarantee and will resolve any issues promptly.
