Moving can be a stressful experience, and it can be even more so if something goes wrong. If a moving company loses your stuff, it's important to know what to do. With full protection, the moving company should compensate you for the full value of a lost or damaged item, replace it with a similar item, or pay for repairs. Before hiring any moving company, it's important to ask how they handle claims and compensation.
If something is missing at the time of delivery, make sure to indicate this on the documentation when you sign. Contact your moving coordinator and file a claim using their online form. This will help you start a search for the lost item immediately. If you moved to another state to accept a new job, the court could require the moving company to cover your lost income if you were unable to accept it due to their actions.
It's also important to document the condition of your belongings before and after the move. Take pictures or videos of your items before they are loaded onto the truck and after they are unloaded. This will help you prove damage during the moving claims process if your items get chafed, scratched or broken during the move. If you are unable to reach an acceptable agreement with the moving company directly, consider using a dispute resolution program offered by the National Arbitration Forum for moving companies affiliated with AMSA.
If standard moving insurance doesn't cover the entire cost of replacing the lost item, check with your renters insurance to see if that agreement covers items lost during the move. Finally, be aware that some less reputable moving companies only hire day workers to work during peak moving seasons, implying that these workers have not received professional training. Make sure to check reviews and ask questions before hiring any moving company.
