When scheduling a move with a reputable moving company, the amount of Valuation Coverage you choose is certainly a topic that should be discussed. Be sure that you choose the appropriate coverage for the items you will be moving. The initial cost could be well worth the investment should an unforeseen accident occur. Sure it costs more initially, but in the long run, it could save you financially (not to mention, emotionally!) Also, be sure to check with your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if your policy covers you during a move. Some policies cover catastrophic only during transit but not loading and unloading.
Interstate
For an Interstate move, it is required by law that every licensed mover provides Basic Liability. Basic Liability is free of charge and provides for a maximum reimbursement of 60 cents per pound per article. myBMS Moving & Storage provides Basic Liability Protection for the replacement or repair of an item at 60 cents per pound per article or additional coverage based on your needs.
*Example: A sofa weighing 150 lbs. costs $800; if damaged during the move, you’d receive $90 if you select Basic Liability coverage, or up to $800 if you had full value replacement coverage.
Documentation and signatures are a must. Damage must be documented, if it is not in writing and signed, it doesn’t exist, no matter who you choose to be your mover. Most importantly, trust your mover and cover all of your bases to protect yourself.
Valuation
Depending on the items you are moving, additional coverage is a no-brainer. For your reference it is not out-of-the-ordinary to need $6-$10 per pound per article coverage in order to replace the items at today’s market value. myBMS Moving & Storage Full Replacement means “Your goods are covered for repair, replacement or reimbursement against loss or damage for up to 100% of their current retail value, no depreciation and with maximum reimbursement up to the shipment value. myBMS Moving & Storage averages the amount of coverage at $6 per pound per article; If you need more, (as mentioned above) we can adjust that for you.
Your Move
An important question to ask the Moving Consultant when he or she is at your home is the company’s policy about pairs and sets as they pertain to valuation coverage. What happens when one of three items in a set is broken? Will the moving company replace only one of them or all three? Although each company’s policy differs, so do regional regulations. If your move is an intrastate or an interstate move, that will also determine how these regulations apply to your move. Regardless, hire a mover that follows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines for the region. (www.fmcsa.dot.gov)
Industry Association
According to the Moving Industry’s National Trade Association, American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) Web site, there is now a protection and certification program called ProMover that helps fight imposters, known within the industry as “rogue operators.” AMSA President and CEO, Linda Bauer Darr, said in a 2009 op-ed article introducing the AMSAs ProMover program, “The ProMover program is the key to putting rogue operators out of business. Please note I don’t refer to them as ‘rogue movers,’ as they really aren’t any sort of professional mover at all.” (http://www.promover.org/content.asp?contentid=1018)
Yes, myBMS Moving & Storage has earned the right to be a ProMover. For Other articles about moving, please visit: www.mybekins.com/blog.
-Lance Grooms and Jon Huser