How to Insure Goods You Move Yourself

Renting a truck and moving your goods yourself is a great way to save money. But don't skimp on the insurance! Here are some ways to make sure your property is adequately documented and covered in transit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Insurance
• Spiral Notebooks
• Camcorders
• Cameras
• Cameras

1. Seriously consider buying insurance from the truck rental company.

2. Talk to the truck company's customer service representative about insurance offered by the company. Ask about damage/waiver protection, cargo protection and medical/life protection and what is covered and not covered under each plan. (See Tips, below.)

3. Make an inventory list of the items you are moving, and take photographs of antiques before they get packed.

4. Document your possessions on videotape before you move.

5. Have antiques and other valuable items appraised before the move.

6. Document any damage that occurs in transit, both in written and photographic form, and submit a claim with the rental company.

Tips & Warnings

• Damage/waiver protection generally frees you of responsibility for accidental collision damage to rental equipment.
• Cargo protection generally covers damage to your cargo resulting from collision, fire and upset or overturn of the rental truck/trailer within certain specified limits.
• Medical/life protection generally provides you with medical and life coverage as a result of an accident, 24 hours a day during the term of your rental.
• You are liable for any damage to the rental vehicle if you do not have insurance.
• Your personal auto insurance policy probably does not cover damage to rental trucks.
• No credit card companies will insure rental trucks or trailers.