Introduction
For most moving company owners, insurance feels like a box to check, not a strategy to master. Yet in today’s market, insurance is one of the most critical parts of protecting profit, lowering risk, and securing your future growth. One bad claim, one cyberattack, or one lapse in coverage can cost hundreds of thousands—or even shut a company down completely.
That’s why this Movified Podcast episode is a must-listen. Hosts Mark Hirschi (owner of Salmon’s Moving & Storage) and Steven Reed sit down with Ryan Woods of The Horton Group, a leading expert in insurance for movers. Together, they unpack what owners need to know about claims, cyber liability, brokers, captive insurance, and why the right policies can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.
If you’re a moving company owner, franchisee, or industry professional ready to reduce headaches, avoid hidden costs, and even discover cash-back opportunities in your policies, this guide is for you.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Cyber liability insurance is no longer optional—hackers are targeting movers because of the sensitive customer data they hold.
- Never let your insurance lapse—even a short gap can send premiums skyrocketing for years.
- Captive insurance can pay you back if your company has a strong safety record.
- Your broker should be your advocate, not just a friend with a license—choose partners who tell your company’s story to underwriters.
Table of Contents
The State of Insurance for Movers in 2025
The moving industry has always been risky, but 2025 is one of the toughest markets in decades. Auto liability rates are climbing, umbrella coverage is more expensive, and jury verdicts for catastrophic claims are skyrocketing.
Ryan Woods explained it clearly: “If moving companies aren’t diversifying their services and innovating, they’re going to learn a painful lesson from competitors who do.”
This means movers must go beyond household goods. Adding services like warehousing, logistics, and commercial projects not only generates new revenue—it makes your insurance portfolio stronger.
Why Cyber Liability Coverage Matters More Than Ever
Cyber liability was once an afterthought. Today, it’s one of the most urgent policies movers must carry.
Why? Because movers hold sensitive customer data: credit card numbers, addresses, payment records, and signed contracts. That makes the industry a prime target for hackers.
Ryan shared a real case: a moving company woke up to find all employees locked out of their systems. A hacker demanded $150,000 ransom or threatened to leak their entire customer database. Without cyber insurance, the company would have been forced to either pay or close their doors.
Key Insight: Insurance companies now require multi-factor authentication (MFA) just to qualify for cyber coverage. If your systems aren’t secured, you won’t even get a quote.
Quick Action Steps for Movers:
- Require MFA for all staff logins
- Regularly audit IT systems and passwords
- Add cyber liability coverage to your policy checklist
Working with Brokers: Transaction vs. Partnership
One of Ryan’s biggest points is that too many owners treat insurance as a transactional event—something to think about once a year at renewal.
The truth? Insurance should be a partnership. The best brokers don’t just sell policies; they act as advisors, advocates, and storytellers for your company.
Signs of a Great Broker:
- Conducts quarterly claims reviews (not just annual check-ins)
- Writes cover letters for underwriters that highlight your company’s safety record, growth plans, and culture
- Proactively reviews your payroll, fleet list, and coverage to catch errors
- Educates your sales reps on valuation vs. insurance language to avoid lawsuits
- Assigns a dedicated claims team that works for you, not the carrier
Ryan emphasized that brokers should be selling your company to underwriters. “Owners rarely realize this,” he explained, “but underwriters need to see your story—not just numbers.”
Captive Insurance Explained: Turning Safety into Cash-Back
One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion was about captive insurance.
What Is Captive Insurance?
A group captive is when businesses pool together to create their own insurance program. Members share risk, but they also share the rewards. If your company runs safely and avoids major claims, you can literally get money back.
Pros:
- Potential for cash-back and long-term savings
- More freedom over who drives for you
- Access to exclusive claims management resources
Cons:
- Strict entry requirements (3–5 years of safe operations)
- Risk sharing—bad performers in the group can impact payouts
- Upfront costs may be higher than traditional policies
Best Fit: Movers with 10+ trucks, strong safety programs, and clean loss history.
Ryan recommends asking your broker for a 5-year lookback. This compares what you paid in a traditional program versus what you would have paid in a captive. If the numbers line up, joining can be a no-brainer.
Case Study: The Cost of Lapses and Poor Coverage
Steven Reed shared his own painful lesson. Years ago, his moving company had a lapse in coverage and was pushed into the assigned risk pool. His only option? Outrageously high premiums from companies like Progressive.
The takeaway? Never let your coverage lapse. Even if the bill seems impossible, pay it. A lapse will haunt your record for years and make every renewal more expensive.
Ryan added that brokers can often negotiate mid-term adjustments—updating payroll, revising fleet lists, or switching reporting methods. But they can only help if you’re transparent and proactive.
Why Movers Trust Movified
Movified isn’t just another podcast—it’s the hub for moving and storage professionals \who want to learn from the best in the business.
With hosts like Mark Hirschi, who leads one of Canada’s oldest moving companies, and Steven Reed, an operator with years of experience at Big League Movers and ReadyRolls, Movified brings insider stories and strategies you won’t hear anywhere else.
Our guests, like Ryan Woods of The Horton Group, are carefully chosen because they’ve walked the walk and know how to help movers succeed.
Related Episodes You’ll Love:
- How to Hire Movers Who Actually Show Up – Winston Davis on Smart Recruiting
- Scaling a Moving Company with Social Media – Stephen Maddox of Clutch Moving
- Building a Moving Franchise the Right Way – TM of Let’s Get Moving
Conclusion
Insurance for movers isn’t just about checking a compliance box—it’s about building a strategy that protects profits, prevents disaster, and even creates financial upside.
From cyber threats to captive coverage, the insights Ryan Woods shared show that the right broker can make all the difference. As he put it: “It’s our duty to make sure you can focus on running your moving company while we handle the complex insurance.”
Meet The Host
Mark Hirschi is the founder and host of Movified. With over a decade in the moving and storage industry, Mark combines real-world leadership experience with a passion for mentorship and elevating industry standards.
