When Selecting a Moving Company:


                 * Thoroughly review the moving company's terms for insurance coverage.
                 * Determine the extent of liability coverage for property loss or damage your
mover will provide.
                 * Closely examine the contract and find a section for you to establish the estimated value of your            
                   possessions.
                 * Determine the maximum liability dollar value of the insurance provided by the
mover and the
                   process involved in case you need to place a claim. However, this does not guarantee that in case       
                   of a claim you are entitled to the maximum liability damage coverage. Factors such as government       
                   regulations, taxes, and laws limit the actual the amount you may be entitled to in case of a claim.
                 * Realize that the insurance provided by most
moving companies only covers a portion of the total          
                   value of your possessions and you will have to get additional insurance to be fully covered.

Insurance Available Through Your Mover:


                 * Declared value: The value of the things you move is based on the total weight of a damaged item         
                   multiplied by a specific amount per pound (example; $1.75 per LB.). For instance, if your article            
                   weighs 300 pounds the mover would be liable for up to $525.00. Claim settlement is then based on      
                   the value of the item(s) damaged.
                 *
Lump sum value: If you need insurance that is based more on value than on weight you can get           
                   insurance for a specific amount (the amount is variable dependant on the insurance provider) per        
                   $1,000 of value. You must know the value of what you are shipping and make a declaration in              
                   writing on the bill of lading.
                 *
Full value protection: This type of coverage includes lost, damaged, and destroyed property. The         
                    coverage will pay for the repair or replacement of the item(s). Usually there is a minimum coverage      
                   amount and applicable deductibles.
                 *
Free basic insurance: This type of insurance is provided for free through your mover at a value of       
                   $0.60/lb/item. Since this is the minimum insurance available it is always recommended to purchase       
                   additional insurance.

How to Get the Right Insurance for Your Residential Move:


                   Whether you hire a mover or move it yourself, it is impossible to guarantee that all of your property      
                   will arrive at its final destination in the same condition it started out Damage to your property can          
                   occur in transit (on the
moving truck), in storage, and when it is being carried in or out of the moving    
                   truck. Things can be accidentally dropped, dented, or broken by
moving men. Most insurance              
                   coverage that can be obtained through a
mover limits the mover's liability and will not completely          
                   cover the value of your property if lost or damaged. It is extremely important to make sure that your      
                   possessions are adequately insured before you move.

                   Create an inventory of all the items you are
moving
                   * What you are moving (sofa, dining room set, refrigerator, etc.).
                   * The weight of each item you are
moving (estimate the weight).
                   * The replacement value of each article you are
moving.


Homeowners Insurance as a Supplement:
     

                 Most homeowner insurance policies cover about 10 percent of the value of your personal property;        
                 including coverage for breakage and theft in transit, minus the usual deductible. This can be a good      
                 supplement to the insurance provided by the
mover.

Additional information

                 * If you are moving fine art, valuable musical instruments or antiques, you should consider special          
                   measures to ensure their safety and protect against their loss or damage. If these items are not             
                   covered while in transit by your home policy, you would be advised to purchase additional coverage.      
                   Speak to your
mover or homeowner insurance representative.
                 * In the event that something should happen to your belongings and you have to file a
moving claim,      
                   you must do so within (9) months of the event. You should also note the problem on the
moving van       
                   driver's copy of the bill of lading before signing it. Your
mover will then have 30 days to acknowledge      
                   receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receiving your claim, the
mover must either deny the claim or    
                   make an offer to pay.
Moving Insurance Tips