Moving furniture can be quite a hassle especially when you have to deal with delicate or valuable items. It’s always important to check if they provide insurance coverage before signing any contract. Wondering why?
Well, accidents can occur unexpectedly. Furniture moving insurance ensures that you’re safeguarded in case anything unfortunate happens.
One of my uncles didn’t check the insurance while confirming a moving company in his time of moving. And on the moving day the movers broke his favorite showpiece which he brought from Russia. And when he claimed for the coverage then he noticed there’s nothing mentioned about insurance and he faced a huge loss.
Types of Insurance Furniture Movers Have
There are different types of insurance that furniture movers may offer or require.
Here are some of the most common ones:
Released Value Protection
Released value protection represents the affordable choice available. However, it offers minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover assumes liability, for 60 cents per pound, per item irrespective of its value. Let’s say you have a 100-pound sofa that gets damaged or lost during the move; in such a scenario you would receive compensation of $60.
Even if it originally cost you $1000. According to survey findings, 21% of customers opt for this option.
Full Value Protection
This is a more comprehensive and expensive option, but also more secure. It means that the mover is liable for the total replacement value of any item if movers breaking furniture during the move.
For example, if your 100-pound sofa gets damaged or lost during the move, you would get $1000 as compensation or a similar item of equal value. According to the same survey, 79% of customers prefer this option.
Third-party Moving Insurance
There is an alternative called third-party moving insurance that you can buy directly from an insurance company than, through the moving company. With this option, you have the flexibility to select the coverage level and deductible that aligns with your needs and budget.
For instance, you can purchase a policy that provides coverage for $10,000 worth of furniture with a deductible of $500. The cost of this type of insurance typically ranges from 1% to 5% of the value of your belongings.
You should weigh them carefully before making a decision. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when moving your furniture.
Questions to Ask Furniture Movers About Their Insurance
Before signing a contract or making a deposit it’s crucial to inquire about the insurance policies of the movers.
Here are some questions you should ask:
What kind of insurance do you have?
Furniture movers typically offer two types of insurance; liability insurance and cargo insurance. Liability insurance covers any damage or injuries caused by the movers to your property or, to parties.
Cargo insurance protects against damage or loss of your belongings during transit. Each mover may have combinations of these insurances. Some may have both, someone, and some none at all.
How much coverage do you have?
Furniture moving insurance coverage varies based on factors such as the type of insurance the value of your items and the terms outlined in the contract. For instance, certain movers might offer a coverage rate of $0.60 per pound per item. If your sofa weighs 100 pounds and sustains damage during transport you will receive $60 as compensation.
Alternatively, other movers may provide value protection which ensures that they will cover repair costs or replace your items based on their market value. It’s essential to ask about the amount of coverage offered by each mover, as what is included and excluded from their policies.
How do I file a claim if something goes wrong?
Remember that having insurance doesn’t guarantee compensation if something goes awry during your move. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to make a claim there are two options filing a claim, with the movers insurance company or with your insurance provider if you have one.
It’s essential to inquire about the claims process from the movers themselves. They can guide you on the documents and timeframes involved and also provide insights into your rights and responsibilities, as their customer.
Do you have any references or reviews from previous customers?
Reviews are a pretty satisfactory way to know about any particular service. And while you’re hiring movers, this can be the easiest thing to check about. You can check their ratings on their websites. Several public forums and social media sites can also be good sources to know about the moving company.
Remember, when hiring someone to move your belongings, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Why Furniture Movers Insurance Matters
Moving furniture is risky. You never know what’ll happen next. Your valuable belongings can be damaged while moving. And here comes furniture delivery insurance comes in.
Here are some benefits of furniture movers insurance:
Financial Protection For Damaged Items
The insurance will cover the cost of fixing or replacing your furniture according to the terms of the policy. If movers damaged furniture, you can claim for money.
Coverage For Injuries
Moving furniture can also cause injuries to yourself, the movers, or other people. If someone gets hurt during the move, the insurance will cover the medical expenses and legal fees that may arise from the incident.
Protection For Property Damage
Sometimes, moving furniture can also cause damage to your property or the property of others. For example, you might accidentally knock over a vase, scratch a wall, or dent a door. The furniture moving insurance will cover the cost of repairing or restoring the property to its original condition.
Peace Of Mind With Coverage
Hiring furniture movers who have insurance gives you peace of mind that your belongings are in good hands. You don’t have to stress about what might go wrong during the move. You can focus on enjoying your new home and settling in.
When do you need to purchase additional Furniture moving insurance?
You’ve hired a furniture mover to help you relocate your precious belongings to your new home. But do you know if they have insurance? And if they do, is it enough to cover the full value of your items in case of damage or loss? You might want to double-check before you sign any contract.
Here are some situations where you might want to consider it:
Valuable Belongings
You have valuable belongings that are rare, expensive, or have sentimental value. These could be antiques, heirlooms, artworks, or anything else that you can’t easily replace. If your mover’s insurance only covers the weight of your items, not their actual value, you might end up with a huge loss if something happens to them.
Long-distance Move
You are moving long-distance, across state lines, or even internationally. The longer the distance, the higher the risk of something going wrong during the transit. Your items might be handled by multiple parties, exposed to different weather conditions, or delayed for various reasons.
You want to make sure that your furniture moving insurance covers all the possible scenarios and compensates you adequately in case of a claim.
Winter or Summer Move
You are moving in winter or summer when the temperatures are extreme and can affect your furniture. Wood can crack, warp, or expand due to humidity and temperature changes. Leather can fade, dry out, or crack due to exposure to sunlight or heat. Metal can rust or corrode due to moisture or salt.
You want to protect your furniture from these environmental factors and ensure that your insurance covers any damage caused by them.
Insufficient Coverage From Mover
You find out that your mover’s insurance is insufficient or has too many exclusions. Some movers might offer basic insurance that only covers a fraction of the value of your items, or has a high deductible that you have to pay before you can file a claim.
Some moving companies may have exclusions, for types of items like electronics, glassware, or musical instruments. Additionally, there might be instances where they do not provide coverage for damages that occur during the loading/unloading process or while your belongings are in storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do furniture movers in California have insurance?
Yes furniture movers in California are required to have insurance. According to the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) this insurance provides coverage up to $20,000 per shipment to compensate for damaged goods up to the value.
Prioritizing your safety, safeguarding your belongings is crucial. That’s why choosing furniture movers is a decision. They have the expertise, equipment, and experience to handle your furniture with care and efficiency.
Having insurance adds a layer of convenience and security, to your moving experience. Know if you can ask movers to trash your old couch.
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