Protecting Your Household Goods: What If Something Is Lost or Damaged?
There's a lot at stake when you move. There's the money you'll spend. The memories you're taking from one place to another. And, your treasured possessions—furniture, family pictures and children's toys. When you move, your personal property (including valuables) is loaded onto a moving truck. And while most moves go smoothly, accidents do happen and some items may be lost or damaged during shipment.
Your mover is liable for the value of the goods you ask them to transport. There are, however, different levels of liability. The level you choose will determine the type and amount of reimbursement you will receive if an item is lost or damaged. Be aware of the various types of protection available and the charges for each option. This brochure will serve as a tool to assist you in making the right choice for you.
The two different levels of liability movers are required to provide are explained below and in Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to provide to interstate moving customers. Be sure to read this information carefully and follow the instructions provided todeclare a value on your shipment.
Under Federal law, interstate movers must offer two different liabilityoptions referred to as valuationcoverage: (1) Full Value Protectionand (2) Released Value
(1) Full Value Protection
Under Full Value Protection, your mover is liable for the replacementvalue of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. This is the morecomprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings. Unless youselect the alternative level of of liability described below—ReleasedValue—your mover will transport your shipment under the Full ValueProtection level of liability. If any article is lost, destroyed or damagedwhile in your mover's custody, your mover will, at its discretion, offer to do one(1) of the following for each item:
Under this option, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss ordamage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list thesearticles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is anyitem whose value exceeds $100 per pound (i.e., jewelry, silverware, china,furs, antiques). Ask your mover for a written explanation of thislimitation before your move.
The exact cost for Full Value Protection varies by mover and may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your mover for written details of their Full Value Protection plan.
(2) Released Value
The most economical protection available is Released Value, since itis offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Underthis option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per poundper article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereocomponent valued at $1,000, you would only receive $6.00 in compensation (60cents x 10 pounds).
There is no additional charge for Released Value. However, you mustsign a specific statement on the bill oflading or contract agreeing to it. But remember, it compensates youaccording to the weight of the item, not its actual value. And, if you donot select Released Value, your shipment will automatically be transported atthe Full Value Protection level of liability and you will be assessed theapplicable charge.
Full Value Protection and Released Value are not insurance policies governedby State insurance laws; instead, they are Federal contractual tarifflevels of liability authorized under Released Rates Orders of the SurfaceTransportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
If you select Released Value, some movers may also offer to sell or obtain for you separate liabilityinsurance. The cost of this insurance is not included in the basic move andmust be purchased separately by you. This is not valuation coveragegoverned by Federal law—it is optional insurance regulated byState law.
If you purchase this coverage, the mover remainsliable for the amount up to 60 cents per pound per article; but the rest of theloss is recoverable from the insurance company up to the amount of insuranceyou purchased. Your mover is required to issue the policy or other writtenrecord of the purchase and provide you with a copy at the time of purchase.
You also have the option of purchasinginsurance from a third-party insurance company. Before purchasing insurance,check your homeowner's insurance policy to see if you're already covered.
If you're moving within your State ...
Each State may have its own rules and regulations governing moves within theState. Check with your State, county or local consumer affairs agency or Statemoving association if you're moving toa new location within the same State.
Some of your actions may limit your mover'sliability. These include:
Do not sign a delivery receipt for your household goods if it containsany language about releasing or discharging your mover or its agents fromliability. By law, you have nine (9) months to file a written claim. Strikeout this kind of language or refuse delivery until a proper receipt isprovided.
Report loss and damage promptly. You have nine (9) months followingeither the date of delivery, or the date on which the shipment should have beendelivered, to file a written claim.
Interstate movers are required to participate in a dispute resolution orarbitration program to address your loss and damage claims. If your moverdoes not provide you with information on its program, ask for it—movers arerequired to provide a concise, easy-to-read summary.
