Moving Valuation Coverage
Moving comes with a lot of questions. If it’s your first time moving or it’s been a while since your last move, you may be unfamiliar with the details of moving valuation coverage.
We want to ensure that you understand how valuation works so that you can make an educated choice about the level of valuation coverage you want as well as have peace of mind that you are covered. That’s why we put together this guide on moving valuation coverage.
Limited Valuation Coverage
Your cheapest option is limited valuation coverage, also known as “released value protection”. This comes at no cost to you.
Under this plan, the moving company assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. This plan does not cover you for the value of the item, solely the weight. For example, if one of your items weighs 10 pounds, you would only be covered for $6 for that item, no matter how much that item is valued.
While you may not have to pay an additional charge for limited valuation coverage, you still do have to sign a specific bill of lading agreeing to it. If you don’t sign for it, you will automatically be charged for full value protection and be covered as such.
Full Value Protection Plan
It is understandable that you may not limited valuation coverage may not be enough. This is especially the case if you have items of high value that can be easily damaged.
That’s why we offer a full value protection plan. You will have to pay an additional charge but with this plan, you get full replacement value coverage for all of the items in your shipment.
That means that if one of your items is damaged or lost we will, at our discretion, offer to:
- Have the item repaired.
- Replace the item with a similar one.
- Give you a cash settlement for the cost of repair or replace the item based on the current market price.
This price may vary, so speak with your moving representative to get the full written details of this plan.
Articles of Extraordinary Value
There are certain items that must be identified, in writing, to your moving company called “articles of extraordinary value”. This includes any item that clocks in at over $100/lbs in terms of value. Some common articles of extraordinary value include:
- Jewelry
- Fine Art
- Fur Clothing
- Technology
You should fill out a High-Value Inventory Sheet listing out all of your qualifying items.
Valuation vs. Insurance
While valuation coverage and insurance coverage are similar in that they both cover your belongings in the case of damage, they aren’t exactly the same.
Insurance: When you get insurance, you have to pay a premium. Your items are then protected from any damage including those done as part of the move as well as any unforeseeable events that occur during the move such as acts of God or fire.
Valuation Coverage: This is coverage provided from the moving company in accordance with federal law. Your moving company will cover the agreed-upon level of coverage as long as the damage that occurs is directly caused by the mover.
Third-Party Moving Insurance
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable throughout the moving process. You may not feel that way about our moving valuation coverage options, and that’s okay. That’s why we suggest Baker International if you’re looking for third-party moving insurance.
Final Thoughts
Moving valuation can be a bit tricky to understand, but that’s why we are here. We want you to go into your move with confidence. If you have any questions about moving valuation or want to learn more, give us a call at (954) 792-6650.
If you’re ready to move with us, you can fill out your free estimate form to request your estimate today.
