Moving Valuation Options

At All My Sons Moving and Storage, we have witnessed firsthand the importance of valuation to cover your belongings during a move. When you trust your assets to the care of moving companies, the liability is regulated by three moving valuation options available for customers in case any type of accident occurs.

Interstate moving companies are required, by Federal law, to offer you two alternatives for moving valuation options: (1) Full Value Protection and (2) Released Value Protection. You can also purchase (3) Third-Party moving Insurance coverage from an outside insurer.

(1) Full Value Protection

Your mover will be liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods. In terms of protection, this is the preferred choice. However, it does cost more. Unless you select the alternative coverage described below—Released Value—your mover will transport your shipment under the Full Value Protection level of liability. If any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your movers custody, your mover will have the option to repair it, replace it, or offer you the money to replace it at current market value. The policy may be subject to deductibles and varies cost-wise by mover. It is important to understand your mover specific terms.

(2) Released Value Protection

Released Value coverage is offered by moving companies at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. The mover assumes liability at a minimum of $0.30 to $0.60 cents/lb. per article for local moves, intra-State moves, or $0.60/lb. per article for interstate and international moves. For example, if your mover loses or damages a 10-pound television valued at $1,000, you will only receive $6.00 in compensation (60 cents x 10 pounds).

(3) Third-Party Moving Insurance

You also have the option of purchasing moving insurance from an outside company. Your moving company will still be liable under the Released Value Protection plan. The remaining amount is recovered from the third-party insurer, up to the Before purchasing insurance, check your homeowner's insurance policy to see if you're already covered, although generally this is not the case.

DOCUMENT AND INVENTORY VALUABLE ITEMS

Taking photographs is the best way to document the condition of your possessions. Accidents are rare with a professional mover, but they do happen. In cases of damaged or lost articles, you will have to establish the item existed. (If you have maintained all record keeping for items this would validate the original purchase information pertaining to this item).

INSURE VALUABLE ITEMS

You may decide that certain items are irreplaceable and either move them personally, or purchase higher coverage. Your existing homeowners insurance policy will most likely not cover damages incurred to objects outside your home, but check with your insurance company or consult a nationwide moving insurance company first. If you wish to take out additional coverage for belongings being moved interstate, consult a nationwide insurance company, like Moving Insurance.com and Baker International Insurance.

Any questions? Contact us to discuss the Moving Valuation Options governed by each state for local moves within the state you reside. Interstate moves are regulated Moving Valuation Options. It is our policy to provide you, our customer, with the details necessary to have your move run efficiently. Call All My Sons Moving & Storage of Hilton Head today for your free, no obligation quote.