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Insurance and Liability Options

When hiring a moving company, it is impossible to guarantee that all of your property will arrive at its final destination in the same condition. Damage to your property can occur in transit, in storage, and when it is being carried. Items 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. Therefore, carefully investigate the following options in detail before choosing an insurance coverage that is right for you.

1. Basic Carrier Liability-Released Value

  • known as "limited liability" or the "released value"
  • is the minimum amount of liability required by law when transporting goods out of state
  • amount varies from state to state for local moves
  • most economical protection available because there are no extra charges
  • limited to 60 cents per pound per article
    eg. if a 20 pound stereo system valued at $1,000 is destroyed, your mover would be liable for no more than $12.00
  • think carefully before agreeing to this
  • when choosing this coverage, you must sign a specific statement in agreement on the bill of lading
  • protect yourself by listing all "extraordinary high value" items on the shipping document

    2. Full (Replacement) Value Protection (FVP)

  • this coverage is highly recommended
  • most comprehensive insurance plan available for the protection of your goods
  • will pay for the repair or replacement of damaged, destroyed or lost property
  • is expensive, cost varies depending on the moving company
  • you can lower cost by choosing a deductible of $100, $250 or $500
  • you are responsible to pay the first chosen deductible amount on any damaged, destroyed or lost property
  • protect yourself by listing all "extraordinary high value" items on the shipping document

    3. Declared Value Protection

  • your valuables are somewhat protected but you pay for it
  • whole shipment is covered at a value not to exceed the dollar amount that you declare
  • coverage is based on depreciated value of an item regardless of current replacement cost
  • the mover assumes liability for the entire shipment at an amount equal to $1.25 times the weight of your shipment
    eg. if shipment weights 8,000 pounds, the mover will be liable for loss or damage up to $10,000.
  • consult your mover for additional charges and rules
  • study this provision carefully and make the necessary declaration
  • protect yourself by listing al all "extraordinary high value" items on the shipping document

    4. Third-Party Liability Through Mover

  • some movers offer to sell or obtain separate liability insurance from a third-party insurance company when you release your shipment for transportation at the minimum "released value" of 60 cents per pound
  • this is optional insurance regulated under State law
  • your mover is responsible for loss or damage and is liable only for an amount not exceeding 60 cents per pound per article
  • the balance of the loss is recoverable from the insurance company up to the amount of insurance purchased
  • the mover is required to issue a policy or other written record of the purchase and provide you with a copy of the policy or other document at the time of purchase
  • the mover becomes fully liable for any claim for loss or damage attributed to its negligence if no policy or document is provided

    5. Homeowners Insurance

  • many homeowners insurance policies cover about 10% of the value of household goods while in transit due to breakage and theft, minus the chosen deductible in your policy
  • a good supplement to the insurance provided by the mover
  • check to find out what coverage you may have and when it ends
  • policy is useless if void once you close on your old home
  • if you have coverage ask insurance company to explain the level of coverage and what is covered
  • when filing a claim you will need to prove that loss or damage is due to mover’s negligence and not improper packing by you

    6. Transit Insurance

  • good supplement to insurance provided by mover
  • carefully read the policy to make sure it covers the gaps in insurance left by other policies
  • this coverage can save you thousands of dollars
  • usually available through the mover, a move-it-yourself company, or your homeowners insurance company

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