The moving claim process

Everyone would hope that a claim for damages or lost items would not be necessary in a move, but you should be prepared in any event. The best preparation is to carefully screen multiple moving companies and choose a licensed professional with the experience to handle your move. However, even the best moving companies will experience damage claims and you should be sure that you have some type of valuation coverage on your goods when you plan your move out with your moving company.

When moving day arrives, the movers will prepare an itemized inventory with the quantity and condition of your goods. It is important that you are in complete agreement with this inventory, so that if a claim does need to processed, you will have the documentation needed as to whether damages were existing before the move or were related to damage done during transit.

If after your shipment is delivered at destination you find that you have missing or damaged items, it will be required by most companies that you submit your claim in writing. Call the agent that handled your move to request their particular paperwork to file your claim.

If at all possible you will need to save the damaged goods so that it is available for an inspection. Should you have crushed cartons, broken glass or other items that may be hazardous to family members, be sure and separate those items to a safe area within your new home. In some instances, you can take pictures of the damage and then discard the items. However, before you discard any damaged items, you should first confirm the claims process with your moving company to make sure that you are still covered if you discard them.

Should lost or damaged goods cause the existence in the new residence to be impossible, such as broken beds, appliances that will not work, or anything that would make every day life difficult, your mover can sometimes expedite replacement of the items while awaiting the written claim form.

After you have listed any lost or damaged items on your claim form it needs to be returned to the mover as soon as possible. At most companies, you have nine months from the date of the delivery of your goods to file your claim, but the sooner the better so that the people responsible for the damages can be held liable and your damages can be satisfied expeditiously.

When the claim form is received by the moving company, a claims adjuster will be assigned to process your claim. Generally that is a person from a service company in your destination area. They will make arrangements to come to your home and inspect the goods to determine if repairs can be made or if the item needs to be replaced. It is important that you have clear communication with your adjuster as to how you will be satisfied with the way your claim is settled. For example, if you do not feel an item can be repaired, make sure the adjuster is aware that you would rather have it replaced. If the adjuster is really not sure if the repairs can be made, they will generally report to the moving company that they suggest replacement as this is likely the lower cost option to satisfy your claim.

When settling your claim, the moving company may decide to pay a cash settlement to you for the value you have listed on your claim form for the item damaged. Generally this is because of the challenge or impracticality of getting a replacement item to you. Make sure that you are satisfied with the settlement before cashing any check because normally when a check is issued to you for your claim it will read full and final settlement of your claim. If you are dissatisfied with the amount continue to negotiate an acceptable settlement.