Important Notes

• Check your homeowner's insurance. Some policies cover property in transit.
• Consider purchasing short-term insurance that covers the move if your property is very valuable.
• Unlike most property insurance, valuation does not automatically pay for any damage. It must be clearly shown that the mover was responsible for the damage.
• Items in boxes not packed by the mover are not covered, unless the outside of the carton provides clear evidence that the entire box was damaged during the move.
• The mover is responsible for any electronic item that does not function after the move only if there is clear evidence that the item was dropped or mishandled during the move.
• The customer has nine months after the move to file an initial claim against the mover.
• The mover is legally obligated to acknowledge any claim within 30 days and to resolve it or offer a settlement within 120 days.
• The customer is legally responsible to pay for the move, even when claiming extensive damages. The customer must go through the claims process to receive compensation for any damages.
• If a settlement cannot be reached, the customer either can sue the mover or seek arbitration.
• Check with your Better Business Bureau; often it will be able to provide you with a company's track record in handling claims.
  

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