Mover’s Liability and Coverage

Released Value Protection

This is the most basic form of protection that all movers in California need to provide to their customers. So in the event of your items being damaged or lost during a move, under this coverage you will be entitled to 60 cents per pound, per article.

For instance, if you have an item that is 20lbs, you will be entitled to $6 in compensation. Regardless of the actual value of your item, you will only be entitled to that specific compensation.

People will sometimes assume that if an item’s value is $300 and it breaks when moving, they can get compensation for its entire value. However, this assumption can only lead to disappointment. But with this information, you now know that you are not liable to receive the full value to replace the broken item.

Another important thing to consider is that RVP coverage is free and carries no additional cost. Therefore, unless you specifically ask for more coverage, your final quote will not be affected. Items that you send out for donation will also be part of this coverage, so you will receive compensation for them in the event of any damage. Here is a list of Places to Donate in SF.

Full Value Protection

While released value protection can offer some compensation for lost goods, it is rarely ever enough. This is also why our company will offer you another coverage option, which is Full Value Protection. This is more comprehensive than RVP and can offer you more options for how you choose to be reimbursed. Along with choosing a cash settlement, you can also choose to have your item repaired or replaced. FVP also applies if you’re only moving a short distance.

FVP will be an added cost to your overall quote, which is important to consider when choosing this option. Federal law does not mandate companies to provide this, which is why you will have to voluntarily opt for it. This is especially great for businesses moving to a new office, since they can get proper compensation for their expensive equipment. You should also discuss if having specific insurance will affect any moving discounts that you might have. You can check our pricing options for a more detailed understanding of what affects the final price.

In the case that you file a claim for any goods that were covered by Full Value Protection, the process will look something like this.

Filing a claim for damaged goods

Reputable moving companies in California usually follow a few steps after you file a claim for your item.

Inspect

First, they will check to see if the item, which could include an appliance, was actually broken or damaged as a result of their negligence. Since most crews document existing damage on all your items before you move, this step will usually take little time.

Repair

Next, their first course of action will be to repair the item and bring it back to its original functionality. This means that the company will hire a professional to look at the damage and assess if it can be fixed and brought to sound condition.

Replace

If they are unable to repair your item, the next course of action is to replace the item with a similar valuation. This is an important factor to consider, especially for furniture. If the company buys you a replacement, it might not be completely new. For instance, if a microwave that you have been using for a year needs replacing following a move, then they might not buy a new one. Instead, they might buy a used one that is of a similar make and value as the damaged microwave. The value of the damaged item will play a huge role in what you receive as its replacement.

Reimburse

Finally, if they are unable to find an adequate replacement for the damaged or missing item, then they will likely offer you a fair market value. They will ascertain the current value of the item that you lost and then offer you an amount as a settlement. Along with the make and model of the item, they will also consider depreciation and any deductibles. This can vary across items, with microwaves having higher depreciation than something like a piano.

What doesn’t it cover

Another important thing that you will have to consider is that Full Value Protection does not cover all of your belongings during the move. Under certain circumstances, you will either receive compensation according to the Released Value Protection coverage or none at all. These circumstances include:

Situations Outside their Control

These can include failing infrastructure, natural disasters, or other situations that the movers could not reasonably account for. This can also include rain or snow in some instances, so you should be careful when you decide to move.

Inclusion of third-party services

FVP will not offer coverage for items that are in storage after the move, or when transporting your goods with other trucks. The movers will also not be liable when loading or unloading from these trucks either. We make an effort to inform you of our trucks, licenses, and credentials to avoid issues like this.

Packaging from the customer

If damage is the result of poor packaging from the customer or a third party, you will not be eligible for any compensation. If you still choose to pack yourself, make sure to use high-quality tape and seal properly. However, FVP will extend to any items that the moving company packs for you, even if it is due to faulty packing supplies that they are using.

High-Value Items

High-value items can include jewelry, antiques, personal heirlooms, and other valuables. An accurate way to describe high-value items is that their value exceeds $100 per pound. While they will automatically be covered by RVP, they are not covered by FVP. According to federal law, companies do not have to pay for damages to high-value items during transit. There is still an option, though. You can choose to disclose certain high-value items to your mover, and they can offer coverage specifically for them. You will also have to disclose these items 48 hours before the day you move.

Conditions for choosing FVP

An insured mover can offer you Full Value Protection, especially when helping seniors move, but they will only do so under certain circumstances. These include:

• Inspect and photograph items covered by FVP, which can include a video walkthrough
• Testing electronics to see if they are working before the move
• Inspect and repack poorly packed boxes

Furthermore, if you instruct a mover not to pack items despite their better judgment, even if it’s because you’re moving in an emergency, they will not be responsible for damages. Simply put, FVP will no longer apply to that item. Be sure to contact us if you have more questions that you would like answered.