Frequently Asked Questions: Moving Insurance

First Choice Moving & Storage treats your belongings as if they were our own. We pack our trucks to minimize the possibility of damage and pad exposed items thoroughly to avoid wear and tear during the drive.

Even with the great possible care, however, accidents do occasionally occur – particularly on long-distance moves that require hundreds or thousands of miles of travel.  And because damage to a customer’s cargo is a concern for all moving and transportation companies, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the industry to ensure that all carriers have the same obligation to their customers.

Below, you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions about your rights as a customer should damage occur.

Does my move include insurance against any damage?
For every move, First Choice provides the standard DOT valuation rate of $0.60 per pound of damaged cargo. In other words, if a bookcase that weighs 50 pounds is damaged during the move, you will be able to claim $30 (50 x $0.60) from your insurance. If several pieces of furniture weighing a total of 1,000 pounds are damaged, you’ll be able to claim $600.

Why can’t I claim the full value of a damaged item by default?
If moving companies were required to offer full insurance, the cost of moves would increase drastically – particularly for customers with light but valuable items. One or two mistakes could threaten a moving company’s ability to operate without losing money. For example, a local move that costs $400 and involves an antique chair worth $3,000 would present an enormous liability for any moving company. The same principle holds for high-end electronics, some appliances and items of sentimental value.

Without a limit on the movers’ liability, customers would have to pay substantially more for each move.

Can I buy a more comprehensive insurance policy?
First Choice Moving & Storage works with Baker International to provide a range of insurance options for our customers. While most customers do not opt to purchase additional insurance, it’s definitely an option worth considering – particularly if you have light and valuable items like the antiques, electronics and appliances discussed above.

If you’d like to purchase additional insurance, call Baker directly to get their most current rates. You can also talk to one of our Relocation Specialists if you have any other questions about supplementary insurance.

What are my other insurance options?
Several insurance companies offer policies to protect the value of your belongings during a move. Check with your existing insurance providers for their current rates.  In particular, you may want to call your homeowner’s or renters’ insurance provider to see if they have a discounted policy that will cover your move.

If you’re not sure what to ask for, just give us a call – we’re happy to guide you through the process of finding a policy that fits your needs.

How can I protect particularly fragile items?
On the day of your move, please inform your foreman regarding any item you are particularly concerned about. Your foreman can advise you on how best to protect the item during the move, and will take all possible steps to do so. All of our foremen are professional movers who have been doing this for a long time and have experience protecting fragile or valuable belongings from harm.

If you have any other questions, please contact your relocation specialist before your move. We’re happy to help at any time!