The Amount Of Liability Movers Have For Damaged Items.
- American National Movers
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
When hiring movers for an out of state move, damages can happen—bumpy roads, steep hills, and slippery slopes may cause dents, dings, or breakage to your belongings. Investing several thousand dollars in professional long distance movers for your items to still be damaged is upsetting; we get it. This article will tell you your options when a moving company damages your property:
Are Movers Responsible For Damaging My Items?
A long distance moving van can bounce over 2,000 miles of potholes, steep grades, and sudden stops. Even with the best packing, the occasional dent or cracked screen happens. When it does, customers often assume the mover must hand them a brand-new replacement. That is rarely how federal valuation rules work. Below is a clear look at what movers owe you, how to upgrade protection, and the steps to take if something shows up broken.
Your Options When Movers Damage Your Household Goods.
You can file a claim if your items were damaged in transit. However, the amount of compensation you're entitled to depends on whether you have basic or full coverage:
Valuation Coverage vs. Insurance
Under federal law (49 CFR § 375), state to state movers must provide valuation coverage—a carrier's stated liability in case of loss or damage. It is not traditional insurance; it is a contractual dollar-per-pound obligation that moves with the shipment.
Key difference: A 50-lb $4,000 TV nets $30 with basic coverage. Under full value, the mover repairs the unit or reimburses you for today's retail price—after your deductible.
Filing a Damage Claim—Step by Step.
Movers damaged your furniture? do this and act fast for a faster and more appropriate resolution:
Inspect on delivery. Note every scratch on the Bill of Lading before the crew leaves.
Photograph immediately. Wide shot, close-up, and serial numbers if possible.
Submit written notice within nine months (FMCSA rule). Most carriers give only 30–60 days for an internal resolution before arbitration rights expire.
Provide proof of value—receipts, online listings, or appraisal letters.
Negotiate or pursue arbitration. Federally registered movers must offer a neutral arbitration program for disputes under $10,000.
60 Cents Per Pound Isn't Much: Here's What To Know.
The basic valuation coverage will not cover close to the true value of your damaged item, especially if it doesn't weigh much. For example, if a $4,000 50-pound TV breaks and your movers break it, you will be compensated $30.00 under the basic coverage movers provide.
Don't Settle For 60 Cents Per Pound: Do This Instead:
If you didn't purchase full coverage, you can still negotiate with movers and request a courtesy credit for the damages. Reputable long distance movers often offer $250–$500 goodwill payments on top of the legal minimum when the damage was their fault. Ask—politely but firmly—before escalating to arbitration.
Why "Full Value" Still Means Current Market Value.
Full-value protection is not a replacement for the original purchase price. If your six-year-old sofa costs $2,000 new but sells used for $400, the mover can settle at $400 or buy a comparable used sofa. The carrier may repair rather than replace if a technician can restore the item to pre-move condition.
Common Scenarios When Filing A Damage Claim With Movers.
The comparison table below shows three common damage scenarios and the difference between the legally required basic coverage ( $0.60 per pound per item ) and optional full-value protection—which obligates the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item's current fair-market price.
Note on deductibles: A deductible is the portion of a loss you agree to absorb before the protection plan (in this case, the mover's full-value coverage) starts paying. Think of it as sharing a small slice of the risk with the carrier. Full-value plans usually include a deductible you choose when you purchase coverage usually $250–$500). That amount reduces any claim payment. For example, if a damaged TV is worth $600 and you selected a $250 deductible, the mover would pay $350.
Recap:
Basic valuation is bare-bones. Budget for a replacement out of pocket unless you purchase full protection or outside insurance.
Full-value protection reimburses at today's fair market price, not the original MSRP.
Documentation wins claims. Detailed inventories, photos, and weigh tickets shorten negotiations and discourage lowball offers.
Good movers accept partial responsibility even under basic coverage. Ask for a courtesy settlement before escalating.
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