Moving Box Calculator
How many rooms are you moving?* Don't forget to count your attic,
basement and garage!
basement and garage!
Moving Kits
Moving Boxes
Packing Supplies
People know little about the various ways they can protect their stuff when moving, so they often make bad decisions. Learn about the types of valuation and how it works, and ask questions of your movers; they are required to give you brochures explaining how all this works, so ask for it.
If you want to brush up on this subject before moving day, here are a few of the coverage plans offered. Before choosing, be sure to discuss it with your moving company because rules and regulations change state by state.
Replacement Value Protection
This is often referred to as"full-value replacement protection." Any goods lost, damaged or destroyed during the move will either be repaired, replaced, or a cash settlement made at the moving companies discretion.
This is the most comprehensive plan available for the protection of your goods while in transit. Costs vary, but choosing a higher deductible you can reduce the cost.
Basic Carrier Liability-Released Value
This mouthful is often called"limited liability" and is the minimum required. This option is usually covered in the base price and does not cost any extra money. As such, it is the most economical choice available, but your stuff is often covered by no more than 30- 60 cents per pound per article.
The coverage for local moves is commonly 30-60 cents per pound per article, but it will vary state to state. For interstate moves it is 60 cents per pound per article. So, if you're using long-distance movers and your 20-pound TV is destroyed in transit, you would be entitled to $12.00 for its replacement.
Obviously this won't replace the TV, so study carefully before agreeing. If you agree to this option, you will be asked to sign a statement of agreement on the Bill of Lading.
Declared Value Protection
In some states, there is Declared Value Protection for intrastate/local moves. It's based on the depreciated value of an item regardless of replacement cost.
With this option, the mover assumes liability for the entire shipment at an amount equal to 1.25 times the weight, or whatever the given amount is in a particular state, of your shipment. For example, if your shipment weighs 8,000 pounds, the mover will be liable for loss or damage up to $10,000.00. Though you have made no specific arrangements for this plan, you may automatically default to it, if you have not chosen another option. This varies state to state. The mover is entitled to charge you for this protection. Prices will vary; however, it will probably be around $7.00 for each $1,000.00 of liability assumed.
Ask your mover for additional charges and rules.
Does Homeowners Cover Me?
Some homeowner's insurance policies cover household goods fully or partially while in transit, so check with your agent to see if and how you are covered. In the event you need to file a claim with the insurance company, you will need to prove that the loss or breakage is due to the mover's negligence. If the damage is due to your poor packing skills, you get nothing.
DIY Moving Options
Consumers who choose one of the do-it-yourself (DIY) options put their possessions in the greatest jeopardy. Equipment rental insurance and homeowner's policies may cover some catastrophic losses but both have limited application and well-defined exclusions. Basically - if you bend it, bust it, break it, or burn it - you buy it. Read the fine print and then ask specifically about insurance claims.