How to Make Claims Against a Moving Company for Damages

Moving can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, there are a lot of things to consider and manage during the process. One of the biggest concerns is handling losses or damage during a move. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen, and items can get lost or damaged. However, with the right preparation and approach, you can minimize the risk of loss or damage and handle it effectively if it does occur.

According to the report, there were 4,100 moving fraud complaints filed in 2017 alone, and counting. If you are getting scammed by a moving company, continue reading below in order to avoid scams and learn how to file a claim against a fraudulent moving company.

Related: The Importance of Reading Moving Reviews

How to File Claims Against a Moving Company for Damages and Losses

Report Issues at Delivery

Upon delivery of your shipment, inspect everything while the driver is still there if possible. Note any items that are missing, broken or visually damaged on the bill of lading form before signing. This serves as your notice to the moving company that you are making an official claim for those lost or harmed items right away. Get the driver’s contact information too in case more details are needed later on.

File a Formal Written Claim

Submit a detailed, signed inventory list of the missing, broken or damaged property within 9 months from delivery date to either your moving company directly or using the Department of Transportation claim form included in your Moving Guide. Describe each item claimed thoroughly along with date and costs estimates for replacement or repair. Attach photos if applicable to support your claim.

Request Devaluation/Settlement

The mover will acknowledge receiving your filed claim and may need to analyze and devalue the maximum payout based on the weight and nature of the articles claimed. This fair market value they determine for settlement may be different than your original purchase price. Consider accepting a lower devaluation or counter with proper documentation and receipts when reasonable.

Be Accessible During Investigation

Your mover has 60 days to investigate your filed claim and may need to contact you to arrange an inspection of the damaged items or follow up on details of what transpired during transit. Make sure to promptly respond to inquiries and schedule visits to avoid delaying reimbursement processing timeframes. Provide any receipts, estimates or photos requested to help substantiate your monetary loss claim.

Agree on Settlement or Appeal Decision

Once the claim investigation concludes, the mover will either make you a reimbursement offer to settle fully or partially. If the proposed settlement seems unfairly low compared to documented expenses, you can appeal their decision within 9 months of delivery through mediation. The American Moving and Storage Association provides binding arbitration services to help navigate disputes between shippers and movers.

Get Paid or Pursue Legal Action

Upon acceptance of any settlement agreement proposed by your mover or mediated by AMAS arbitration, expect to receive full reimbursement for agreed upon damages and losses within 60 days. If issues persist, you may need to contact your local consumer protection agencies, file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or consider pursuing further legal action through small claims court as a last resort to recover losses.

Evidence Needed to Support Damages Claims

To maximize your chances of success at receiving reimbursement for lost or damaged goods from movers, documentation is key throughout the entire claims process:

Photos – Before, during and after moving photos strengthen arguments made in claims. Include close-ups of any existing damage.
Appraisals – certified appraisals, receipts or replacement estimates verify an item’s fair market value to support requested restitution amounts.
Bills of Lading – note condition of items on the inventory form at pick-up/drop-off with the driver’s signature for informed acknowledgment.
Video Evidence – reflective shots capturing packing and loading lend credibility vs simple statements made in paperwork alone.
Witness Statements – accounts from helpers on moving day corroborating careful packing may counter allegations of improper preparation.

Factors Affecting Claim Reimbursement Amounts

Settlement offers from movers are often less than full retail prices when considering the following circumstances:

Depreciation – older, used items lose value with age subject to normal wear and tear deductions compared to like-new replacements.
Special/Custom Items – unique, one-of-a-kind articles are harder to assign costs against vs standard, mass produced equivalents.
Owner Negligence Claims – if damage seems due to inadequate packing the mover may argue assumption of financial responsibility.
Weight Allotment – high value items above the declared valuation limits per pound may cap payouts regardless of actual worth.
Deductions – Remainders less refunds, repairs, discounts and taxes cut total compensation amounts.

My advice is to be reasonable, keep receipts and accept small claims decisions gracefully whenever possible to maintain goodwill with movers for future reference. Litigation should always remain an last resort option.

Minimize Moving Day Losses and File Claims Promptly

While preparation unfortunately can’t eliminate all risks, taking proactive steps like these can better position you to file strong moving damage claims promptly if needed:

Careful Packing – use appropriate boxes, padding and bracing suited for fragile items.
Inventory Tracking – photograph, record serial numbers, pack a copy of your detailed manifest.
Declared Value Coverage – if possible, increase declared valuation protection levels for valuable Shipments.
Walkthrough Inspection – do final inspections with driver to note issues before signing.
Contact Information – retain mover contact details included in your Moving Guide.
File Quickly – submit complete claims with all documentation swiftly if items are missing or damaged.

With diligent organization, paperwork and readily available evidence, the claims procedure stands the best shot at achieving maximum reimbursement for any moving mishaps in a reasonable manner without needing lengthy mediations or lawsuits.

How to Avoid Moving Fraud

Consider these steps to avoid getting scammed by a moving company.

Do Your Research

A simple Google search is not enough! There are a lot of fake reviews out there that make the fake company look good. Go ahead to Yelp or the Better Business Bureau website, see if there are customer complaints, and cases against the company, and see if there are service ratings.

In-Person Representatives

Ask for quotations or estimates, and professional moving companies will send you personnel for on-site inspections. By this, you have a much clearer idea of cost so you can set your proper budget to stick with. They are obligated to give you a document “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask

Ask everything you need to know, ask them if it’s calculated by volume or weight. Do they have a worker to do the packing or unloading of your belongings? If possible do it by yourself to lessen your expenses. Avoid those hidden fees ask them if there is an additional fee for the driver or packing materials. ( Also, Read Why It Is Very Important to Ask for Moving Quotes )

Upon receiving the written estimation, review it thoroughly. If all goes well and you find the best interstate movers, Prepare for your next move!