Relocating – What You Need To Know
Under the terms many moving forms, their terms, and systems of valuation, movers may try to limit their liability — even to items of particularly high value — unless those articles are specifically noted and addressed in the shipping documentation. To obtain coverage for expensive and rare items, discuss the matter with your mover. Make sure any declaration as to the value of significant items is in writing and that the protection is clearly delineated.
You may be able to purchase separate liability insurance through your mover. If you do, you must receive a record of the purchase and a copy of the policy.
Weigh the costs and benefits of the different forms of protection carefully and make sure you understand exactly what type of valuation you’re buying and what you’re risking before you sign.
Be aware that most movers will not assume liability for damage to items that you’ve packed into boxes yourself. A carrier will be responsible for the loss of a carton as well as damage to items inside a carton where it is evident that the carton itself became damaged during the move and that the cause of that damage resulted in damage to the carton’s contents.