Wednesday, June 1, 2011

What do I need to know about liability protection when I hire a mover?

Under federal law, interstate movers must provide liability information outlined in the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet.  The two options to protect your belongings (called valuation coverage) are:

Full Value Protection. Your mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your shipment. They are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value (items whose value exceeds $100 per pound), unless you list these items on the shipping documents.  Ask your mover for a written explanation of this limitation.

Released Value.  This option assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article and is offered at no additional charge. You’ll be compensated according to the weight of the item, not its actual value. If you don’t select Released Value, your shipment will automatically be transported at the Full Value Protection level and you will be charged appropriately.

If you pick Released Value, some movers may offer to sell or obtain for you separate liability insurance. This insurance is regulated by state law. You also may choose to purchase insurance from a third-party insurance company.

If you have any questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please call me at 912-352-1222.

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