COMPENSATION FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS
Note that moving companies can't sell insurance policies in the US. Instead, they may provide moving Valuation Coverage which limits their liability for damaged and lost items.
Your options for additional coverage for your goods during the move are:
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Obtaining either Actual Cash Value Protection (ACVP) or Full Value Protection (FVP) through the moving company.
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Purchasing moving insurance coverage from a third party.
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Checking if your renter's or homeowner’s insurance covers any losses during the relocation process.
If the shipper chooses to obtain insurance coverage from a third party, it is their responsibility to follow the instructions and terms of the agreement provided by the insurance company. If the insurance company requires the mover to handle items in a specific way, the shipper must contact the company before the moving date to determine if such requests can be accommodated.
BASIC COVERAGE
Only BASIC COVERAGE is offered at no extra cost according to California regulations, unless Actual Cash Value Protection (ACVP) or Full Value Protection (FVP) is purchased for an additional charge. This basic coverage provides minimal protection. Claims for losses or damages are based on the item's weight, calculated at $0.60 per pound. For example, if a dresser weighing 100 pounds is damaged, the company will pay $60 (100 lbs x $0.60 per lb) toward the cost of repairs.
ACTUAL CASH VALUE PROTECTION (ACVP)
This type of coverage ensures recovery at the actual cash value (i.e., the fair market value of your lost or damaged item(s), up to the total value you declare. The minimum declared value has to be $10,000. Maximum declared value is $50,000.
· The rate of ACVP is $1.00 per each $100 of declared value.
· The rate of ACVP for the goods in storage-in-transit is $0.16 for each $100 of the declared value.
FULL VALUE PROTECTION COVERAGE (FVP)
With this valuation option, if any article is lost, destroyed, or damaged while in the hands of the company’s employees, the company at its own discretion, offers to do one of the following for each item: repair the item, replace it with a similar item, make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value. The minimum declared value has to be $10,000. Maximum coverage is up to $50,000. The shipper can request higher coverage (up to $250,000) – please read below.
The rate of FVP is
· $2.00 per each $100 of declared value with no deductible.
FVP for the goods being in the company’s storage will be applied at the rate of
· $0.37 per each $100 of the declared value with no deductible.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON MOVING COVERAGE
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Extraordinary Value Articles: The company limits its liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value unless the shipper specifically lists these articles via email at least 96 hours before the moving day. The shipper must declare the value of each item and attach pictures. Extraordinary value articles include items valued over $100 per pound, such as jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques, or electronics.
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ACVP or FVP Requirements: If Actual Cash Value Protection (ACVP) or Full Value Protection (FVP) is requested, a full inventory list with the realistic declared value for each item, supported by pictures, must be provided at least 96 hours before the move. Otherwise, only BASIC COVERAGE will be offered.
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Packing Requirements: To qualify for ACVP or FVP coverage, packing must be done by the movers.
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Storage-in-Transit (SIT): If the shipper requires storage-in-transit (SIT) for up to 90 days, including long-distance moves with a flexible delivery window, ACVP/FVP will be calculated twice—once from the pickup location to the company’s storage and again from the storage to the delivery location.
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Storage Duration: ACVP and FVP are not provided for goods stored in the company’s storage for more than 90 days. If a customer has ACVP/FVP for items in our storage, the coverage is voided if the items remain in storage for more than 90 days.
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Inspection Requirement: If ACVP/FVP is ordered, all covered items must be unpacked and inspected in the movers' presence. The shipper is responsible for any charges associated with this inspection. Claims may be denied if items are not inspected in the movers' presence.
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Higher Cargo Coverage: To obtain higher cargo coverage (between $50,000 and $250,000), the shipper must notify us at least 5 business days before the moving date to allow time for insurance approval. Once approved, an additional $300 will be added to the bill, along with $1.82 per $100 of declared value.
The company does not provide ACVP and FVP for:
1. Particleboard, simulated wood, and presswood furniture (e.g., most IKEA furniture).
2. Ceramic pots and vases.
3. Antique furniture and other antique items (e.g., musical instruments).
4. Furniture disassembled by a third party.
5. Major appliances unless significantly damaged and inoperative.
6. Furniture with existing damages.
7. Shipments where the shipper (must be the same person) is not present at both pickup and delivery.
8. Self-storage destinations unless all items are unpacked and inspected upon delivery in the movers' presence.
9. Electronics packed by movers unless visibly damaged.
10. Items packed by the shipper or a third party.
11. Ultra-thin and/or curved TVs unless packed by movers in their original packaging materials and boxes.