High-Value Inventory (HVI)

Common HVI items: jewelry, artwork, silver flatware, rare books, antiques, coin collections, sculptures, manuscripts, electronics ($1,000+), musical instruments, oriental rugs, wine collections. The HVI list is created at origin during the inspection. Each item is identified, valued, and documented. Customers must declare these items — failure to declare means the standard liability tier applies to the loss.

HVI is the single most-overlooked piece of paperwork on high-end moves. Customers assume Full Value Protection covers everything fully; in reality, items not on the HVI list are valued at the standard tier (typically $6-$8/lb on corporate-relo, $4-$5/lb on retail). A $50,000 art piece weighing 2 lbs would receive $10-$16 under FVP without HVI listing; the same piece on HVI receives full replacement value.

Muscleman Elite walks customers through the HVI list at the origin inspection on every high-value move. We help identify items that should be declared, document them with photo + appraisal information where available, and ensure the BOL reflects the HVI tier. For corporate-relo files, we coordinate with the RMC on HVI documentation standards.

What items belong on the HVI list?

Anything worth more than $100 per pound. Common: jewelry, art, silver, antiques, rare books, electronics above $1,000, musical instruments, oriental rugs, wine collections, coin collections. When in doubt, declare it — over-declaring costs nothing, under-declaring forfeits coverage.

What happens if I don't declare an HVI item?

You lose the right to claim its actual value if damaged or lost. The carrier's liability is limited to the standard tier (typically $4-$8 per pound). A $30,000 painting at 5 lbs would pay $20-$40 instead of the actual value.

Do I need an appraisal?

Not at origin — declaration is enough to establish the value tier. But appraisals strengthen any future claim. For items above $10,000 in value, an appraisal completed within the last 3-5 years is recommended.