Moving is stressful work but opening a box to find dented electronics, broken dishes, or any other form of damage can ruin your whole day. So, whom do you hold responsible for this mess? Most likely it is your mover’s fault but that is not always the case.
Most moving companies, like Safebound Moving & Storage, have insurance. This not only protects you but the movers as well. As far as the homeowner is concerned, it provides reimbursement in the event of damage or loss. And from your mover’s perspective, it safeguards their business against loss in the case of a major claim.
If you are confused about who is liable for damage to items during transit, today’s post will cover everything you need to know about rights and responsibilities during a move. Here is how you can tell whether your mover or you should pick up the tab when disaster strikes!
Damage to the House
When you find your property damaged during the move – whether it is the one you are moving into or from – the movers are usually responsible. Long days, awkward boxes, and heavy furniture can add up to scruff across the floor or a dented drywall.
You can take pictures of your home before moving to record its condition. If the damage is evident after or during the mover’s arrival, then there is no question about who caused it and who should be paying to get it repaired. It is important to keep in mind that the movers will hold no responsibility if the damage was unavoidable. This can include a loose stair handrail or treat that can cause the mover to trip and drop a nightstand. This can ultimately create a hole in the drywall.
Damage to Your Belongings
When you get a moving company to do the packing, you expect your prized possessions to be just the way they were when you arrive at your new place and start unpacking. But the truth is that accidents happen. Lampshades get bent, glasses break, and all sorts of mishaps can transpire inside a moving truck and the cartons carried within.
Blaming one party over this is not going to be as easy as one might think. So it all boils down to one thing: who packed the boxes? If the movers you hired packed the belongings, you bear no responsibility for the damage that happened on the way. But if you packed the boxes and the movers only came to pick, load, and transport them, you might be held accountable.
If you packed a box and the movers damaged it on the way to your new home, then you are probably going to have an argument to be reimbursed. Checking the moving contract for a ‘hold harmless’ clause or a liability waiver with sweeping and broad language helps. This clause intends to protect the moving company no matter what. Moreover, these clauses might not hold up in court so if you have signed one, it may prove difficult to get a reimbursement.
Protecting Yourself
One of the main things you can do to protect your belongings is to take some pictures of them. Sometimes the carton ends up disappearing between the destination and the origination. As we said earlier, accidents happen. This can sometimes mean a favorite possession gets broken or lost during transit. The only way to make sure the carton existed in the first place is to take photos and inventory and keep them for the record later. Luckily for you, there are several apps in the market that combine photo capabilities with itemization to give you the best results. On the other hand, you can also use a simple ledger, a spreadsheet, or digital photos to cover all your bases.
Should You File a Claim?
The worst-case scenario would be that your belongings did not get to you in one piece and you have no choice but to file a claim. You might not be fully reimbursed but the more information you provide, the better are your chances. The process is not difficult since it is similar everywhere.
If you are using the services from Safebound Moving & Storage, you should notify the mover of the damage right away. Gathering evidence that proves the damage should be the second step to follow. Taking photos and not throwing away anything helps with this step. You should then fill out the mover’s claim. Usually, you have 9 months to file but the sooner you get it done, the better.
Describe how and where the package was damaged and keep the damaged item until the claim is settled. You should also check the credentials of whichever moving company you pick. These should include insurance and license. Reading up about the companies and checking their reviews also helps you to determine how reliable they are.
Conclusion
In summary, a moving company is responsible if it loses or damages a customer’s possessions. In these situations, the customer files a claim with the mover to request financial compensation. To protect customers and safeguard their business, well-known movers carry insurance to compensate for the damages in the event of a claim.
Are you looking for a moving company? Well, look no further because Safebound Moving & Storage is here to help. Our vetted, experienced, and extremely helpful moving professionals will handle all your precious belongings with care while packing, loading, and moving so that you never have to worry while relocating to your new dream home.
