fbpx
BOOK MY MOVE

Moving Insurance and Property Valuation

Understanding Moving Insurance

At All Service Moving we take every precaution and use the highest industry standards to ensure that your belongings are protected as if they were our own. Our goal is to always make your move hassle and damage free, and as an enjoyable as possible for one of life’s big moments.

Federal law requires movers to offer protection for all moves (because accidents do happen) – however, understanding your protection coverage, and choosing the right option can be daunting.

To help you make the most informed decision, we’ve delineated the different choices below. If you need additional information, or don’t know which coverage best fits your relocation, don’t hesitate to contact us.

MOVING PROTECTION AND INSURANCE OVERVIEW

Under Federal law, interstate household movers are required to offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage: (1) Full Value Protection and (2) Released Value Protection.

Full Value Protection and Released Value are not insurance policies governed by state insurance laws; instead, they are Federal contractual tariff levels of liability authorized under Released Rates Orders of the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Per Federal statue, released value protection is always included with your move when hiring a licensed moving company. Licensed companies are not allowed to offer additional or lesser protection levels for free.

In most states, moving companies are also able to offer additional protection levels for a price set by the state’s Department of Transportation.

Protection Types and Terminology
  • Released Value Protection is automatically included when other coverage is not chosen at no additional cost – but covers a minimum valuation at 60₵ per pound.
  • Full Value Protection offers a higher coverage of $6 per pound at an additional cost.
  • Full Coverage is available through third-party insurers, and replacement valuation will vary dependent on coverage requested.
  • Inventory Required: If requesting to purchase Full Value Protection or Full Coverage (options B or C), you will also need to schedule and pay for inventory services on your goods in addition to coverage costs. Due to the time inventory services require, this must be requested in advance.
  • Homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance may cover your move with a licensed mover such as All Service Moving, it’s always a good idea to ask your agent. Inventory may also be required as per your policy.
RELEASED VALUE PROTECTION is included at no charge with all moves

The most economical protection is Released Value, as it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, liability is assumed at 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000 is lost or damaged, eligible compensation is $6.00 (60 cents x 10 pounds).

What you should know:
  • Cost: Included in all moves at no additional charge
  • Coverage: 60₵ per pound per article.
  • Requesting Released Value Protection: you will be required to acknowledge your request the bill of lading or moving contract agreeing to it.
  • If you do not select Released Value, your shipment will automatically be assigned to Full Value Protection level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable charges.
FULL VALUE PROTECTION – covers up to $51,000.00

Like Release Value Protection, Full Value (Replacement) Protection offers X dollars per pound coverage, with a higher valuation of $6.00 per pound for the actual weight of any lost or damaged article. For example, if a 200-pound dresser is damaged, the valuation will cover up to $1,200 for replacement or repair (whichever is less as determined by the mover).

What you should know:
  • Cost:
    • Local Moves – $433.50 / per truck (8500 lbs.) + inventory (billed as hourly or at $0.85 per $100 in valuation)
    • Long Distance Moves  $510.00 / per truck (8500 lbs.) + $300 inventory (per truck).
  • Coverage: $6 per article per pound and will apply to replacement or repair of the item (whichever is less).
  • Coverage does not include: electrical internal components or items or items not properly boxed (for example, a television).
  • Inventory is required: Base cost is dependent on whether your move is local or long-distance.
  • Advance Request: This coverage must be requested at least at least two business days prior to your move date.
LIABILITY INSURANCE – Available from external vendors for customized coverage

If you select Released Value, you may also opt to purchase additional third-party liability insurance.

Third party insurance can cover the difference between the mover’s liability (60 cents/pound) and the amount of coverage purchased. This valuation is optional insurance and is regulated by state law.

What you should know:
  • Cost: Your costs will vary dependent on coverage requested, this coverage also requires inventory which must be done in advance. Inventory costs will apply as a separate charge:
    • Local Moves – Inventory billed as hourly or at $0.85 per $100 in valuation
    • Long Distance Moves  – Inventory billed at $300 per truck (up to 8500lbs.)
  • Where To Purchase: We recommend Bakers Moving Insurance  1-800-356-0099 – you will need to reference our company ID 18895. You may also use another third-party provider.
  • Advance Preparation: Since third-party insurance may require specific inventory needs and additional paperwork approval – this should be purchased well in advance of your move.
HOMEOWNERS OR RENTERS INSURANCE – You may be already covered

It is always advised that before you purchase additional protection that you check with your Homeowners or Renters Insurance agent. Often, your policy will cover moving your transport when using a licensed mover.

What you should know:
  • Cost & Coverage: Your cost and coverage will be dependant on your policy. We recommend calling your agent in advance as possible.
CLAIMS & COVERAGE NOTES – For Released or Full Valuation Protection

Understanding your valuation or insurance coverage will help you make the most informed decision regarding your move protection. Below are the coverage outlines for Released Value, or Full Value protection. Insurance coverage from third parties will vary – make sure to read the fine print.  You can read our contract for Released or Valuation protection in the next tab, or download a copy here as part of our Bill of Lading.

If you have any additional questions about which valuation option is best for your move, please feel free to reach out. We are here to educate and help you make the best choice for your specific moving needs.

What you should know:
  • Claims to All Service Moving for lost or damaged items must be made within 3 months of your move and may be settled in up to 24 months. Claims made to third party or external insurance providers may vary.
  • What is not covered? There are several parameters for items not covered, but the most common items are boxes that the mover does not pack, items that should be boxed and are not (when the owner has done their own packing), internals of electronics when no physical damage is present and ready-to-assemble furniture, such as Ikea or particle board pieces. Items of extraordinary value such as art, money and jewelry are also not covered – see our FAQ’s for best prepping for your move.
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT –  For Released or Full Valuation Coverage. External Insurance Contracts Will Vary

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER OF CERTAIN RIGHTS.

In consideration for receiving certain services from DBA: All Service Moving of “ASM LLC” (“Company”), Signing a bill of lading means you take responsibility and agree to the following WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT:

I acknowledge that packing, loading, transporting and unloading property creates certain risks to my property and my person. In particular, property can be broken, dropped, scraped, torn, scratched, lost, etc., including risks to carpets and hardwood flooring, as well as risk of loss of cash, checks, bonds, jewelry, deeds, coin and stamp collections, alcohol, prescription medications, damages to fur or items lined with fur, particleboard furniture, firearms and/or ammunition, and plasma televisions. COMPANY STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU PERSONALLY MOVE ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT MONETARY OR PERSONAL WORTH.

Further, I understand I could be physically injured by use of property damaged in the move, or through physical impact with furniture, boxes, or vehicles. I further understand that transporting home appliances or preparing them for use after transportation is dangerous and could result in injury or damages. In particular, appliances may be installed improperly and result in flooding, electrocution, or fire. COMPANY STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU HIRE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER TO INSTALL ALL APPLIANCES.

I agree that installation of home appliances is my personal responsibility. I understand installation of home appliances is not the responsibility of Company.

I, for myself, my heirs, successors, executors, and subrogates, hereby KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE AND RELEASE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS COMPANY, it’s directors, officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, actions, causes of action, liabilities, suits, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) for damages to my property or person resulting from COMPANY’S NEGLIGENCE during the move or resulting from an improperly installed home appliance.

Not withstanding, the foregoing, I also agree Company is responsible for $.60 per pound of damaged or missing items and that I have purchased and/or had the opportunity to seek a higher degree of protection through insurance. I agree that I may not bring any claim for lost or damaged items more than three (3) months after the move. By bringing a claim, I agree to permit Company any reasonable means to investigate my claim. I further acknowledge that Company is not responsible for the contents of any box it did not pack, opened boxes and items that should be boxed or crated that I chose not to. I agree Company’s responsibility only extends to items while under its care and custody and Company’s responsibility terminates when it leaves the premises and/or after it loads and/or unloads my transportation.

I agree Company shall not be held responsible for normal wear and tear on my residence resulting from moving items, and I will hold Company harmless for any floor damage or dirt. I accept that Company does not insure “ready to assemble furniture”, such as Ikea. (*see note below) I agree that certain items can not be moved without damage and I hold Company harmless for such items when the movers tell me before hand that they are in risk of damage if moved. I take complete responsibility for any transportation I provide and damages that transportation does to anything else including roofs, homes, people and other vehicles regardless of who is operating it, and Company holds no responsibility for my transportation, rented or owned.

*Understanding Ready to Assemble Furniture: In our world of Ikea and fast-fashion, we all may own ready to assemble furniture. Such furniture is defined as articles which are shipped from place of manufacture in a knocked down “KD” or knocked down flat “KDF” condition to be assembled post-factory by a store, reseller or end-user. When the carrier is asked by the shipper to disassemble, move or reassemble Ready to Assemble Furniture, it shall be done at the owner’s risk and at a maximum liability on the part of the carrier of $104.20 per article. Furniture containing multiple pieces fastened together shall be one article. Regardless of the shipment valuation selected by the shipper, “Ready to Assemble Furniture” shall be released at $.60 per pound.

Except when transportation is performed under the provisions of Item 1(b) or tariff, the following CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS apply to all transportation performed by carrier in addition to all other rules, regulations, rates, and charges in this and other applicable tariffs, which are available for inspection at the location(s) specified by the carrier. This contract is subject to all the rules, regulations, rates and charges in carrier’s currently effective applicable tariffs including, but not limited to, the following terms and conditions:

SECTION 1: The carrier or party in possession shall be liable for physical loss of or damage to any articles from external cause while being carried EXCEPT loss, damage or delay caused by or resulting: (a) From an act, omission or order of shipper; (b) From defect or inherent vice of the article, including susceptibility to damage because of atmospheric conditions such as temperature and humidity or changes therein; c) From (1) hostile or warlike action in time of peace or war, including action in hindering, combating or defending against an actual, impending or expected attack (A) by any government or sovereign power, or by any authority maintaining or using military, naval or air forces; or (B) by military, naval or air forces; or (C) by an agent of any such government, power, authority or forces; (2) any weapon of war employing atomic fission or radioactive force whether in time of peace or war; (3) insurrection, rebellion, revolution, civil war, usurped power, or action taken by governmental authority in hindering, combating, or defending against such an occurrence; (4) seizure or destruction under quarantine or customs regulations;5) confiscation by order of any government or public authority; or (6) risks of contraband or illegal transportation or trade. (d) From terrorist activity, including action in hindering or defending against an actual expected terrorist activity. Such loss or damage is excluded regardless of any other cause or event that contributes concurrently or in any sequence to the loss. The term `terrorist activity’ means any activity which is unlawful under the laws of the United States or any State and which involves any of the following: (1) the hijacking or sabotage of any conveyance (including an aircraft, vessel, cab, truck, van, trailer, container or vehicle) or warehouse or other building; (2) the seizing or detaining, and threatening to kill, injure, or continue to detain, another individual in order to compel a third person (including an governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing any act as an explicitly or implicit condition for the release of the individual seized or detained; (3) an assassination; (4) the use of any (A) biological agent, chemical agent, or nuclear weapon or device, or (B) explosive, firearm, or other weapon or dangerous device (other than for mere personal monetary gain), with intent to endanger, directly or indirectly, the safety of one or more individuals or to cause substantial damage to property; or (5) a threat, attempt, or conspiracy to do any of the foregoing. e) From delay caused by strikes, lockouts, labor disturbances, riots, civil commotions, or the acts of any person or persons taking part in any such occurrence or disorder, and from loss or damage when carrier, after notice to shipper or consignee of a potential risk of loss or damage to the shipment from such causes, is instructed by the shipper to proceed with such transportation and/or delivery, notwithstanding such risk. (f) From Acts of God. SUBJECT, in addition to the foregoing, to the further following limitations on the carrier’s or the party’s in possession liability; The carrier’s or the party’s in possession maximum liability shall be : The actual loss or damage not exceeding sixty (60) cents per pound of the weight of any lost or damaged article when the shipper has released the shipment to carrier, in writing, with liability limited to sixty (60) cents per pound per article, or an agreed upon value protection in bill of lading, or

SECTION 2: The carrier shall not be liable for delay caused by highway obstruction, or faulty or impassable highways, or lack of capacity of any highway, bridge or ferry, or caused by breakdown or mechanical defect of vehicles or equipment, or from any cause other than negligence of the carrier; nor shall the carrier be bound to transport by any particular schedule, means, vehicle or otherwise than with reasonable dispatch. Every carrier shall have the right in case of physical necessary to forward said property by any carrier or route between the point of shipment and the point of destination.

SECTION 3: (a) The shipper, upon tender of the shipment to carrier, and the consignee, upon acceptance of delivery of shipment from carrier, shall be liable, jointly and severally, for all unpaid charges payable on account of a shipment in accordance with applicable tariffs including, but not limited to, sums advanced or disbursed by a carrier on account of such shipment. The extension of credit to either shipper or consignee for such unpaid charges shall not thereby discharge the obligation of the other party to pay such charges in the event the party to whom credit has been extended shall fail to pay such charges. (b) The shipper shall indemnify carrier against loss or damage caused by inclusion in the shipment of explosives or dangerous articles or goods.

SECTION 4: If for any reason other than the fault of carrier, delivery cannot be made at address shown on the face hereof, or at any changed address of which carrier has been notified, carrier, at its option, may cause articles contained in shipments to be stored in a warehouse selected by it at the point of delivery or at other available points, at the cost of the owner, and subject to a lien for all accrued tariff charges.

SECTION 5: If shipment is refused by consignee at destination, or if shipper, consignee or owner of property fails to receive or claim it within fifteen (15) days after written notice by United States mail addressed to shipper and consignee at post office addresses shown on face thereof, or if shipper fails or refuses to pay applicable charges in accordance with carrier’s applicable tariff, carrier may sell the property at its option, either (a) upon notice in the manner authorized by law, or (b) at public auction to highest bidder for cash at a public sale to be held at a time and place named by carrier, thirty (30) days notice of which sale shall have been given in writing to shipper and consignee, and there shall have been published at least once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation at or near the place of sale, a notice thereof containing a description of the property as described in the bill of lading, and the names of the consignor and consignee. The proceeds of any sale shall be applied toward payment of tariff charges applicable to shipment and toward expenses of notice, advertising and sale, and of storing, caring for and maintaining property prior to sale, and the balance if any shall be paid to owner of property; PROVIDED that any perishable articles contained in said shipment may be sold at public or private sale without such notices, if, in the opinion of carrier, such action is necessary to prevent deterioration or further deterioration.