Everything you own is packed up and getting moved into the big moving truck. But you start to worry about what shape your possessions may be in when they arrive at your new home. The same way you get health insurance for your health, this is where moving insurance can help you feel reassured that everything will be safely delivered.
Accidents can happen to even the most careful of people or moving companies so we’re here to help ensure you’ll have nothing to worry about even if problems arise. We have decades being in the moving business to help you figure out what moving insurance is right for you.
Do you need moving insurance?
It’s perfectly normal that you might feel nervous about putting all of your household belongings in the hands of strangers. What if they get damaged or lost? For moving down the street you may not be as concerned but for a long-distance move, it is worth considering.
You might have a lot of valuable items or maybe you’re moving during hurricane season to a state where that might be affected and the chances of weather conditions damaging your possessions are more likely. We advise looking into moving insurance for any number of reasons.
What does moving insurance cover?
What your moving insurance covers will depend on the specifics of your policy. In general, moving insurance covers any damage done to household items while in transit. That means anything from an earthquake to accidental breakage, it’s covered.
One of the most important questions to ask a moving company is what kind of liability it provides. You’ll want to make sure your belongings are covered in case of an accident during the move and your moving company should have more than one liability option for you to pick from.
What’s not covered under moving insurance policies?
Some circumstances may limit your mover’s liability and make buying moving insurance more worthwhile like:
- Packing any perishable, dangerous, or hazardous materials without informing your movers
- Deciding to pack some of your own items to save money may make it challenge to submit a claim if the items get damaged
- Failing to inform your mover in writing if any items hold significant value
- Damage from natural disasters
How much does moving insurance cost?
The cost of insurance will depend on key factors such as the value of your possessions and the type of coverage you select. The more coverage you get means the more you will pay. The bare minimum coverage is typically included in your moving contract. Then with full value protection, you should expect to pay 1% of the total estimate of the value of your personal belongings.
Does my homeowner’s policy cover the move?
Be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance policy to be sure you’re not already covered with moving insurance. In general, a standard homeowners insurance policy will cover personal property and reimburse you for about 50-70% of the value of your belongings if they are damaged in a disaster. Some may only protect your household items while the movers are packing them in your home. Be on the safe side and double-check before you commit to anything.
What are your insurance options?
Your mover is liable for the value of the goods you ask them to transport. However, there are different levels of liability, know the difference to help choose the right level of coverage and declare the value of your belongings.
Released value protection vs full-value
The most economical option is called “released value protection” and is set at no more than 60 cents per pound. This means you will be reimbursed for everything from your paperclips to family heirlooms at up to 60 cents per pound. Released value protection is offered at no additional charge. Usually, you must sign a statement on the bill or contract agreeing to it. Just remember that this option compensates you according to the weight of the item, not its actual value. If you choose to not select released value, your stuff will be transported at full value protection.
Your material belongings are worth more than 60 cents a pound and for that reason, movers offer a plan called “full-value protection.” This coverage is based on your valuation of the contents being transported. The cost is based on 1% of the valuation, so if you decide your items being shipped are worth $50,000, you will pay about $500 for the full-value protection. It also allows the moving company two options if any articles are lost, destroyed or damaged during the move. The movers, not the consumer, decide how amends will be made for the property.
Extra Tips
- Take photos of your possessions before the move.
- Pack carefully
- Let your moving company know if you have articles of extraordinary value
- Don’t wait to report loss and damage
- Check state regulations regarding moving insurance
Regardless of which plan is right for you, remember to ask your moving counselor to explain all the options and talk to your trusted moving company. Atlanta Peach Movers is licensed by the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles Safety for Househole Moving within the state of Georgia and we carry the required insurance coverage. You won’t need to worry, our experienced movers have everything to make sure your belongings will get to your new home in the condition they left in.
