Why This Phrase Deserves a Closer Look
If you've ever researched moving companies, you've probably come across the phrase "licensed and insured" more times than you can count. It's used in almost every ad, website, and truck decal in the industry. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, why should you care?
Choosing the right mover isn't just about who has the lowest price. It’s about protecting your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind. When a moving company says they’re licensed and insured, they’re claiming to meet certain legal and safety standards that help protect you from risk. But unfortunately, not all movers live up to that claim.
Some companies use the phrase as a buzzword, hoping it adds credibility, without actually having the credentials to back it up. That’s where things can get risky. Hiring a mover without proper licensing or insurance could leave you on the hook for damaged property, lost items, or even injuries that happen on your property.
In this article, we’ll break down what these terms really mean, how to verify them, and how Minne Movers goes above and beyond to provide trustworthy, fully credentialed moving services in Minnesota and North Dakota.
What “Licensed” Really Means in the Moving Industry
When a moving company says it’s licensed, that means it has met specific legal requirements to operate within a state—or across state lines. These licenses are not just paperwork. They’re a sign the company is following the law and has taken the right steps to operate safely, ethically, and professionally.
Federal Licensing
For long-distance or interstate moves, movers must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These agencies issue a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier (MC) number, which allow a company to legally operate across state borders and track safety records, insurance compliance, and complaint history. You can use these numbers to look up a company’s safety profile and registration on the FMCSA website.
State Licensing
Each state sets its own licensing requirements for local or intrastate moves. In Minnesota, moving companies must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN DOT). The license ensures movers are qualified to handle household goods, follow state safety regulations, and carry the proper insurance.
Why Licensing Matters
A licensed mover is accountable to regulatory agencies. That means if something goes wrong during your move, there’s a process in place to file a complaint and seek resolution. It also means the mover has passed certain checks, including financial responsibility, operational procedures, and insurance coverage.
Hiring a licensed mover helps protect you from unreliable operators and ensures you’re working with a team that takes their responsibilities seriously.
What “Insured” Means for Your Protection
While licensing confirms a mover is operating legally, insurance is what protects you and your belongings if something goes wrong. When a company says it is insured, that should mean they carry specific types of coverage designed to protect your home, your items, and their workers.
Not all insurance is created equal, and unfortunately, not every company has the proper policies in place.
Why It Matters
Insurance is not just a formality. It is your safety net. Without it, you could be left with:
- No reimbursement for broken or missing items
- Damage to your home that you are stuck paying for
- Legal liability if a mover is injured on your property
That is why it is important to verify what coverage a moving company actually has. Do not just take their word for it. Ask for proof of insurance before booking your move.
Minne Movers carries full insurance for all moves, providing peace of mind and real protection every step of the way. Whether you are moving across town or to a new state, you will know your home and belongings are in safe hands.
The Risks of Hiring Unlicensed or Uninsured Movers
Hiring a mover without proper licensing or insurance might seem like a way to save money, but it often leads to costly consequences. Without credentials, there is no guarantee you are working with a legitimate business. That lack of protection can leave you exposed to serious risks during one of the most important transitions in your life.
No Accountability
Unlicensed movers are not regulated by state or federal agencies. If something goes wrong, whether it is lost items, damaged furniture, or a no-show crew — there may be no official channel to hold them accountable. They are not required to follow industry standards, and in many cases, they disappear just as quickly as they appeared.
Property Damage and Financial Loss
Without proper insurance, you could be stuck covering the cost of any damage to your home or belongings. If your couch is dropped down the stairs or your walls are scratched, there may be no compensation. Worse, if someone is injured on your property and the company lacks workers’ compensation, you could be legally responsible.
Common Red Flags
- No USDOT or state license numbers listed
- Vague answers when asked about insurance
- Pressure to pay in cash or upfront without a written estimate
- Poor or missing online reviews
- No physical address or business location
Why It’s Not Worth the Risk
Moving is already a major task. The last thing you need is the added stress of unreliable service or unexpected expenses. Choosing a licensed and insured mover like Minne Movers helps you avoid these issues altogether and gives you the peace of mind that your move is in good hands.
How to Check if a Mover Is Legit
Before hiring any moving company, it is essential to verify their credentials. A professional mover should be fully transparent about their licenses and insurance, and they should be able to provide documentation upon request. Doing a little research upfront can save you from major problems later on.
1. Look Up Their USDOT and MC Numbers
For interstate moves, check the company’s USDOT and MC numbers through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. This database shows a mover’s registration status, safety record, insurance coverage, and complaint history.
Minne Movers is registered with:
- USDOT # 3334469
- MC # 1653652
2. Verify State Licensing
In Minnesota, all household goods movers must be licensed through the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN DOT). A company’s MN DOT number confirms they meet state requirements and are authorized to operate within Minnesota.
Minne Movers holds:
- MN DOT # 384959
- HHG # 384959
You can search these numbers on the state’s transportation website for added peace of mind.
3. Ask for Proof of Insurance
Reputable companies will readily share their Certificate of Insurance (COI) upon request. If they hesitate or give vague answers, that’s a red flag.
4. Do a Quick Online Review Check
Look for consistent reviews across platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Pay attention to how companies respond to feedback — professionalism in communication is a good sign.
Taking these steps only takes a few minutes, but they make a big difference. A legitimate moving company will have no problem proving their credibility.
Why Homeowners and Renters Trust Minne Movers
At Minne Movers, we don’t just say we’re licensed and insured, we prove it. From your first call to the final box unloaded, you can count on professionalism, transparency, and care.
Our team is fully insured, so you’re protected every step of the way, whether it’s your home, your belongings, or the safety of our crew. We believe in earning your trust with every move.
From full-service packing to specialty item transport, we’re proud to be the go-to moving company for homeowners, renters, and businesses across the Twin Cities, Burnsville, Grand Forks, and surrounding areas.
Licensed. Insured. Reliable. That’s the Minne Movers difference.
Ready to Move with Confidence?
Choosing a licensed and insured mover is one of the smartest decisions you can make during your move. It protects your belongings, your property, and your peace of mind.
At Minne Movers, we don’t cut corners. Our team is fully trained, properly licensed, and fully insured, so you can feel confident from start to finish. Whether you're moving across town or across the state, we’re here to make it smooth, safe, and stress-free.
You deserve a mover who’s upfront, accountable, and qualified to handle your move with care. And that’s exactly what we deliver.
Get a free quote today and see why homeowners and renters across Minnesota and North Dakota trust Minne Movers to get the job done right.
