Insuring your goods during the move to your new home
|
| Regardless
of the type of insurance, settlement payments will be based on the current value of the
damaged or lost item. |
| For antiques and artwork
this means getting a written
appraisal before the move. |
| For appliances, audio and computer
equipment, you need the
original sales receipt. |
|
If you don't have receipts,
any documentation is better than no documentation.
Make a
list of your valuables, write down estimated date of purchase and estimated purchase
price. Give the list to your mover. |
| |
|
| The
following types of liability insurance is offered by most movers. |
| Release Value
Insurance: |
| Coverage:
Up to 60 cents per pound for each item. Under this coverage an antique desk weighing 100
pounds is insured for $60 regardless of its value. |
| Cost:
Zero. |
| Free but not
worth much. Avoid this type of insurance. |
|
| Minimal Value
Insurance: |
| Coverage:
$1.25 for each pound of your shipment. In the case of a 4000 pound shipment the mover is
liable for $6000 ($1.25 x 4000), or more than enough to cover a $4000 antique desk damaged
during the move |
| Cost:
$7 per thousand dollars of coverage, or $42 in our example of a 4000 pound shipment ($7 x
6). |
|
| Extended
Insurance: |
| Coverage:
An extension of the Minimal Value Insurance where the mover provides additional insurance
at $7 per $1000 of coverage. |
| Cost:
$7 per thousand dollars of coverage. |
|
| Homeowners
Insurance: Your household insurance agent can sell you additional insurance for
your move. |
|
| Problem
Resolution. If something is damaged or missing: |
Complain
to the mover: Contact the mover's agent as soon you discover the damage. When you
call, make sure you have:
- The Bill of Laden and a copy of the movers inventory sheet.
- An estimated value for the damaged item.
|
| If not
satisfied, and yours was an interstate move, contact the local Interstate Commerce
Commission office. The ICC does not settle disputes but will refer you to arbitration. |
| Request
arbitration: The American
Arbitration Association at http://www.adr.org will
accept your case even if your move was within a single state. (Remember that members
of the American Movers Conference will usually accept binding arbitration) |
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