Insurance & Liability
How to Get the Right Insurance for Your Residential Move
Whether you hire a mover or move it yourself, it is impossible to guarantee
that all of your property will arrive at its final destination in the same
condition it started out. Damage to your property can occur in transit (on the
moving truck), in storage, and when it is being carried in or out of the moving
truck. Things can be accidentally dropped, dented, or broken by moving men. Most
insurance coverage that can be obtained through a mover limits the mover's
liability and will not completely cover the value of your property if lost or
damaged. It is extremely important to make sure that your possessions are
adequately insured before you move.
When Selecting a Moving Company
Thoroughly review the moving company's terms for insurance coverage.
- Determine the extent of liability coverage for property loss or damage
your mover will provide.
- Closely examine the contract and find a section for you to establish the
estimated value of your possessions.
- Determine the maximum liability dollar value of the insurance provided by
the mover and the process involved in case you need to place a claim. However,
this does not guarantee that in case of a claim you are entitled to the
maximum liability damage coverage. Factors such as government regulations,
taxes, and laws limit the actual the amount you may be entitled to in case of
a claim.
- Realize that the insurance provided by most moving companies only covers a
portion of the total value of your possessions and you will have to get
additional insurance to be fully covered.
Insurance Available Through Your Mover
Insurance available through your mover is based on valuation. Basically,
valuation is the method of determining liability - by you and your mover. There
are three types of valuation:
- Declared value: The value of the things you move is based on the
total weight of the shipment multiplied by a specific amount per pound
(example; $1.25 per pound). For instance, if your possessions weigh 10,000
pounds the mover would be liable for up to $12,500. Claim settlement is then
based on the depreciated value of the items damaged.
- Lump sum value: If you need insurance that is based more on value
than on weight you can get insurance for a specific amount (the amount is
variable dependant on the insurance provider) per $1,000 of value. You must
know the value of what you are shipping and make a declaration in writing on
the bill of lading.
- Full value protection: This type of coverage includes lost,
damaged, and destroyed property. The coverage will pay for the repair or
replacement of the items. Usually there is a minimum coverage amount and
applicable deductibles.
Calculate the amount of insurance you require
Calculating the amount of insurance you require begins with taking into
consideration the total weight of what you are moving, the number of rooms you
are moving, and the contents of your move.
Create an inventory of all the items you are moving
- What you are moving (sofa, dining room set, refrigerator, etc.).
- The weight of each item you are moving (estimate the weight).
- The replacement value of each article you are moving.
Make sure to have totals that summarize your inventory
- Total number of items you are moving.
- Total weight of the items.
- Establish the total replacement value of all your property.
(Take pictures of what you are moving. This is important in establishing the
condition of your possessions and it helps in confirming the inventory list.)
Homeowners Insurance as a Supplement
Most homeowner insurance policies cover about 10 percent of the value of your
personal property; including coverage for breakage and theft in transit, minus
the usual deductible. This can be a good supplement to the insurance provided by
the mover.
Transit Insurance as a Supplement
Transit insurance is another good supplement to the insurance provided by your
mover. Read the policy and make sure it covers the gaps in insurance left by
other policies. This coverage can save you thousands of dollars and is usually
available through the mover, a move-it-your-self company, or through your
homeowner's insurance company.
Some Additional Helpful Tips
- If you are moving fine art, valuable musical instruments or antiques, you
should consider special measures to ensure their safety and protect against
their loss or damage. If these items are not covered while in transit by your
home policy, you would be advised to purchase additional coverage. Speak to
your mover or homeowner insurance representative.
- In the event that something should happen to your belongings and you have
to file a moving claim, you must do so within (9) months of the event. You
should also note the problem on the moving van driver's copy of the bill of
lading before signing it. Your mover will then have 30 days to acknowledge
receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receiving your claim, the mover must
either deny the claim or make an offer to pay.
