Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Protecting personal belongings during an interstate residential move is of prime importance. Moving valuation is crucial when it comes to protecting your belongings during a move. By understanding the different levels of liability and choosing the right valuation, you can ensure that your items are adequately protected in case of loss or damage.
What is moving valuation?
Moving valuation provides protection for your belongings in the event that they are lost, damaged, or destroyed during the moving process. Moving valuation is not the same as insurance policies. When you hire a reputable and licensed moving company, you are given the option to choose from different levels of valuation to ensure that your items are covered to a certain extent.
When an individual or family secures a moving valuation and their belongings are damaged or lost during the move, the moving company is liable for them. Only when the damage is directly caused by the mover do they agree to pay a specified amount on the claim.
What types of moving valuation are offered for interstate moves?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that moving companies present two valuation options: released value protection and full value protection. Released value protection is the basic option, while full value protection is more comprehensive. It is important to understand the distinction between the two types of moving valuations.
Option 1: Released Value Protection
As the basic option, released value protection is automatically included in the move quote at no extra cost. The moving company is liable for no more than $0.60 per pound, up to a maximum of $50 per item. Released value protection has some limitations, which significantly impacts the amount of compensation.
Released value protection is based on the weight of the goods, instead of their actual value. If an upright piano weighing 300 pounds and with a value of $3,000 undergoes damage during the move, the moving company compensates the homeowner the $50 per item maximum.
Although this basic form of protection is economical, it provides inadequate protection. Homeowners can be grossly undercompensated for pricey, low-weight items that undergo damage. Individuals opting for released value protection are obligated to sign their bill of lading to show their decision.
Option 2: Full Value Protection
On the other hand, full value protection offers more robust protection, as it’s based on the value the homeowner assigns to their belongings. If an item breaks or is lost during the move, the moving company can either repair it, replace it, or offer a cash settlement equal to its current market value. Movers are allowed to limit their liability for items with “extraordinary value” (items valued items that are valued more than $100 per pound), unless the items are specifically listed.
These three options give homeowners greater peace of mind as they entrust their belongings to the moving company. Full value protection is typically offered for an additional charge of 1 percent of the covered item’s value. This usually amounts to about $8 to $12 per pound, per item.
Consider the example of an 11-inch iPad Pro, weighing 1.03 pounds, with a value of $799. Under full value protection, breakage of the tablet obligates the moving company to compensate the homeowner for the fair market value, though, due to depreciation, it may fall short of its replacement value.
Does moving valuation cover everything?
Moving valuation excludes some items and incidents. Since valuation is provided only due to negligence from the movers, boxes packed by the owner are not covered. Dangerous and perishable items that the movers are unaware of are also excluded.
Weather events, like hurricanes, that ruin belongings during transit likewise fall into the category of excluded incidents. Homeowners who wait too long to file a complaint after damage to items shipped by the mover may also not be covered by moving valuation.
What if I am looking for extra protection when moving?
While moving valuation offers compensation based on the declared value of your items, moving insurance goes a step further by providing coverage against even more risks, such as accidents, theft, or natural disasters.
Unlike moving valuation, moving insurance is not offered by all moving companies. It is usually obtained through a third-party insurance provider who specializes in coverage for the transportation of household goods. Some insurance providers offer different types of moving insurance policies, including policies that cover your items while they are in transit, policies that cover them while in storage, or policies that cover them in both situations.
If you have additional questions about moving valuation, it should be directed to the moving company. A residential moving company that prioritizes excellence in customer service will provide a thorough explanation to ensure you make an informed decision. You’ll find such a reputable mover at Mid-West Moving & Storage.
We provide quality residential moving services to help you relocate seamlessly from your current family home, condo, dorm, apartment, or retirement home to your exciting, new destination. A designated move counselor oversees the move and answers questions about concerns, like moving valuations.
Our licensed, bonded, experienced, and background-checked moving crews handle all your belongings with care and professionalism. We utilize hardwood floor runners, carpet shields, door jambs, and more to protect your home, furniture, carpets, and all belongings at both the origin and the destination.
Mid-West Moving & Storage is Chicagoland’s most trusted moving service. From packing services to short- and long-term storage, we offer options to ensure a successful move. When you seek an affordable, highly rated mover committed to quality, call us at our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office.
Call our Chicago, Illinois, location today at 847.593.7201 or fill out a form online and request your free moving quote.
