Understanding moving company liability

Since relocation is not an easy task, it is always a good idea to hire a moving company. However, before you hire reputable movers, you need to consider many aspects of that company. Most importantly, you need to be sure that the chosen company is licensed and insured. Because all of your personal items, collectibles, precious belongings, things of sentimental value, and expensive goods that you have purchased need to arrive at the new home successfully. So, even if you hire a reliable mover with many years of experience, they can make mistakes at any time. And you can lose your items. Or they can get damaged. That is why it is important to understand moving company liability. And Pro Movers Miami will explain to you all your options in order to protect your belongings during the relocation.

Understanding moving company liability

Now let’s see what you need to know in order to understand moving company liability. Firstly, you need to know the difference between two fundamental types of movers’ liability. Those two liabilities are governed by the federal law that moving companies are obliged to offer. We are talking about full value protection and released protection. Bear in mind that these are not types of insurance policies. They are obligatory tariffs of liability by the Department of Transportation. Also, the moving company will explain both options to you. Moreover, your movers need to provide you with the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” document. According to your choice, you will get a different amount for damaged or lost belongings. Hence the movers bal harbor suggest you read the options you have in order to make a good decision about which one suits you better.

Full Value Protection

Now we will talk about the Full Value Protection liability. Under this liability, the moving company owes you a reimbursement in the cases of lost, damaged, or destroyed belongings. Hence, this liability option will allow you to choose one of three possible solutions for every item that can be reimbursed:

• Fix your item
• Get an item that is alike
• Obtain cash settlement which is based on the cost to have your item repaired, or the amount that equals the current market value of it.

Even though the full value protection coverage is made to guarantee safety for your items, moving companies can limit their liability when it comes to things with a high value. An item of great value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound. Hence these may include things such as jewels, antiques, art, and silverware. So, if you want to relocate such items, luxury moving company suggests you get the insurance of those in advance, Additionally, you should make an inventory and list all of your items of extraordinary value.

Released Value Protection

There is one most important thing to be aware of when it comes to the Released Value Protection. That is, moving companies are obliged to give you this cargo coverage without extra charges. And you should know that it is equal to only $0.60 per pound per item. And that is pretty low. For instance, let’s say that your laptop weighs 5 pounds and costs $2,000. And if movers damage it during the relocation, you will only receive $3 as reimbursement. Hence, in other words, the moving company liability, in this case, is founded only on weight. And it has nothing to do with the actual value of the items that you are transporting. If you want to know more, you can always check moving quotes Miami and get the information.

Insurance from a third party

Additionally, you can purchase insurance from a third party. However, before you do that, it is very important to check your home insurance. Because you may find out that your items are already insured. And, of course, third-party insurance won’t be included in your relocation cost. So you will need to purchase it additionally. When it comes to getting insurance, there are rules of the 60 cents coverage per pound. Those are valid. Other amounts of reimbursement derive from the insurance you buy. So, you need to make sure that you get a document for the mover ascertaining that you own insurance.

Comprehend moving company liability

Lastly, there are additional things to consider. So, when you agree to a Full Value Protection, moving insurance, or Released Value protection, you must receive some sort of a guarantee. The guarantee is that whatever happens to your items, you will receive reimbursement. Still, there are some limitations. For instance, the movers can give you released protection only if they do the packing. In other words, it is not valid if you do the packing by yourself. Also, the mover can reject to reimburse you if you are transporting dangerous substances. So it is very important to read what not to pack. Or you can simply ask the movers for the list.

Secure your items

Again we want to remind you that moving company can limit their liability if you are transporting belongings with a cost of $100 per pound or more. Hence we advise you to let them know about these items. And don’t forget to prepare a full list with all items of high value and their descriptions. Additionally, you need to know that in case that you have problems with your moving company you cannot settle, you can always file a complaint. However, you may need to find the instructions on how to do it. And find a sample letter. So, if you wish to decrease the chance of such an event happening, it is a good idea to hire a reliable company.