What should I know in order to be ready in case an item is lost during a move?
With so much to do when you move into a new house, it’s easy to overlook the ABC’s of following up on any items lost or damaged during the move. Keep this timetable handy to help keep track of making a claim.
- Before the driver leaves...
Make a note of any obvious damage directly on the driver’s inventory before signing it. Also, write down the numbers of any damaged cartons not yet unpacked, and describe the damage in detail.
- Within the next week...
Get claim forms from the destination agent or the mover’s home office.
- As soon as possible...
Finish unpacking or at least check the contents of all cartons that won’t be unpacked for a while. Report any concealed damage right away.
- Within a month...
Make a claim for damage as soon as possible. It’s a busy time, but putting off making the claim is a recipe for relinquishing it. Mark the date you mailed the claim on the calendar and count ahead 30 days. The mover is required to acknowledge receipt of your claim within that time period.
- Thirty days after filing...
Check to see if the carrier acknowledged the claim. Mark the date three months from now. The mover has a total of 120 days from receipt of the claim to deny or make an offer to settle the claim.
- Four months after filing...
Carrier should have taken action on the claim by now, either to deny or offer a settlement.
- Eight months after the move...
Check on carrier’s claim deadline – it’s usually nine months after delivery – and make sure all claims have been filed and acknowledged by the carrier before the carrier’s time limit expires.
- Keep proof...
To help support your claims, keep all the pieces of anything broken. Also, save all your transportation documents and photocopies of all correspondence.
- Three levels of coverage
The liability of the carrier depends on the coverage options chosen.
- Limited Liability, the standard coverage, allows up to 60 cents a pound toward replacement of a lost item or repair of a damaged one.
- Added Value Protection pays for damage up to the depreciated value of an item.
- Full Value Protection offers replacement of an item or a cash settlement for market value.
There are so many things to think about before and during a move. Don't do it alone. Call or e-mail us, and professionals will be there to assist you at every step.
