Moving is exciting, but it can be risky business. Let’s be honest — even if every precaution is taken, accidents can still happen. Boxes rip, movers drop things, furniture slips, catastrophes happen. The occasional accident is inevitable.
That’s why one of the first questions you should ask any moving company you consider is: “Are you insured?” Many of today’s moving companies still operate without the proper coverage to protect you and your goods during the move.
Moving insurance helps protect you and your belongings from damage and loss. But there’s more to moving insurance than meets the eye. Before you sign your name to an agreement, it’s important to understand the insurance options available to you.
Check out the infographic below for an overview of your insurance options.
Your Moving Insurance Options
With any move, you have three moving insurance options. These options are: standard valuation, full replacement coverage, or going through your homeowners insurance. This is what you should know about each of them.
Option 1: Standard Valuation
Every move comes with standard liability, which is ubiquitous throughout the Texas moving industry. This value is $0.60 per pound per article, which typically covers the costs of repairing damaged items, but not replacing them. Take note that this option may not completely cover some of your items.
While Ameritex Movers has less than a 1% damage claim rate, we do recommend you purchase additional insurance to cover very valuable or delicate items. Another alternative is (if easily movable) to move the valuable or delicate items yourself instead of buying insurance to protect those few items.
Option 2: Full Coverage
Option 3: Homeowners' Insurance
Your current homeowners’ insurance may already cover your move and your furniture if it is in storage. It never hurts to check with your policy to see if you already have this coverage. It is a great way to reduce an added expense that you’ve paid for through your premiums.
If your current provider doesn’t offer moving insurance, he or she may be able to refer you to other companies for third-party coverage.
Moving Company Liability
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states all moving companies must be registered. This helps you protect yourself from dishonest movers. It also prevents movers from claiming they have no responsibility while your belongings are in their possession.
Ameritex Movers is a fully licensed and insured moving company.