When looking for a moving company, you will do your best to find the one that has a good reputation and that is somewhat known as a reliable company in your area. Reputable movers are almost never fraudulent, so you already know that your relocation will go without any problems. But, sometimes, looking for reputable interstate Florida movers can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. And, if something does go wrong during your relocation, you need to know how to protect yourself. That’s when a moving insurance claim enters the scene.
What is moving insurance and why is it important?
Moving insurance is essential for your upcoming move! It serves to ensure your safety so that even if some items get damaged, you will still be able to recover from it financially. The amount of your reimbursement depends on the liability coverage you opt for. And, when it comes to insurance, less is definitely not more. The higher value insurance you get, the more money you will be able to get if something does go wrong. Since all of the licensed movers Florida based should be able to offer you moving insurance, you will have no problems getting it.
If you are reading this article, that means you are either preparing upfront, or something bad has already happened to your items. Either way, here are some steps to filing a moving insurance claim for your damaged cargo.
Before the moving day
Filing an insurance claim is a process you need to prepare for long before the moving day. They say that if you want something done right, you need to do it by yourself. Thus, it’s up to you to ensure you create a comprehensive inventory list of all the possessions you plan on moving. But, making a list won’t do you any good unless you couple it with pictures of all of your items. Later on, you will need to prove that your furniture was in perfect condition. It goes without saying that your movers, be they local or long distance movers Florida, will also make a list of their own. But, no harm can come from having two lists. In fact, it will only help you provide more proof in case you need to file an insurance claim.
Steps to filing an insurance moving claim
If you did your homework and armed yourself with an inventory list, you have set good grounds for filing an insurance claim. Now you just have to follow the necessary steps and ensure you get the money for your troubles.
Document the damage
The moment you spot something wrong with your item, be it a small scratch or a big dent, you need to document it. It won’t be enough to just remember it by heart or write it down. No, what you need to do is:
- Make a written statement about the monetary damage.
- Compare the previous state of the item and the current one.
- Take pictures of the item and damage in question.
If you were smart and took pictures of your items once you were making an inventory list, it will be much easier to prove the damage happened while the movers were in charge. That means that it will be much easier to support your claim and get some money back.
Reread the contract
The contract you make with a moving company is a legally binding document. When sealing the deal with a moving company, the two most important parts are the Bill of Lading and the moving insurance. So, if you are thinking about filing a moving insurance claim, you need to sit down and reread the contract. Investigate how much money your moving company is responsible for which, again, depends on the liability coverage you initially chose. Make sure you understand every part of the contract before proceeding with the process.
Contact the company
If you plan on filing the claim, it’s only logical that you inform your moving company about it. They are the ones who can give you the best and most accurate information about the process. Sometimes, your moving company will choose to solve the dispute directly with you, without involving any third parties. But, if that doesn’t happen to be the case with you, they will probably send you some forms to fill out, and inform you about what your next step should be.
As a rule of thumb, you should always keep documentation of all the communication between you and your movers. Even if you hire the most reputable Miami movers, you still need to protect yourself from any unexpected circumstances.
Go ahead and file the claim
Once you have finished with all the previous steps, it’s finally time for the main one – filing the claim. If you want your claim to be valid, you have to do it within nine months of the delivery of your items. Anything more than that will result in you not being eligible for receiving the money. When filing a moving insurance claim, you need to include the following documents:
- Copy of the two inventory lists you and your moving company made.
- Photos of the original condition of things and of the damage.
- Evidence that testifies to the monetary value of your items, such as a receipt.
- A short written description of the damage.
Once you file a moving insurance claim, all that is left to do is wait to get the response. And waiting is one of the most difficult parts of moving to Florida or any other state. Waiting for your moving date, waiting for your movers, waiting for a reply… Hopefully, the end result will turn out to be in your favor and you will quickly resolve the issue with the moving company.
