Moving insurance tips for a worry free move

Accurate itemized property lists help ensure fair claims

By Natasha Dogre

Every move has risks. This is true in a move across the globe, across the country or around the block. Even trusted, reputable international movers can make mistakes or have accidents. Boxes and other items can shift in transit or be dropped and broken, even by an experienced mover. Moving insurance will cover losses in accidents such as these and can provide the client with peace of mind during the stress of moving.

A professional moving company will offer the client a valuation, or the amount of liability the mover will take for the client's possessions during the move. This can be calculated by the weight of what is being moved or by a specific assessment of the value of what is being moved. Clients often have various choices in coverage offered by a moving company, and sometimes a deductible may apply.

It is important for the client to assess the value of the items to be moved. The list of items should be as detailed as possible, including pictures and descriptions of each item and the cost of replacement. Before hiring a moving company, a client should compare this list to the liability offered by the company. If the moving company's acceptable liability is much lower than the client feels his possessions are worth, the client will want to consider additional insurance.

A client should also research a company to see how it has handled claims in the past. Another possibility for moving insurance is through the client's homeowner insurance. The client should call his homeowner insurance company to determine if items are covered during the move and what percentage of the value of the items will be recovered in case of breakage, damage, theft or lost items. This option is likely to have a deductible, so it may or may not be worth it to the client depending on the value of his personal property. 

Finally a client can opt to buy private insurance before a move. This is called Goods in Transit insurance, and it offered by private insurance companies and sometimes by moving companies themselves. Clients should seek advice from an insurance agent to determine the amount of coverage needed how claims should be filed. 

It is also wise for a client to know the process of filing a claim with any of the above types of moving insurance. There is a limited amount of time to make a moving insurance claim, often nine months from the time of the move. Waiting longer than this period can result in the claim being denied. When filing a claim, the client should be sure to refer to the personal property assessment made before the move and to the amount of liability offered by the moving company.

Moving can be a long, stressful process, but a client can make moving easier by protecting himself and his property from damages caused by accidents or negligence. Securing moving insurance before an accident happens is crucial and will save the client time, money and future complications.

About the author: Natasha Dogre is a consultant at Feedbacq, an online platform that helps expats relocate by connecting them with quality international movers. If you have any questions, you can add them to the comments section below.

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