Whether you plan to move domestically or internationally, there are many things to consider when choosing a moving company. First, you must consider their reputation as a mover. Second, you should consider the pricing and value of their service. Third, find out the type of moving insurance coverage offered, if any.
Insurance coverage is often overlooked when moving, but it plays a critical role in getting your belongings from one location to another safely. Insurance will not prevent an accident from occurring, but it will provide monetary protection for your valuable possessions if one does occur.
Imagine you are moving to Texas from France. You safely arrive at your new home, but somehow your belongings do not make it. Maybe the moving van had a wreck, the airplane crashed, or the ship sank. Maybe the items got caught in a flood situation and were severely damaged. These things seem far-fetched, but they do happen, and none of us are immune. Whether your belongings are worth $15,000 or $100,000, it really doesn’t matter – you’ve lost it all! If you don’t have adequate insurance coverage, you may have to start replacing your items without a dime.
Get the Right Coverage
There are two possibilities for insurance coverage while moving. One is your homeowner’s insurance. Contact your insurance agent to find out if your belongings are covered during a move. Most homeowners insurance policies have a “contents” coverage option. This covers appliances and furnishings within the house in case of a fire or natural disaster. These items might still be covered under your policy while moving them. If not, ask if there is a temporary coverage you can purchase that will cover your belongings during a move.
Another option is to get insurance coverage through your movers. Never choose movers who don’t offer insurance coverage. Offering this is one way to tell if the mover is really concerned about the safety of your belongings. Ask for an explanation of what is covered and any exclusions or limitations. Also, find out if insurance is included with your moving fees, or if there are additional charges.
Types of Moving Insurance Coverage
Inclusive Insurance: This type of insurance is included with your moving costs, but may be limited in the percentage of value covered if damage or loss occurs.
Like for Like Insurance: A policy you can buy that pays according to the weight of your items. This is usually limited by the depreciation of your goods.
Value Coverage Insurance: You pay additional costs to ensure your belongings by their real value. In this case, you must declare the correct value of your belongings to the mover or insurer.
New for Old Insurance: A policy that covers all belongings according to the new market prices.
Take Inventory
It’s important that you take a complete inventory of your possessions before moving day or before you sign on for insurance coverage. This inventory should list what items you are moving, the value or replacement price of each, whether it’s fragile or not, and what type of condition it is in. This will take some time to produce, but it’s well worth it in the event of an accident or misplaced items. It’s especially important to do this if moving internationally because of the many customs and inspections to which your belongings will be subjected during the trip.
Make the Most of your Texas Moving Insurance
Here are some great tips for signing on with an insurance company or your movers for insurance.
- Always read the fine print on your policy.
- Be aware of loopholes, exclusions and time limitations for making claims.
- Ask lots of questions before signing on with a company.
- If your items will be placed in storage for any length of time between transits, make sure your insurance will cover the items while in storage as well. If not, check with the storage company to find out if they offer insurance.
- Ask your movers about packing for you. Some movers will not cover damage caused during transit if you did your own packing. They assume you did not pack the item correctly if it gets damaged.
- If moving internationally, be sure the coverage is available in that country as well.
- Keep a copy of your inventory list in a safe place during travel – with you.
- Find out if the insurance policy covers any damage done to your home (old or new) during the loading or unloading process.
Getting the right moving insurance will make your move less stressful and eliminate worries about losing your items while they’re in someone else’s care. Use these tips to find dependable insurance coverage and peace of mind!