What is Moving Company Liability?

Your move needs the best protection and guarantee for success. But what do you do? Using a moving company should not be on a random principle but the opposite – choose carefully your mover; it should be insured and fully licensed. And this is what this article will be about – how to recognize such a moving company and what is moving companies liability.

What is movers liability for damage?

Before we talk about the liability of movers, there is one thing that you must know – ask a lot of questions to the movers and ask for detailed answers. This is how you can take reasonable and logical decisions for your move that will be useful. You will read now some important information on what is the movers liability for damage, how can you get it and why do you need it.
The coverage that a moving company is obliged to provide is very little – only $0.60 per pound per item. This means that if you have an item that weights 30 pounds like an LED TV, then it means that you will get 30 pounds multiplied by $0.60 which is just $18 and not much at all. In other words, the liability of movers in this case is limited a lot and you get almost nothing in return in case of a damaged item. There are other options to provide your belongings with insurance and of course in all cases there is a certain limit, and there are also limitations and exceptions that apply, like for example if the damages are caused by using an auto, you may not be reimbursed. There could be differences in the coverages that you may be able to pay for extra, depending on the state that you are in, what you are paying to insure (home or business and what type of business), and depending on your own unique situation. Be clear of the general liability for moving companies you contact so that you know what you can get in case an item is damaged, broken or lost by the movers. But what does exactly moving companies liability cover and how can you get it?

What does moving company liability include?

What is the movers liability and what does it cover? Don't wonder around - read our article for more information.

You can usually find liability provided by moving companies covering injury and item damages, that we mentioned in the previous paragraph. The coverage that is provided for injury is usually related to injuries that took place at your home or operations that had to take place because of an injury at your home, irrelevant of who’s fault they are. The coverage could include painters, carpenters, plumbers, etc.; they could relate to moving to a house, apartment, or reconstructing one; when it comes to items, movers liability could cover trucks and vans, demolition, blasting, utility work, road construction, water and sewer lines, etc. Your goods are covered for a local and intrastate move but not only, you may also have a coverage in case of breakdown of moving related equipment that you own like dollies, pads, cartons, pallets, barrels, etc. It depends on the services that you will need from movers in order to determine what insurance will suit your relocation needs best.
Movers liability for damage is provided by them in the form of the obligatory by law coverage of only $0.60 per pound per item, while for other coverage, higher than this one, you should specifically ask the moving company. In some cases movers work with specific insurance providers that you can count on for extra safety of your belongings. If you want to know who they are, if they are not given on the mover’s website, talk to the company and ask them to explain it to you.

How do you get insurance?

Discuss with the moving company the liability that it can provide and what coverage you can pay for in order to ensure that your household belongings are as safe as possible during the relocation process. Of course, in the meantime make sure you do your bit, too, like protecting your furniture and ensuring you are aware of the vehicle shipping requirements before you sign the moving contract and pay for insurance.
Once you know you will be moving, get a cost estimate in order to be contacted by moving companies with price estimates. After that, while you are discussing the cost of the move, also ask what extra coverage you can provide for your belongings, besides the obligatory valuation. Here the movers will explain to you what sort of insurance you can get, how much it will cost you depending on your situation, and you can also choose a coverage for the extra insurance.
Whether or not you need insurance, besides the valuation you will get, is your own personal choice, but it is recommended to make sure your household items are protected, especially if you are moving out of state, or if you have more expensive, valuable items like heirloom, antiques, laptops, piano, etc.