Moving can be a stressful experience, and it can be even more so if something of yours is lost or damaged during the process. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure that you are compensated for any losses. Before hiring a moving company, it's important to ask about their claims and compensation policies. You should also check with your current insurance policies to see if they will protect you during the move.
If something is missing at the time of delivery, make sure to note it in the documentation when you sign. If the missing items are not found, you can consider requesting compensation from the moving company. To do this, you will need to file a claim with them using a detailed description of the lost item. This will help them locate the item and also help if they have to replace it.
If standard moving insurance doesn't cover the full cost of replacing the lost item, check with your renters insurance to see if that agreement covers items lost in the move. If you are unable to reach an acceptable agreement directly with the moving company, the United States Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) recommends using a dispute resolution program that the National Arbitration Forum offers to AMSA-affiliated moving companies. On moving day, make sure to get a detailed list from the movers detailing all of the items they have moved and their condition upon arrival. This will help you prove damage during the moving claim process if your items are scratched, dented, broken, or lost during the move. If losses occur due to your carelessness or ignorance of the moving agency, you may not be able to receive compensation. Additionally, some less reputable moving companies simply hire day laborers to work during peak moving seasons, which means that these workers have not received professional training. Finally, be aware that some moving companies may quote you a price for your move but then increase that rate once you arrive at your new home.
If this happens and you can't accept the job due to their actions, the court could require them to cover your loss of income. With full protection, a reputable moving company will compensate you for the full value of a lost or damaged item, replace it with a comparable item, or pay for repairs. If something is lost or damaged during your move, following these steps can help ensure that you are compensated for any losses.
