If you're running a moving company in New York—or thinking about starting one—here's something you need to know right away: the insurance requirements are strict, multi-layered, and absolutely non-negotiable. New York doesn't mess around when it comes to protecting workers and customers in the moving industry. Miss even one coverage requirement, and you could face fines, lose your operating license, or find yourself personally liable for damages that could shut down your business.
The good news? Once you understand what's required, getting properly insured isn't as overwhelming as it sounds. This guide breaks down exactly what insurance your moving company needs to operate legally in New York, what the minimum coverage limits are, and why certain policies matter more than you might think.
The Three Core Insurance Requirements for New York Moving Companies
To legally operate as a licensed mover in New York State, you must carry three foundational types of insurance: workers' compensation, general liability, and cargo insurance. The New York State Department of Transportation oversees these requirements and won't issue or renew your license without proof that you're properly covered.
Here's what each one covers and why it matters:
Workers' Compensation Insurance: This is mandatory from day one. Unlike some states that only require coverage after you hit a certain number of employees, New York requires workers' comp as soon as you hire your first employee—full-time, part-time, or seasonal. Moving is physically demanding work with real injury risks, from back strains to vehicle accidents. Workers' comp covers your employees' medical expenses and lost wages if they get hurt on the job, and it protects you from being sued for those injuries. As of 2025, New York expanded coverage to include mental health conditions triggered by workplace stress or trauma, and assessment rates dropped to 7.1%, which should help lower your premiums slightly.
General Liability Insurance: This covers property damage and bodily injuries caused by your business operations. Think about what could go wrong during a move: your crew accidentally damages a customer's hardwood floors while carrying a couch, or someone trips over equipment in a building lobby and breaks an ankle. General liability steps in to cover those claims. While New York doesn't specify an exact minimum for moving companies at the state level, the NYSDOT requires you to maintain adequate liability coverage. In practice, most moving companies carry at least $1 million in coverage because that's what NYC buildings typically require on your Certificate of Insurance.
Cargo Insurance: This protects your customers' belongings while they're in your care. New York mandates a baseline cargo insurance minimum of $5,000 per vehicle for loss or damage to property being transported. However, this shouldn't be confused with the basic liability coverage included in most moving contracts, which is just $0.30 per pound per article. That basic coverage is almost worthless for valuable items—a 10-pound laptop would only be covered for $3 under that formula. Real cargo insurance provides much more comprehensive protection and gives your customers peace of mind.
Certificate of Insurance (COI): Your Ticket to Working in NYC Buildings
If you're doing moves in New York City—especially Manhattan—you'll quickly learn that having insurance isn't enough. You also need a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that meets the specific requirements of each building. Co-ops and condos take this seriously because they're protecting their common areas, elevators, lobbies, and other residents from potential damage during your move.
A typical NYC building will require a COI showing at least $1 million in general liability coverage and $500,000 in property damage coverage. But here's where it gets interesting: luxury buildings and high-end commercial spaces often require much higher limits. Some buildings ask for $5 million in coverage, and the most exclusive properties might demand up to $10 million. Your insurance carrier can usually issue building-specific COIs that list the building management company as an additional insured, which is what most buildings want to see.
The COI typically covers five key areas: general liability, workers' compensation, automotive liability, cargo insurance, and umbrella coverage. Buildings request these ahead of moving day—sometimes weeks in advance—so make sure your insurance agent can turn around COIs quickly. Missing or inadequate COI documentation can delay moves, upset customers, and cost you business.
Licensing Requirements: NYSDOT vs. USDOT
Before you can even get insurance, you need to understand which licenses you need. If your moving company only operates within New York State, you must register with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). This is the agency that regulates household goods movers and ensures you maintain proper insurance coverage.
If you're doing interstate moves—crossing state lines into New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or anywhere else—you also need to register with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and obtain a USDOT number. Interstate movers must file additional federal insurance forms, including Form E for liability insurance and Form H for cargo insurance. These forms must be filed by your insurance company in the exact name that appears on your operating authority, and your insurer must be authorized to do business in New York State.
The NYSDOT takes compliance seriously. They conduct audits, respond to customer complaints, and can suspend or revoke your license if you let your insurance lapse or operate without proper coverage. Keep your insurance current, file renewals on time, and maintain all required documentation.
What About Commercial Auto Insurance?
Any vehicle you use for business purposes—trucks, vans, even your personal vehicle if you use it for moves—needs commercial auto insurance. Personal auto policies explicitly exclude business use, so if you get in an accident while transporting a customer's furniture, your personal policy won't cover it.
Commercial auto insurance covers liability for injuries and property damage you cause to others, as well as physical damage to your own vehicles. Given the size and weight of moving trucks, accidents can be expensive. New York requires minimum liability limits for commercial vehicles, but smart moving companies carry much higher limits because a serious accident involving a loaded moving truck can easily result in six-figure claims.
Optional But Smart: Umbrella Insurance
Once you've got your core coverages in place, consider adding a commercial umbrella policy. This provides extra liability protection that kicks in when your general liability or auto liability limits are exhausted. For a relatively low premium, an umbrella policy can add $1 million to $5 million in additional coverage.
Why does this matter? Because catastrophic accidents happen. If your truck causes a multi-vehicle pileup or your crew causes a fire that damages an entire building, you could face claims that exceed your primary policy limits. An umbrella policy protects your business assets and personal assets from being wiped out by a single devastating claim. Many of those high-end NYC buildings that require $5 million or $10 million COIs are essentially requiring you to have umbrella coverage.
How to Get Started
Getting your moving company properly insured in New York starts with finding an insurance agent or broker who specializes in commercial trucking and moving companies. They'll understand the NYSDOT requirements, know how to file the necessary forms, and can help you get competitive quotes from multiple carriers.
Expect to provide detailed information about your business: how many trucks you operate, how many employees you have, your annual revenue, your service area, your safety record, and your claims history. Insurance companies use this information to assess your risk and price your policies. New businesses without a track record typically pay higher premiums initially, but your rates can improve as you build a clean claims history.
Once you have your policies in place, make sure your insurance company files the required forms with the NYSDOT and, if applicable, the FMCSA. Keep copies of all your insurance documents, including your policies, COIs, and proof of filing. You'll need to provide COIs to buildings regularly, and you may need to prove your coverage during NYSDOT audits.
Insurance might feel like just another cost of doing business, but it's actually your financial safety net. The moving industry involves heavy lifting, expensive belongings, tight spaces, and inherent risks. One accident, one damaged antique, one injured worker—any of these could cost more than years of insurance premiums. Get properly covered, maintain your licenses, keep your insurance current, and you'll be protected no matter what challenges come your way.
