What is a COI for moving?

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a document from your moving company's insurer proving liability and workers' compensation coverage, naming your building and its management company as certificate holder or additional insured. Most high-rises in DC, Arlington, and Tysons require one before movers can use the elevator.

Does TopMoversPro provide COIs?

Yes. TopMoversPro provides certificates of insurance at no extra charge. Send us your building's sample COI or requirements and we return it before move day.

How far ahead should I reserve the freight elevator?

Reserve 2–3 weeks ahead, and 4 weeks for end-of-month weekends in summer. Many buildings allow moves only on weekdays 9 AM–5 PM or in fixed 3–4 hour blocks.

How much does a high-rise move cost?

High-rise moves use the same TopMoversPro rates — for example $480 for 3 movers + truck for the first 2 hours, then $180/hr. They often take 1–2 hours longer than a house move because of elevator wait times and longer carries from the dock.

Quick answer

For a high-rise move in DC, Arlington, or Tysons you need three things: a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover, a freight elevator reservation, and a place for the truck. Book the elevator 2–3 weeks ahead, send the COI wording to your mover 3+ business days ahead, and confirm dock clearance. TopMoversPro provides COIs free.

High-Rise Move Checklist

Task	When	Who
Get building move rules & deposit	3–4 weeks before	You
Reserve freight elevator + dock	2–3 weeks before	You
Send COI requirements to mover	1–2 weeks before	You → mover
Deliver COI to management	3+ business days before	Mover
DC street parking permit (if no dock)	5+ business days before	You or mover
Confirm elevator pads & slot	Day before	You

What Is a COI and Why Buildings Require It

Short answer: a COI is proof from the mover's insurer that they carry liability and workers' compensation coverage, with your building named on it. It protects the building if a crew member scratches a hallway or gets hurt.

Ask management for their sample COI. It lists the exact names to put as certificate holder and additional insured, plus minimum coverage amounts. Wrong wording is the #1 reason moves get turned away at the dock.

Freight Elevator Reservations

Short answer: book early and pick the first slot of the day. Morning slots rarely run late, and a crew that starts on time finishes inside the window.

Typical windows: weekdays 9 AM–5 PM, in 3–4 hour blocks.
End-of-month and summer weekends sell out first.
Ask whether the elevator has pads installed, or if the crew should bring them.

Neighborhood Notes

Rosslyn, Ballston, Crystal City, Pentagon City (Arlington): nearly all towers need a COI and a dock reservation. See our Arlington apartment moving guide.
Tysons and Reston: newer towers have large docks but strict time blocks; garage clearance is often too low for box trucks.
Downtown DC, Navy Yard, NoMa, Wharf: COI plus a DDOT permit if the truck can't use the dock. See the DC parking permit guide.

What It Costs

TopMoversPro charges the same rates for high-rise moves — $399 for 2 movers + truck or $480 for 3 movers + truck for the first 2 hours, then $130/hr or $180/hr. COIs are included free. Expect 1–2 extra hours compared with a house because of elevator trips and dock walks. Call or text (703) 888-8332 for a free quote.

High-Rise Move Checklist

What Is a COI and Why Buildings Require It

Freight Elevator Reservations

Neighborhood Notes

What It Costs

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