Moving Insurance & Damage Claims

Moving insurance is designed to safeguard your possessions against damage or loss that might occur during the move.

In Texas, movers provide "valuation," which is the level of liability a mover assumes for your goods. Unlike third-party insurance, valuation is a contract between you and Ameritex Movers. While basic valuation is free at $0.60 per pound, real "Full Value Protection" ensures your items are repaired or replaced at current market rates.

Many Houston homeowners policies cover "property in transit," but they often exclude breakage caused by movers. We recommend checking with your agent in neighborhoods like The Woodlands or Sugar Land to see if your policy covers accidental damage or if you need to add a "moving rider" for your relocation dates.

For a local Houston move, Full Value Protection typically costs between 1% and 2% of the total declared value of your shipment. For example, protecting $50,000 worth of household goods usually costs between $500 and $1,000, ensuring your high-value items are fully covered against loss or damage.

A High-Value Inventory Form is a document used to list any items worth more than $100 per pound. This includes fine art, antiques, and luxury electronics. In Houston, you must declare these items before the move to ensure they are covered for their full worth under a Full Value Protection plan.

To file a claim, you must submit a written request to the Ameritex Movers claims department within 90 days of your delivery. Include your job number, clear photographs of the damage, and a detailed description. We will acknowledge your claim within 20 days and work to resolve it within 90 days.

The Bill of Lading is the legally binding contract between you and Ameritex Movers. It acts as a receipt for your goods and outlines the specific valuation coverage you’ve selected. In Texas, you must receive a signed copy of this document before any items are loaded onto the truck.

Standard mover valuation does not cover "Acts of God" like hurricanes, flash floods, or lightning. To protect your belongings against these environmental risks during a Houston move, we recommend purchasing a third-party "All-Risk" insurance policy, which offers broader protection than standard mover liability.

Generally, movers are not liable for the contents of "Packed By Owner" (PBO) boxes unless there is visible external damage to the box itself. To ensure your fragile items are fully covered for accidental breakage, we recommend using Ameritex Movers’ professional packing services for your Houston relocation.

Yes, you can typically increase your valuation level up until the moment the movers begin loading the truck. However, for third-party "Full Replacement" insurance, most providers require coverage to be bound and paid for at least 48 hours before the move begins in the Houston area.

Items specifically excluded from coverage include cash, jewelry, precious stones, stock certificates, and important legal documents. These "irreplaceable" items should always be transported personally in your own vehicle during your Houston move to ensure they stay under your direct supervision and are never at risk.

Yes, Ameritex Movers maintains an exemplary industry standard with a damage claim rate of less than 1%. This reflects our commitment to the Stress-Free philosophy, using high-quality equipment and background-checked professionals to handle every move in the Houston metro with maximum care.

Enhanced Liability is a "middle-ground" option offered by Ameritex Movers. It provides a higher per-pound payout than the standard $0.60, offering better compensation for loss or damage without the full cost of replacement insurance. It’s ideal for Houstonians moving moderately valuable furniture who want more than basic protection.

Under standard valuation, movers are only liable for the specific item damaged, not the entire set. If one chair in a dining set is broken, we cover that chair's repair or replacement. To protect the aesthetic value of a complete set, we recommend purchasing specialized third-party insurance with a "Pairs and Sets" rider.

Standard valuation typically does not cover "mechanical derangement"—which is when an appliance or electronic device stops working without evidence of external damage. To protect complex electronics during a Houston move, we recommend keeping items in their original packaging and allowing them to acclimatize to the air conditioning before plugging them in.

Under Texas state law (TxDMV), you have exactly 90 days from the date of your move’s completion to file a written claim for loss or damage. We recommend notifying Ameritex Movers within 24 to 48 hours of your Houston move to ensure the fastest possible investigation and resolution.

Yes, under TxDMV rules, Ameritex Movers has the right to personally inspect any damaged items or shipping containers within 30 days of receiving your written claim. You should preserve the damaged item and its original packing materials at your Houston home to allow for a thorough and fair assessment.

Released Value Protection is the minimum liability required by law, covering only $0.60 per pound per item. For a move involving expensive electronics or modern furniture, it is usually not enough. We recommend this option only for Houston residents moving low-value items that are easily and cheaply replaced.

Yes, professional movers carry General Liability insurance, which covers damage to your property (walls, floors, or doors) during the moving process. At Ameritex Movers, we use floor runners and doorframe protectors to prevent this, but we are fully covered and accountable if accidental property damage occurs at your Houston residence.

Absolutely. You can purchase "All-Risk" moving insurance from independent agencies like MovingInsurance.com or Baker International. These policies are often more comprehensive than mover valuation and must be arranged at least 48 hours before your move begins in the Houston area.