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General

Are Movers Responsible for Damage

Are NJ Movers Responsible for Damage

In an ideal world, nothing would ever get damaged during a move. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and while professional movers work their hardest to ensure the safety and security of your items, sometimes accidents happen. To avoid potential headaches for your move, it’s important to know when movers are liable and what steps you can take in case your items are damaged or missing.

The Truth About Moving and Damages

When you hire NJ movers, you spend a decent amount of money not just for convenience but for protection. In theory, hiring movers should be the safest way to transport your belongings. After all, movers have training and experience on the best way to pack the truck and drive without damaging your things. So when something does get damaged, it’s usually due to improper packing, cluttered moving space, or even simple accidents. The reason for the damage will ultimately decide whether the moving company is liable or not.

When Are Movers Responsible for Damage?

Your choices and actions can play a significant part in whether the moving company is held liable for damages or not. Some factors include:

  • Packing hazardous materials – if you pack these items without letting the movers know, and they damage something, the movers may not be held liable.
  • Self-packing – when you pack your own boxes, movers might not be responsible for any damage to the contents. With that said, if you can prove that you packed the box appropriately and the damage comes from neglect and poor handling by the movers, you can open a claim.
  • Coverage selection – your belongings are automatically covered by released value protection coverage, but that means movers are only liable for no more than $0.60 per pound per item. You can purchase full value protection, and if something gets lost, damaged, or destroyed, the movers can choose to repair, replace, or compensate for the current market value
  • High-value items – even if you purchase the full value protection, movers cannot be held liable if you don’t declare all the high-value items. These tend to be items that are worth over $100 per pound, so think of an expensive SLR camera or your TV. Luckily, you just need to declare these items in the inventory.

Common Causes of Moving Damage

Cause of Damage Description Estimated Frequency (%)
Packing Errors Items not packed securely, wrong box sizes, insufficient padding 35%
Improper Truck Loading Overstacked or unbalanced items, heavy items placed incorrectly 25%
Weather-Related Damage Rain, snow, humidity, or extreme temperatures affect items 15%
Handling Errors Movers dropping, bumping, or mishandling items during transport 25%

 

  • Signing delivery receipt – be careful when signing these, as some might have provisions that release movers from their responsibility once the document has been signed. Always inspect your belongings before signing anything.
  • Delay in reporting – if you notice that an item is damaged or a box is missing, report it as soon as possible. While most valuations allow customers to report within 30-60 days, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to claim compensation
  • Weather conditions – some valuations and even third-party insurance companies have a special addendum if you move during extreme weather conditions, where some damages might be considered unavoidable. Make sure to read over all the information beforehand.
  • Pre-existing damage – If there are already some chips or dents on some items, additional damage might not be covered.

So when you put everything together, in order for movers to be responsible for damages, you should properly pack everything, declare the value of your shipment, notify the movers of any high-value items, and inspect your belongings after the move before signing anything! While this might seem like a lot of extra work, it’s worth the peace of mind. 

Hire a Reputable NJ Moving Company

Your best bet for getting compensated for damaged or missing belongings is to use a trustworthy moving company. They might be more expensive, but hiring unlicensed movers can lead to significant risks like unsafe moving trucks, potential for theft, extortion, and more chances for your stuff to get damaged. Stick with the pros, like NJ Great Movers, and you can rest easy knowing we’ll provide you with the best service possible.

FAQ

Is valuation coverage the same as moving insurance?

Not really. Valuation coverage is provided by moving companies while moving insurance is usually provided by a third-party company. Moving insurance can also fill in the gaps that are not covered by valuation, such as very high-value items.

Does my homeowners insurance cover damaged items during a move?

Some homeowners insurance might, but it’s best to look at your policy. Many only protect your items when they are in your home, not while they are in transit.

Categories
Moving Tips

What Is Moving Insurance and Is It Important for Your NJ Move?

What is Moving Insurance and Do You Need It for my NJ move

Moving your belongings from your old home to your new one is a difficult process. You can only hope that everything arrives in one piece. While you’ll have better chances of a damage-free move when using professional NJ movers, there’s always the possibility that something could break. For a more stress-free move, you might consider purchasing moving insurance

What is Moving Insurance?

In simple terms, moving insurance is a protection plan for your belongings during a move. You generally have three available options:

  • Released value protection – the most basic coverage protection. 
  • Full value protection – coverage for the full replacement of items
  • Third-party insurance – more comprehensive coverage for a variety of potential issues

All moving companies are required by federal law to have released and full value protection. These aren’t technically ‘insurance’ (as moving companies cannot sell insurance) and instead are simply an amount of liability they will pay if they damage an item during the move, and thus don’t cover every potential problem overs m that might arise. Actual moving insurance is only available through third parties.

Which is Better: Valuation vs. Insurance

There is a fundamental difference between valuation and insurance, and that’s typically how much coverage it provides. Unless you’re getting the cheapest moving insurance on the market, third-party options tend to provide coverage for a wider variety of scenarios than valuation. More importantly, you can only get the valuations from the moving company that you hire. Different companies offer different types of valuations, so make sure to ask about their options before hiring them. With that said, the most common options are:

 

Types of Moving Insurance and Coverage Comparison

Insurance Type Coverage Limit Cost Estimate Ideal For Notes
Released Value Protection $0.60/lb per item Free Local moves, low-value items Limited coverage, no liability if you pack yourself
Full Value Protection $6/lb per item ~1% of total item value High-value items, long-distance moves Movers repair, replace, or provide cash settlement
Third-Party Insurance Varies by policy $200+ Expensive electronics, artwork, collectibles Covers natural disasters, mold, pests, and transit accidents

 

Released value protection

Covers $0.60 per pound per item for damaged goods. Best for short-distance/local moves with only a few high-value items. This valuation comes at no cost to you, so it’s a good way to save money if you’re on a tight budget. However, if something of high value does get damaged, you likely will only get a small pittance in return. As well, the coverage might be avoided if you pack your own things.

Full Value Protection

As the name suggests, full value protection provides more coverage than released value. While this will cost extra money, it offers a lot more coverage for your belongings. A common valuation for this option is $6 per pound per item. The movers will provide one of three options for damaged items:

  • Repair it
  • Replace it with something of equal current market value
  • Cash settlement for the current market value of the damaged item

While it can cover higher value items that are worth $100 per pound or more, think fine china or electronics, you will need to inform the movers of each of these items in writing to receive coverage. If you don’t, then they can limit how much liability they take. Plan on using short-term storage? Use the one provided by the moving company. Your items will still be protected by the mover’s valuation as well as their own storage insurance. If you use a third-party storage solution and something gets damaged while in storage, the moving company will not be liable.

How much the coverage costs is dependent on the total market value of all your items. Most companies charge around 1% of the total value. This is perfect if you have a lot of expensive items you need to move and/or if you are moving long distance.

As good as full value protection might be, it still doesn’t cover everything, most notably things that are out of the mover’s control. This includes damages from natural disasters, fires, pests, mildew, mold, and more. And much like released value protection, if you pack the boxes, the movers won’t be held liable for any damage, as the damage could have been caused by your improper packing skills. That’s why you should request the movers to pack all your fragile items, so if they do get damaged during the move, you are not to blame!

Third Party Insurance

Unlike valuations, third-party insurance tends to provide greater coverage. Of course, you’ll need to shop around to find a policy that provides the coverage you want. For the most part, though, you’ll want something that covers damage from:

  • Natural disasters
  • Mechanical and electrical accidents
  • Fires
  • Mold and mildew
  • Insects and pests

Your moving insurance coverage lasts up to 90 days if you need to store your stuff in your movers’ storage option. You can even extend it if necessary. However, if you plan on using self-storage, ask the company if they offer coverage, as many do not. Some policies you might want to consider include:

  • Liability – compensates you for your loss on top released value protection
  • Floater – applies to specific items like jewelry or fine china
  • Special perils contents – applies to damage to specific items, sans breakables
  • Trip transit – threats to your items while movers are in transit, mainly accidents caused by other people, automobile/personnel failure, or natural disasters

Insurance prices vary across the board and are based on the value of all your items, the level of deductible you choose, and the destination. With that said, you can expect to pay at least $200. If this seems too expensive, consider the cost of having to replace your electronics or artwork. 

Types of Moving Insurance and Coverage Comparison

Scenario Released Value Protection Full Value Protection Third-Party Insurance
Electronics damage Minimal coverage Repair, replace, or cash settlement Full replacement + accidental coverage
Fine china breakage Minimal coverage Repair or replace Repair or replace + extra perils
Mold or mildew Not covered Not covered Covered
Natural disaster Not covered Not covered Covered
DIY-packed box was damaged Not covered Not covered Sometimes covered (depends on policy)

 

Do You Need Moving Insurance?

Ultimately, the decision requires you to take stock of your items and figure out the value of everything. While professional movers do their best to get everything to your new place without a scratch, there’s always the possibility that something might get damaged. If you’re not moving very far or very much, you can probably get away with the released value protection and save yourself a few hundred dollars. However, investing in full valuation protection and/or third-party moving insurance might be the better option if you have a lot of valuable items. And while it might add to your moving budget, it could save you a lot of money should something happen. Of course, the hope is that everything arrives intact at your new home, but you can at least have peace of mind when you purchase insurance that you’ll be able to receive some help.

If you’re ready to make your NJ move, make sure to work with professional NJ movers, as they can provide you with information on their valuations and even recommendations for moving insurance.

FAQ

How long do I have to make an insurance claim?

You want to send in the claim as soon as possible for best results. Still, you generally have around 9 months to send in all the information.

What do I need to file a claim?

You must first provide proof that you own the items that were lost/damaged. If the items are damaged, you must provide proof that they were not damaged beforehand. That means you’ll need to plan ahead and take pictures of everything you own before it gets packed up. You should also create a comprehensive inventory that lists every item you own along with the value.

What happens if I do the move myself?

There may be some moving insurance that covers a DIY move, but in general, moving insurance policies only cover damages done by movers. Check your homeowners or auto insurance policy to see if it offers limited coverage of your belongings. If you use a truck rental company, they might offer insurance that protects the vehicle and your items.

Categories
How To

How to Find a Reliable Moving Company: 4 Questions to Ask

How to Find a Reliable Moving Company 4 Questions to Ask

The Better Business Bureau receives an average of 13,000 complaints and negative reviews on movers every year,  and moving scams themselves have cost Americans a total of around $2.1 million a year. Not surprisingly, the number of moving scams increased during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the number of scams has decreased since then, you still need to stay on your toes when dealing with movers. 

While most moving companies are reliable and reputable, it’s still important to do your research. That includes asking questions when you speak to each moving company. The questions below will help you avoid scam companies and find a professional moving company that meets your requirements.

Question 1: What is your company’s experience with moving?

When it comes to moving, it’s essential to hire a professional moving company with years of experience. Moving can be a complex process that involves various tasks, such as packing, loading, and transporting your belongings to a new location. An experienced moving company can handle these tasks with ease and efficiency, ensuring that your move is as stress-free as possible. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle any challenges that may arise during the moving process, such as navigating narrow hallways or dealing with fragile items. 

 

Key Experience Factors to Look for in a Moving Company

Experience Factor Why It Matters
Years in Business More experience = better handling of complex moves and tricky situations
Specialty Items Experienced movers can handle pianos, pool tables, antiques, and other delicate items
Equipment & Tools Proper equipment ensures items are moved safely and efficiently
Local Knowledge Familiarity with local streets reduces delays and navigation issues
Additional Services Packing, unpacking, and other services save time and effort

 

On top of that, moving companies that have been around for several years have likely moved pretty much everything, including items like pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, antiques, and more. So, if you plan on moving any of these items, you know you’ll get a better moving experience when you hire reliable movers.

Finally, movers with years of experience have the necessary equipment and tools to handle your items with care and can provide additional services such as packing and unpacking, which can save you time and effort. Additionally, experienced movers are familiar with the local area and can easily navigate through notoriously tricky city and back streets without any issues. Hiring an experienced moving company is a wise investment that can save you time, money, and stress.

Question 2: Are you licensed and insured?

One of the biggest red flags for a moving company is if they are not licensed or insured. All professional moving companies have to register with the US Department of Transportation. Some states, such as New Jersey and New York, also require movers to register with the state’s Department of Transportation. All registered businesses receive a unique USDOT number (and state DOT number) that can be used to look up the company’s safety information, which includes crash investigations, inspections, and more. Licensed moving companies generally list their USDOT number on their website or provide it upon request. You can then use the number to look up information on the company, including registration status, fleet size, and compliance information. Make sure the company is also “Authorized for HHG” (Household Goods), as that will confirm they are licensed for residential moves.

In addition to being licensed, you want to make sure you’re hiring insured movers. In order to receive their USDOT number, moving companies must provide proof of insurance. The most common policies include:

  • General liability – protects the company from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury
  • Workers’ Compensation – provide benefits and/or medical care to the moving crew in case they are injured on the job
  • Commercial Auto Insurance – protects a commercial fleet in case of accidents

Some movers go a step further and add on Umbrella Liability. This supplemental policy offers protection for settlements, legal costs, and judgments. Many apartment buildings require movers to have Umbrella Insurance, so it’s not necessarily a red flag if you hire movers who don’t have it. Just asking if the company has insurance isn’t necessarily enough. You should ask them for a certificate of insurance, a form that lists all of the insurance policies they have, to make sure they have everything. Make sure to check that the name and address listed on the form match what is listed on their website.

Finally, all moving companies must provide some form of cargo insurance in the form of released value protection and full value protection. The released value protection is completely free, but will only provide $0.60 per pound per each item that is damaged or lost in transit. Full value protection will provide one of the three options:

  1. Repair your damaged item
  2. Replace it with an item of equal current market value
  3. Provide a cash payout based on the market value of the item

You can also purchase moving insurance from a third-party if you happen to own a lot of valuable items.

Question 3: What services do you offer?

Hiring professionals for your move isn’t cheap, so it’s important to choose one that can meet all your needs. Outside of shipping your belongings, the best companies offer a variety of moving services. In some cases, some of these services might even be included in your basic moving such as disassembling and reassembling basic furniture, uninstalling window AC units, dismounting TVs, and more.

 

Additional Services Offered by Movers

Service Description Typical Additional Cost
Packing & Unpacking Movers pack your belongings or unpack at the destination $50–$100 per room
Storage Solutions Short or long-term storage of items $100–$500 per month
Specialty Item Handling Pianos, pool tables, antiques $100–$500 depending on the item
Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly $50–$150
Packing Materials Boxes, tape, bubble wrap $30–$100 per pack
Additional Stops Extra pick-up/drop-off locations $50–$150 per stop
Cleaning Services Basic cleaning of old/new property $75–$250

 

So what additional services can you ask for? The most common include:

  • Packing and unpacking – you can choose to hire movers to pack up certain rooms or areas, or hire them for your entire house. For an additional fee, the crew can unpack your boxes and place everything in closets and cabinets the way you want.
  • Storage solutions – if you’re not planning to move into your new home immediately after your move, then you can ask the movers to store your stuff for you. Most companies have storage units available for short and long-term rentals.
  • Packing materials – while you can certainly find free boxes for your move, the materials you purchase from a moving company are the same ones that they use professionally when they pack and seal up your boxes. That means you can rest easy knowing the boxes won’t fall apart in the middle of transit.

There are other services you can request, such as managing bulky or specialty items like pianos and asking for additional stops in case you have some things in storage. Some movers might also be able to help you with cleaning. In either case, you should be clear on your needs and then ask the movers if they are able to meet them before deciding who to hire. And remember, all of these services will cost you extra money, so be sure you have room in your budget for them.

Question 4: How much will a move cost?

Cost is usually the first thing that comes to mind when considering a move. While affordable movers do exist, even on the lower end, you can expect to pay at least a couple of hundred dollars for a small one-bedroom apartment. As the size of your house increases, so too does the cost.

The most important thing to notice when you ask this question is whether there is transparent pricing or not. Are you getting the runaround? Do the prices seem too low in comparison to other movers you have called? Both cases are red flags that the movers are trying to scam you. Reputable movers will provide an itemized bill that lists all charges, including ‘hidden’ charges such as:

  • Transportation cost
  • Stair fees
  • Materials
  • Gas

And of course, the actual moving fee. Local moves tend to charge an hourly rate for moves. In comparison, long-distance moves will be charged by volume and/or weight. So long as you are upfront about what you need and any services you want to include, the final bill shouldn’t be a surprise.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Trustworthy movers are more than happy to field any questions you have and will provide detailed and informative answers. Be wary of anyone who tries to argue with you or pressure you into hiring them. Their prices might seem like a steal, but that’s because they’re planning to scam you out of more money. If you encounter an aggressive customer service agent, simply end the conversation and move on to the next company on your list. Hiring bad movers could lead to huge issues, such as damaged or lost/stolen good,s and potentially losing thousands of dollars.

If you’re ready to make your next move, make sure to hire NJ Great Movers! We provide local and long-distance moves and can provide you with all the necessary paperwork and information to put your mind at ease.

FAQ

What happens if I need to cancel/reschedule a move?

Most moving companies have a 2-day cancellation/reschedule policy. Of course, you should ask the policy beforehand so you don’t get hit with a fee.

Do I need to worry about parking or permits?

No, the movers will take care of everything. With that said, if you live in an apartment complex, you should notify the building management when the movers will come so they can prepare accordingly.

Something was damaged in the move, how do I submit a claim?

You should submit your claim as soon as possible. Make sure to take pictures of the damaged items and send over the information to the moving company. They will help you process the claim.