Why It Is Almost Impossible To File A Moving Claim Against A Moving Scam
July 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Moving Insurance, Moving scams
Filing A Insurance Moving Claim With A Moving Scam Company Is Almost Impossible, And Here Is Why…
Moving Scams abound in many different forms. What you may think is a scam may be only bad service. But that doesn’t make it any less of an ordeal.
The bad moving companies and moving scammers have many things in common. One of those being that you hardly ever get any satisfaction with the moving company when you file a moving insurance claim against them.
Below is a great article written by a great man. Read it and tell me what you think:
Why Local Moves Go Bad
It’s time for some straight talk about claims. How they are handled, how management feels about claims and how they treat their customers who file a claim.
There are hundreds of moving companies nationwide that move people locally every day. Some do the job well but far too many do a lousy job, using people who are not qualified. These people are the problem, one that won’t go away. No moving company can afford to staff enough workers to cover their peak periods. They will only employ those who can work every day.
Local movers know that they can expect more jobs around the 1st and 2nd days of the month, as well as the 15th, their peak periods. Those are days that apartment dwellers move because their rental period expires then. Local movers hire street help to get those days covered.
These people are at the bottom of the food chain! They don’t want regular employment, just enough money for their needs, often including drugs or alcohol. Almost all have no training and don’t give a damn about the safety of your personal effects.
Movers hire them because they want additional revenue. Every manager who has ever hired street help knows these people will cause problems but go with it anyway.
The company that hires street help is usually very good at ducking claims. They make it difficult for a customer to get a claim form. They avoid taking calls and rarely return messages. When they receive a written claim, it winds up in a tray on someone’s desk only to remain there indefinitely.
These are people who have to be held responsible for the damages they cause. It’s difficult but I assure you it can be done. You must be persistent and aggressive but if everything you’ve tried has failed, you should seek help.
I am a professional claim consultant. If you have filed a claim or are planning to, and you have had problems, contact me. If you don’t think you will be aggressive enough because it’s not your nature, I promise you, I can help.
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Have a Good Day.
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Moving Insurance: Understand Your Moving Company Insurance Options
December 16, 2008 by jburnham
Filed under Moving Insurance
Below is an article written by the Federal Government. It is a great article and very well written. I believe that you should get a lot of information out of it. Read my article Moving Insurance: The True Story. I hope you like it; feel free to leave any comments you have about this article below.
Understanding Valuation and Insurance Options
Protecting Your Household Goods: What If Something Is Lost or Damaged?
Are you moving?
There’s a lot at stake when you move. There’s the money you’ll spend. The memories you’re taking from one place to another. And, your treasured possessions—furniture, family pictures and children’s toys. When you move, your personal property (including valuables) is loaded onto a moving truck. And while most moves go smoothly, accidents do happen and some items may be lost or damaged during shipment. Your mover is liable for the value of the goods you ask them to transport. There are, however, different levels of liability. The level you choose will determine the type and amount of reimbursement you will receive if an item is lost or damaged.
Be aware of the various types of protection available and the charges for each option. This brochure will serve as a tool to assist you in making the right choice for you.
The two different levels of liability movers are required to provide are explained below and in Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to provide to interstate moving customers. Be sure to read this information carefully and follow the instructions provided to declare a value on your shipment.
What are your options?
Under Federal law, interstate movers must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage: (1) Full Value Protection and (2) Released Value
(1) Full Value Protection
Under Full Value Protection, your mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. This is the more comprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings. Unless you select the alternative level of of liability described below—Released Value—your mover will transport your shipment under the Full Value Protection level of liability. If any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s custody, your mover will, at its discretion, offer to do one (1) of the following for each item:
- Repair the item
- Replace with a similar item
- Make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value
Under this option, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (i.e., jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques). Ask your mover for a written explanation of this limitation before your move. The exact cost for Full Value Protection varies by mover and may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your mover for written details of their Full Value Protection plan.
(2) Released Value
The most economical protection available is Released Value, since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, you would only receive $6.00 in compensation (60 cents x 10 pounds). There is no additional charge for Released Value. However, you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading or contract agreeing to it. But remember, it compensates you according to the weight of the item, not its actual value. And, if you do not select Released Value, your shipment will automatically be transported at the Full Value Protection level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable charge.
Full Value Protection and Released Value are not insurance policies governed by State insurance laws; instead, they are Federal contractual tariff levels of liability authorized under Released Rates Orders of the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Third-party Insurance
If you select Released Value, some movers may also offer to sell or obtain for you separate liability insurance. The cost of this insurance is not included in the basic move and must be purchased separately by you. This is not valuation coverage governed by Federal law—it is optional insurance regulated by State law. If you purchase this coverage, the mover remains liable for the amount up to 60 cents per pound per article; but the rest of the loss is recoverable from the insurance company up to the amount of insurance you purchased.
Your mover is required to issue the policy or other written record of the purchase and provide you with a copy at the time of purchase.
You also have the option of purchasing insurance from a third-party insurance company. Before purchasing insurance, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you’re already covered.
If you’re moving within your State …
Each State may have its own rules and regulations governing moves within the State. Check with your State, county or local consumer affairs agency or State moving association if you’re moving to a new location within the same State.
Keep in Mind …
Some of your actions may limit your mover’s liability. These include:
Packing perishable, dangerous or hazardous materials in your household goods without your mover’s knowledge. Packing your own boxes. You may consider packing your own household goods articles to reduce your costs, but if the articles you pack are damaged, it may be more difficult to establish your claim against the mover for the boxes you pack. Choosing Released Value coverage when your household goods are valued at more than 60 cents per pound per article. Failing to notify your mover in writing about articles of extraordinary value. Do not sign a delivery receipt for your household goods if it contains any language about releasing or discharging your mover or its agents from liability. By law, you have nine (9) months to file a written claim. Strike out this kind of language or refuse delivery until a proper receipt is provided. Report loss and damage promptly. You have nine (9) months following either the date of delivery, or the date on which the shipment should have been delivered, to file a written claim. Interstate movers are required to participate in a dispute resolution or arbitration program to address your loss and damage claims. If your mover does not provide you with information on its program, ask for it—movers are required to provide a concise, easy-to-read summary.
Key Terms
Bill of Lading – The receipt for your household goods and the contract for their transportation.
Extraordinary Value or High Value Article – An article of high or extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound.
Hazardous Materials – Explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Many common household items are considered hazardous materials. These include nail polish remover, paints, paint thinners, lighter fluid, gasoline, propane cylinders, and automotive repair and maintenance chemicals.
Interstate Move – A move in which goods are transported from one State to another
Intrastate Move – A move in which goods are transported from one point to another within the same State; no State borders are crossed.
Tariff – A list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges. Each mover publishes its own tariffs and these must be provided to you upon request.Valuation – The designated dollar value of your shipment.
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Moving Insurance: The True Story
November 27, 2008 by jburnham
Filed under Moving Insurance
Moving insurance is complicated and overwhelming, and many people really don’t understand it when a moving company says that they are insured. Just because a moving company is ensured doesn’t mean that you are covered. And I am going to tell you why below:
There are four types of moving insurance coverages that you need to know and understand. By understanding these insurances you can better arm yourself and have ease of mind when you are moving.
Of course you should never use a moving company if they are not insured, but if you do, then know you can still purchase moving insurance for yourself. Also, many people don’t realize that they may already be covered under their current homeowners or renters insurance. You need to call your agent to see if your insurance covers you during a move.
So here is a brief explanation of moving insurance for you:
Basic Carrier Liability
Basic Carrier Liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article. This minimal amount of liability that must be provided to any consumer when transporting goods is called “released value”. There is no extra charge for this minimal protection. Whether you move locally or long distance the mover that you will use must provided you this. If moving locally, please consult your mover in your state on what is the minimal liability for that state. When moving out of state the minimal liability that the mover assumes for not more than 60 cents per pound per article. Under this coverage if a 10-pound item valued at $ 1,000 was lost or damaged and you agreed to a released value of shipment, the mover would be liable for no more than $ 6.00.
Declared Value Protection
This coverage is subject to an additional charge to a minimum of $ 1.25 time the weight of your shipment. This coverage is based on depreciated value of an item regardless of current replacement cost. The whole shipment is covered at a value not to exceed the dollar amount that you, the customer, declare. With this option the mover assume liability for the entire shipment at an amount equal $1.25 per pound times the weight of your shipment. For example, if your shipment weights 8,000 pounds, the mover will be liable for loss or damage up to $ 10,000. Though you have made no specific arrangements for this plan, the mover is entitled to charge you $ 7.00 for each $ 1,000 of liability charge of $70 will be added to your bill for additional liability. Under this arrangement a 10-pound item valued at $ 1,000 in your 8,000 pound you could collect the full value of the painting if it was lost or damaged. Your valuables are somewhat protected, under this plan, but you pay for it.
If your shipment exceeds the liability of $ 1.25 per pound times the weight of your shipment, you may obtain full replacement liability. To obtain this coverage please consult your mover for additional charges and rules regarding this coverage.
Movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value. It is your responsibility to understand this coverage by obtaining a complete explanation of this limitation before your move. Your mover will provide you with the explanation regarding this liability. However, we do suggest that all these valuables should remain in your possession during the move.
Full Replacement Value
This coverage equals the replacement cost or the repair of a damaged item. The mover can sell you or procure for you liability insurance in the amount you require if you release your shipment for transportation at a value of 60 cents per pound per article. If any damages or lose to your shipment occurred during your move, the mover would be liable for an amount not exceeding 60 cents per pound per article, and the balance of the loss would be recoverable from the insurance company up to the amount of insurance purchased. Full replacement value coverage is subject to a minimum charge of either $3.50 or $4.00 times the weight of your shipment. Some movers will provide minimum full replacement value coverage. You should decide if the minimum coverage is enough to cover your load in case of loss or damages.
This coverage may have a deductible. Remember that coverage with deductible reduces the premium; you will also be responsible for the first $100.00, $250.00 or $500.00 of loss or repairs.
The mover’s representative can advise you further on the availability of such insurance liability and the cost.
Extra Ordinary Value Items
All items in your shipment, which are considered to be of extraordinary value, must be identified. You must advice your van line agent in writing that they are in your shipment. These items are defined as items having a value greater than $ 100.00 per pound per article.
Thanks to vanlines.com for contributing insurance informatiom.
You must understand what you are covered by with your moving company. Any reputable moving company will tell you what they have and suggest how you can protect yourself more if possible.