Licensed & Insured Movers in Illinois: What It Really Means

When you see “licensed and insured movers” in Illinois, it’s not just marketing — it’s a legal requirement and a major consumer protection. However, not all movers meet the same standards. This guide explains what licensing and insurance actually mean, why they matter for your safety and finances, and how to verify them — based on our years of experience as a fully compliant interstate carrier operating from Illinois.

1. What Does “Licensed” Actually Mean in Illinois?

In Illinois, there are two levels of licensing for movers:

State (Intrastate) License — Required for moves within Illinois only. Issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). This covers local and intrastate moves but does NOT allow interstate transport.

Federal (Interstate) License — Required for any move that crosses state lines — even if it’s just from Illinois to Indiana or Wisconsin. Issued by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) under USDOT and MC numbers.

Illinois Movers Inc. holds a full federal interstate authority (USDOT #2628513 | MC #914433), meaning we are legally authorized to move your belongings anywhere in the United States.

2. What Does “Insured” Really Mean?

Insurance for movers is not one-size-fits-all. There are two main types:

• Released Value Protection (Basic Coverage) — Federal minimum. Pays only 60 cents per pound per article. A $1,000 TV damaged? You get $60. This is what most “cheap” movers provide.
• Full-Value Protection — Optional but highly recommended. Covers the actual replacement cost of your items. Illinois Movers Inc. includes this as standard — no extra charge for most moves.

We also carry $1 million cargo liability insurance per truckload — far exceeding the FMCSA minimum.

3. Why Licensing & Insurance Matter – Real Risks of Unlicensed Movers

The FMCSA receives over 4,000 consumer complaints annually about rogue movers. Common issues with unlicensed or under-insured movers include:

• Double-booking or disappearing on moving day
• Holding your belongings hostage for extra payment
• Minimal or fake insurance coverage
• No legal recourse if items are damaged or lost

Working with a licensed and insured carrier gives you access to FMCSA dispute resolution and real protection. Protect Your Move – FMCSA official guide.

4. How to Verify a Mover Is Truly Licensed & Insured

Don’t trust a website claim. Always check:

1. USDOT number on the mover’s website
2. Search on FMCSA SAFER system
3. Look for active interstate authority (MC number)
4. Check insurance status (minimum $750,000 for interstate)
5. Verify CMA certification (optional but a strong quality indicator)

Illinois Movers Inc. is fully compliant and transparently listed on all official databases.

5. Our Commitment as a Licensed & Insured Illinois Mover

Illinois Movers Inc. is proud to be:

• Fully licensed for interstate moves (USDOT #2628513 | MC #914433)
• Fully insured with $1 million cargo liability
• CMA Certified Trusted Mover – independently verified for transparency and quality
• Rated 4.8★ on Google from hundreds of verified reviews

We never subcontract — your belongings stay on our trucks the entire journey.

Frequently Asked Questions – Licensed & Insured Movers in Illinois