Getting ready to move? Then this issue has most likely crossed your mind — and for a valid reason. If you’ve sniffed around on the internet searching for a moving company, you’ve probably seen on forums some negative evaluations and complaints against moving companies, and that well…most of them are on the basis of damage to personal belongings during a move. Seeing this, it’s totally fair to be concerned about trusting strangers with your belongings and wondering whether they will be safe or not.
Well, there’s no need to panic or renounce the idea of opting for a moving company! There are steps you can take to secure your belongings and prevent this type of mishap. Keep reading to find out all about it!
What to know before you hire a moving company
Before you hire a moving company, there are a few things to think about. Before you decide to land on a moving company, make sure to do extensive research into which one would fit your needs better and most of all, to make sure you choose a trusted company that will keep your belonging safe. Choosing one of the more trusted moving companies with a lot of experience on the market will give you a better sense of security.
Nevertheless, when researching moving companies, here are some things that you should do and pay attention to:
- Search and read about the company’s credentials.
- Examine the company’s identification number.
- Read reviews and official complaints.
- Examine the company’s website and its offers.
- Take into account their years of experience
- See the company’s ratings if they provide supplementary moving insurance.
Valuation and moving insurance: what do they mean?
When signing a moving contract, you may see that the moving company provides various degrees of liability – known as valuation coverage. This refers to the amount of liability that your moving company is willing to take in the event that your belongings are damaged or lost during the relocation. Each level of responsibility affects how much the movers will repay you if your belongings are lost or destroyed while in their possession. However, these liability choices offer only a limited amount of protection. It’s also worth noting that valuation coverage isn’t technically moving insurance.
There are various valuation alternatives provided by movers. All interstate movers are obligated by federal law to provide customers with two liability options: Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection. Here’s what they mean:
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Released Value Protection
This is automatically included the cost of your move. The government requirements for Released Value Protection to be 60 cents per pound per item. In other words, the total weight of the item will be multiplied by 60 cents and result in a final sum which will be the monetary liability of the moving firm, regardless of how much the item initially cost you. This form of basic coverage is included in the cost of your move but keep in mind that it is a type of basic coverage, which means that if an expensive item breaks you might end up recovering 1/10 of its value (or even less).
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Full Value Protection
This is the second sort of valuation coverage provided by movers. This level of liability provides consumers with far more protection in the event that an item is damaged or lost by the movers. It is, however, not as comprehensive as obtaining insurance. Full Value Protection simply means that a mover will only repay you for the real cash value of an item.
Under this type of valuation, if a mover loses or destroys an item during the relocation, the FMCSA states that they can either restore the item, replace it with a comparable item or
make a monetary settlement for the repair cost or its current market replacement value.
Beware though, because under this type of protection movers are not accountable for things with a higher value (such as antiques, or fine art that exceed the sum of $100 per pound) unless the consumer informs the movers in writing about it. The cost of acquiring Full Value Protection varies with each mover, so be sure to get informed about it.
When it comes to local NYC movers, coverage possibilities differ. Many local movers provide their customers with the option of Full Value Protection included in their hourly or fixed price rates but regardless, be sure to go over all of your liability alternatives before signing anything.
Now a third option is that customers get their own moving insurance in addition to valuation coverage and if you are transporting valuable stuff it’s strongly encouraged to do so. Valuation coverage is restricted and does not fully compensate customers for lost or damaged property. As a result, many people opt to obtain moving insurance from a third-party insurance company.
Moving insurance may be utilized to enhance the coverage given by a moving company or to cover your goods when you conduct the move yourself. Many moving insurance policies additionally cover goods in transit or storage for up to 90 days. The amount covered is determined by your insurance company and policy.
What’s covered by the valuation and moving insurance and what’s not
The valuation coverage will not cover everything. Some things that can limit a mover’s responsibility include:
- Packing your own boxes rather than hiring movers to do it.
- Damage to property caused by an “Act of God,” such as a fire, hurricane, earthquake, or tornado.
- Failure to notify your movers (in writing) of any goods of exceptional value
- Failure to disclose loss or damage to items as soon as possible after the move.
Moving insurance, on the other hand, often covers any damage done to household objects while in transportation (and possibly, storage). Most moving insurance policies cover the actual depreciated value of the possessions, while others allow clients to pay more for replacement cost coverage.
In conclusion, before you move, it is strongly advised to talk to your movers and inquire all about the available insurance options as well as very carefully reading the contract before signing it.
About the Author
Michaela Smith is the marketing director at Empire Movers, a New York-based moving company with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial moving.
