Operating a moving company in Pennsylvania means more than just transporting household goods from point A to point B. Movers are regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) as motor carriers, and part of that regulation includes strict insurance and financial responsibility requirements. Whether you run a local business or you transport across state lines, meeting these insurance obligations is essential for legal operation and customer trust.
Regulatory Authority & Licensing
In Pennsylvania, moving companies that transport household goods for compensation are classified as motor carriers and must be licensed by the PUC. Household goods carriers must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience before operating legally within the state. This certificate is contingent on proving adequate insurance coverage and complying with safety and consumer protection standards.
The PUC’s motor carrier division oversees movers alongside other regulated vehicles like taxis and limousines. This designation means moving companies are subject to insurance, tariff, and safety reporting requirements that help protect both businesses and customers.
Mandatory Insurance Filings
To meet PUC requirements, moving companies must file specific insurance documentation directly with the Commission. These filings are typically done by the insurer on behalf of the carrier:
- Form E: Evidence of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance
- Form H: Uniform cargo insurance certificate
Both forms must be received by the PUC from the insurer (not the carrier), demonstrating that required liability and cargo insurance coverage is in force. Temporary proof, like a declaration page or policy binder, may be accepted during processing.
Without these filings, a mover’s authority may not be approved or may be suspended. Keeping filings current and notifying the insurer of renewals or changes is a key compliance requirement.
Liability Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania sets minimum liability limits for carriers of property and household goods in use, which include most residential moving operations.
For vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, the minimum liability insurance requirement is $300,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. For larger vehicles with a rating over 10,000 pounds, the requirement increases to $750,000 per accident. These limits ensure sufficient financial responsibility in the event of accidents causing injury or damage during transport.
Cargo Liability Insurance
In addition to liability insurance, movers must carry cargo liability insurance that protects against loss or damage to goods being transported. Pennsylvania law specifies that carriers must have a minimum of $5,000 in cargo coverage per vehicle to cover loss or damage to property in transit. This cargo coverage guarantee must be filed with the PUC and be active at all times when operating.
Cargo insurance may be waived in specific cases. For example, when transporting certain materials like rubble or when the value of a load does not exceed certain thresholds, but movers should consult regulators or counsel before assuming a waiver applies.
Federal Requirements for Interstate Movers
If your moving company operates across state lines, additional federal insurance filings with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are required. Interstate carriers must maintain minimum liability and cargo insurance according to FMCSA standards and file appropriate forms (like BMC-91 or BMC-91X for liability and BMC-34 for cargo) to maintain federal operating authority.
Additionally, moving companies engaged in interstate transport must maintain a BOC-3 designation (a process agent filing) so the company can receive legal documents in any state of operation.
Commercial Auto & Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Beyond carrier liability and cargo coverage required by the PUC, moving companies should maintain robust commercial auto insurance for all vehicles. This protects your trucks and drivers in accidents, theft, or damage unrelated to moving goods.
Pennsylvania also requires workers’ compensation insurance for companies with employees, making sure injured workers receive medical and wage benefits if they are hurt on the job.
While not part of the PUC’s insurance filing process, both coverages are central to protecting your business and meeting state employment law requirements.
Best Practices for Managing Insurance Compliance
Managing your insurance compliance effectively helps prevent regulatory action, fines, or disruptions to operations:
- Maintain Current Filings: Make sure your insurer files and updates Form E and Form H on your behalf well before expiration dates.
- Monitor Vehicle Changes: If you add or remove vehicles, update liability and cargo coverage limits accordingly.
- Track Renewals: Set reminders for policy renewals, and provide updated certificates to the PUC and any contracted clients before expiration.
- Understand Contract Requirements: Some commercial clients or properties require movers to add them as “additional insured” on your liability policies. Plan ahead to accommodate these requests.
Business Insurance for Moving Companies
From liability and cargo coverage filed with the PUC to commercial auto and workers’ compensation protections, movers must maintain a comprehensive insurance profile to operate lawfully and protect their business and customers.
There are many insurers who would love to tell you that you need far more policies than what’s actually necessary. At The Kind Insurance, that’s not what we do. We are an independent insurance agency. That means we are not tied down to any specific selection of insurers. Our agents work with you to understand your needs and budget and then find a plan that suits you the best.
Get a quote today to explore options for affordable business insurance while getting the coverage you need.