The phrase “Protect Your Move’ may sound weird but it is extremely important to keep your whole moving process secured. Moving frauds are very common ever and many people are fooled by fake moving companies. But moving frauds are not the only reason that you should be aware of: you should also be aware of the other moving threats like loss and/or damage of your goods. Using some small cautions may save you from big losses. Just like it is recommended to use a moving checklist and hire one of the best local moving companies from iMoving to keep your move organized, it is important to take several other measures.
As declared by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 3000 consumer complaints are filed against moving companies every year, it is wise to do thorough research before hiring a professional moving company for your next move. In many consumer complaints, consumers have reported that their goods were kept hostage for not paying extra charges, some of them have reported loss and damage of their goods due to mishandling of products. To stay safe from any such situation, learn the tips given below and keep them in mind during your moving process.
Choose the Right Moving Company
Hiring the right moving company can solve more than half of your moving trouble. Make sure you do not hire the first company that you come across during your search. It is highly advisable to do complete research about your chosen moving company. To find the right moving company, it is very important to get in touch with multiple moving companies and get quotations from all of them. Do not agree on a quotation given over the internet or a phone call; call a company executive to your home to provide an onsite quote instead. This will remove the chances of any hidden charges that the company can claim afterward. Also, get everything in writing, all the services and costs should be mentioned in the written agreement.
License and insurance are the key
Another important thing that you should keep in your mind while hiring a professional moving company is that the company should be insured and licensed by the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration. If it is an interstate move, make sure the company has permission to work in both states. Many moving brokers act as a company and outsource all moving-related tasks. In such cases, it is very hard to claim any damage and loss and the moving labor doesn’t work for the company, so it makes sense to know about the office address of your chosen company to catch them in any future disputes.
Know What the Valuation Coverage Actually Covers
Though many people take them as two terms for one service, valuation coverage is not the same as moving insurance. Most moving companies provide basic moving insurance known as valuation coverage that is not easy to claim. For instance, if you have packed a moving box yourself and any damage occurs to the goods contained in that box, you cannot claim against the mover. Movers would also not be liable for any loss that occurred due to natural calamities. So, it is wise to research your valuation coverage and understand what it actually covers.
Learn about Your Current Homeowners Policy
It is important to know the details related to your homeowner insurance. As already discussed, valuation coverage doesn’t include all your goods, make sure what all household goods are covered in your homeowner’s policy. Generally, the homeowner insurance policy doesn’t cover goods in transit so make a note of it.
Purchase Additional Insurance
Once clear with the fact what all is not covered in your homeowner’s insurance policy, consider buying additional moving insurance to cover your all household goods. As valuation coverage won’t provide full coverage to your goods and homeowners insurance doesn’t cover goods in transit, it is wise to purchase additional moving insurance. A third-party moving insurance is highly recommended especially if you have to move delicate and valuable items. Additional insurance becomes all the more necessary for a long-distance move where you cannot be present to keep a check on your goods. Since, in a long-distance move, goods are handled by multiple people at multiple locations, make sure you buy additional insurance to cover any loss and damage.
Take Pictures
Take plenty of pictures of your inventory before you start packing your goods. Make sure, you are around when movers are packing your stuff. Even if you are packing the stuff yourself, make sure you take pictures while packing as these pictures can be used as evidence in case you have to claim any insurance in the future. If you find anything broken or lost, movers will be held accountable for the loss.
Be Aware of Red Flags
There are some red flags that you should definitely be aware of while choosing a moving company. So make sure you do not hire:
- If the moving company doesn’t agree to provide an onsite quotation.
- If the moving company doesn’t provide estimate in writing
- If the moving company is charging too low or too high.
- If the moving company is asking for full payment in advance.
- If he claims that all goods are covered(as this cannot be true)
- If the company doesn’t have a physical office in the city.
These are some of the proven ways to protect your move and ensure that you have a safe and successful relocation experience.
