Moving can be a stressful experience, and it can be even more so if your belongings are lost or broken during the move. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure that you are fairly compensated for any damages that occur. The first step is to check the insurance policy you booked with the moving company. Depending on the policy, the company may replace or refund the item.
As soon as you know that an item has been lost or broken, it is important to start the process of filing a claim against your carriers. To file a claim, you will need to take pictures of the damaged items and also present an image of what the item looked like before the move. Make sure to include timestamps on the photos so that they can be verified. When your belongings arrive at your new home or office, inspect them as soon as they enter the door in order to spot any damage while the moving team is still there.
The moving company should take note of any damage report on the bill of lading or on a separate form and make sure you get a copy before they leave. If you have purchased third-party moving insurance, quickly file a claim for reimbursement. The longer you wait to file a claim, the less likely you are to be reimbursed for damages. Moving companies have specific insurance that covers damages, but it is usually limited to 60 cents per pound for items such as flat screen TVs.
On the day of the move, when work is finished, moving companies must provide you with a detailed list detailing the items they moved and their condition. You can also check the credibility of the moving company through organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, Department of Transportation (DOT), American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If your movers have accidentally broken something of yours during the move, it is important to stay calm and take steps to file a claim with your moving company in order to receive fair compensation for any damages. If your items are damaged and you documented them beforehand, you are much more likely to receive compensation when more damage occurs due to the move.
If your movers are unwilling to resolve the issue peacefully, you can choose to report them by filing a formal complaint with organizations such as the Department of Transportation, American Moving and Storage Association, and Better Business Office. By taking these steps and following up with your moving company, you can increase your chances of being fairly compensated for any damages that occur during your move.
