Insurance Information
Moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods that they move. The level of liability can vary. You need to be aware of the amount of protection and the charges for each option.
Insurance is often the area in moving that people know very little about. As a result of this it is often the area in which people make poor choices. Movers are required to provide you with information on what it will cost you to place a value on your shipment. You should be provided with a brochure "Here's What You Need to Know About Placing a Value on Your Household Goods Shipment Before You Move" or this information may be included in "Your Rights and Responsibilities when you move" brochure. Be sure you actually read these brochures so you can accurately put a value on your shipment. Check with the local Better Business Bureau to get information on how the mover has handled claims in the past .
In the unlikely event you have loss or damage as a result of your move you have nine months to make a claim however you are still responsible for paying for the move in a timely fashion. This is generally COD or cash on delivery on the day of unloading.
The mover is required to respond to your claim within 30 days and the issue must be resolved within 120 days. In the event that arbitration is chosen to resolve the issue and you are not satisfied with the outcome of the arbitration process you may sue for damages.
Moving Tips
Use Only Registered Movers Make sure the mover you select has been assigned a USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to engage in interstate transportation of household goods, and has proper insurance. You can determine if a mover is registered with FMCSA by accessing www.protectyourmove.gov, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance.