Have you ever owned a car without insurance, taken a trip abroad to a foreign destination without travelers insurance, or really done any big move, knowing that you don’t have backup? Trust me, as the horror stories go, the one thing you shouldn’t be looking to save on is your moving insurance. Here is why.
Let me tell you a little story about the time my mom booked shady movers that scammed us out of my precious white flat screen TV.
Only about a week after sorting through all the boxes and clothes did we realize that one was missing, my favorite TV screen! After calling the movers, they claimed they had no idea what I was talking about, and I hadn’t had any proof of its existence to back up my claim.
Let’s just say that I ended up watching a lot less junk TV shows that year! Don’t make my mistake, book moving insurance that makes sense.
Why invest in moving insurance?
Yes, you can move and just have the most basic insurance offered by your chosen moving company, but there are many reasons why it pays to add on that little extra. If peace of mind is important to you, and your items have sentimental and financial weight, you should back this up with a policy that protects you.
- If you want to de-stress your move, having the knowledge that financially you will recover from any expensive mistakes, moving insurance is the way to go.
- Items can get lost in the frenzy, broken, or even stolen from the street while loading or unloading them and this can cost you hundreds of dollars if you aren’t insured.
- Special items that cannot be replaced can at least be compensated for if lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Moving insurance prices are usually quite affordable unless you have ridiculous items. Throwing down those extra few Benjamins now will end up costing you less than replacing your favorite TV later.
- If you don’t add a supplement to the basic insurance given, you are likely to not be able to afford the premium that must be paid to activate their insurance, this means in reality, if the movers drop and break your dishwasher and now there is water all over your new kitchen floor, buying a new dishwasher will likely cost less than the insurance basic premium, so you won’t want to activate it.
- Why add financial risks when you can minimize them?
The different types of moving insurance
Basic cheapskate fully includes insurance that your mover offers by law. It usually covers around .60 cents per pound of your items that are lost or damaged due to faulty moving services. This type may require a large down payment sum that you must pay before they begin covering even the .60. We highly recommend adding on to this service.
Third party insurance claim- this means you purchase moving insurance from an external company unrelated to your mover, and if things go wrong, they will handle the claim for you against the moving company to reclaim any damages.
Movers additional insurance offerings- almost every single moving carrier offers a premium package where you pay upfront to remove any down payment sums or red tape you are going to encounter with their basic package. This is usually the easiest option. It covers the full value of your items if damaged or lost during the move.
What is important to know in terms of moving insurance
If you understand the types of insurance policies on the market, review the coverage limits and most importantly, the exclusions, make a personal inventory, and have great relations with your moving company and insurance company, you can be sure you’re really protected for your move.
- What is your coverage limit?
- What is excluded from the policy? It could be that the policy will exclude electronics or other items.
- What is the deductible you are expected to pay should damage be claimed? This is usually a minimal amount in a good policy.
- Know to declare the values of your high price tag items. If you have a $45,000 vase that looks like it was $45 from Ikea, prove its value ahead of time to save headaches.
- Read our article about making a personalized inventory list and make sure to follow it closely. You will need a full list of the items you are moving along with their state and quality before the move to prove any damages was the mover’s fault.
- Photo proof of all your item’s quality is critical pre-move.
- Know all your moving insurance options before closing with one place.
- Know the process for filing claims, the harder and more complex it is, the less likely you are to try and get your money back.
- Understand what documents the insurance company will need to file a proper claim. If you require the receipt of an object you can’t attain, maybe the policy will not be helpful for you.
- Keep your movers posted no matter if you purchase the insurance policy through them or a third party service.
Wrapping thing up
In conclusion, it just makes sense to invest in peace of mind and financial security. While moving is expensive and it is great to cut costs, all in all saving on your moving insurance will end up costing you more. Shop around and find the right policy for your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to know about booking a mover?
Know that you are working with a trusted and honest service provider that includes at least basic moving insurance. If you have even a flicker of doubt, walk away. Don’t try to cut corners and save on an unreputable mover as we promise you, you will end up paying way more in hidden fees and damages.
Why would using a packing service be helpful? Is it recommended?
Professional packers will work at lightspeed to get all your items packed up safely in record speed. While you might get stuck sorting through old nostalgia, they will have your entire home packed up and bubble wrapped in no time. If you lack the time and ability to pack and have the funds, this VIP option will have you feeling like a king or queen for a day.
Is tipping my movers required or expected?
Tipping between 15-20% is expected by movers and drivers alike. Think of it as if you’ve gone to a restaurant and left without tipping. Plan ahead for these costs so you aren’t surprised later. Don’t cheap out on the tip for the guys that will be handling all your precious items.
What’s the best way to clear out my old home before moving to the new one?
First things first, you’ll need all the items out and packed up. Don’t even try cleaning room by room as you pack or you’ll end up exhausting yourself and cleaning the same place twice. Things get dirty from boxes and tape. Embrace it and once fully packed up, stack your cartons in a central place that allows you to Dyson and mop all the floors. Wipe down common surfaces such as countertops and the insides of drawers. You can always hire a cleaning crew post-move if you don’t have time and energy.
How can I feel confident I have found a good and honest mover?
We agree that honesty is the most important quality trait a mover should have. No matter the pricing differences or reviews, nothing is more important than honesty and transparency. Moving APT created a vetted list of long-distance movers and has a dedicated team that all day show up to their desk in the office just to read through personal reviews, and check accident records, insurance claims, and other boring documents of our movers on the marketplace. It’s important you know what to check and why or you may end up paying more to get out of a scam.
