How to Make Claims Against a Moving Company for Damages

If your household goods are damaged or lost during a move, consider filing a claim against your mover for the losses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Insurance
• Pens

1. Check for damaged or missing items during delivery of your household goods.
2. Note damaged or lost items on the mover's inventory sheet, giving detailed descriptions of the loss in writing; save packing materials in case of questions.
3. Be aware of your mover's liability limits on damaged or lost goods, based on the amount of your insurance protection for the move.
4. File a loss and damage claim against your mover within nine months after your goods are delivered.
5. Make sure the mover acknowledges receipt of your claim within 30 days and denies or settles your claim within 120 days.
6. Accept or reject the mover's claim denial or settlement offer.
7. Contact the American Moving and Storage Association regarding arbitration of disputes, if you are not satisfied with the mover's claim settlement.

Tips & Warnings

• Although the mover assumes minimal liability on your household goods (60 cents per pound), consider purchasing additional liability insurance through your moving company or an insurance company.
• A moving company's limited liability on your household goods will not cover replacement costs of lost or damaged items.