When you move, you have the right to file a claim with the moving company to receive compensation for any losses or damages. You have nine months from the delivery date (or, if the entire shipment is lost, from the date the shipment should have been delivered) to file your claim. After you file a moving insurance claim, the moving company legally has thirty days to acknowledge it. From there, they have 120 days to resolve the claim.
It's important to understand what kind of coverage you have when filing a moving insurance claim. To ensure that no items are lost, it's a good idea to make your own inventory of your belongings on the day of the move, in addition to the moving company's list. If you decide to move yourself, you won't have any coverage from a moving company if your belongings are damaged or broken. When filing a moving insurance claim, the most important documents will be the bill of lading and the home inventory sheet.If moving companies can blame you for any damage, it will be difficult to file a successful moving insurance claim.
Generally speaking, a moving company is responsible for any losses or damages to a customer's household belongings during the move. To help support your claim, take photos and videos of your items before they are moved so that you can provide evidence of their condition. The cost of moving insurance is usually linked to how much you value your household items. It's also helpful to keep records of all events related to your move in case you need to provide a timeline when filing a moving insurance claim later on. If you want additional coverage beyond what is offered by the moving company, consider obtaining private insurance coverage for any losses that may arise during a move.
Even though no one wants their items to be damaged, it's wise to be prepared in case you need to file a moving insurance claim later on. Having two lists – yours and that of the moving company – means that you'll be able to submit twice as much evidence if necessary. Choosing a moving company's rate for full protection is not the same as buying a standalone liability policy from a private insurance company. However, taking some preventive measures can make it easier if you end up having to file a moving insurance claim down the line. You can read more about both types of liability in the brochure Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, which is required by federal regulations when moving from one state to another. Filing a moving insurance claim can be complicated and time-consuming, but it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to protecting your belongings during a move.
Knowing what kind of coverage you have and taking preventive measures can help make sure that any losses or damages are properly compensated.
