Sadly, we at Dream Moving witness a lot of people being defrauded by dishonest movers who take the money and run. These frauds are real, and you may prevent having your money, time, or security taken by recognizing many of the obvious warning signs.
There are a ton of movers in existence. How can I tell whom to believe?
Every year, millions of households relocate. Having said that, there are a huge number of moving businesses. There are giant ones, tiny ones, cheap ones, and expensive ones. Some have been around for years, while others are just getting started. Some are reliable, while others turn out to be con artists. It can be much easier said than done to try to find the best mover for you.
We at Dream Moving want to make sure you locate the best movers that are qualified and effective and also one you can rely on. So, the key to making your relocation as stress-free as possible is choosing the right moving company.
Consult Your Friends
A reputable interstate moving business will have satisfied clients who are eager to offer feedback. Therefore, before hiring movers, be careful to check online review sites. As well as social media, or ask friends if they have any recommendations. Check out this list of movers from the American Moving and Storage Association if your friends and relatives are at a loss for recommendations.
Choose a Reliable Advisor
Speak with nearby real estate agents or home renovation professionals who regularly deal with movers. They might be able to provide a professional opinion.
Verify Commercial Credentials
Once you’ve created a list of potential movers, get in touch with each business and ask for information such as the company’s entire legal name, “doing business as” (DBA) names, the duration of their business, and the DOT and MC licensing numbers.
So, if you have proof of credentials, you can check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) database to see if a mover has an interstate moving license. They ought to be included in the Better Business Bureau as well.
Do Not Obtain a Moving Quote Without a Visual Survey
Reputable interstate movers will adhere to federal laws mandating a visual inventory of your possessions. To provide you with a moving quote, a representative will need you to show them the items you need to be relocated. Plan surveys with at least two movers to ensure that you can trust the cost quotes you obtain.
Avoid estimates that are provided over the phone or online without a visual survey. Pricing may vary depending on how you describe your possessions and how a moving company sees them. These issues can be clarified by a visual assessment, which can also ensure that your moving quote is accurate from the start.
Spend time showing the representative each item you want to be moved throughout your visual survey. Items in the attic, basement or storage are simple to forget. To effectively estimate the work and adequately plan for the move, the mover should be asking you intelligent questions. To ensure your trust in the business, you should feel free to ask any questions.
Ask Concerning “Valuation” Options
The mover’s maximum liability for loss or damage caused by moving workers is determined by the valuation option you select. A mover’s liability for loss or damage is subject to various limitations and exclusions, is dependent on the mover’s rates, and is governed by federal laws and regulations.
Confirm Your Knowledge of Valuation Protection
All interstate moving businesses are responsible for all the items they ship. About this obligation, there are no exclusions or exceptions. The term “valuation” refers to the monetary sums for that liability. However, there are various degrees of mover obligation, and you must be aware of them.
Various Levels of Liability
This free alternative is less thorough. By this arrangement, the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound for each item. This means that if there is a loss or damage, even to supposedly high-value objects, the claim will be resolved using the item’s weight times 60 cents.
- Example: The moving firm would only be responsible for $60 if a 100-pound antique dresser worth $5,000 was lost or damaged. (100 lbs. times $0.60 Equals $60)
So, you can see that this choice is highly constrained in terms of paying you back for your belongings. However, there is no expense at all. You must waive your right to receive the Full Value Protection option. Which requires a signature in a specific location on your mover’s bill of lading, to be eligible for this option. Additionally, you must receive a second estimate from your moving company that reflects a decrease in the cost of your move based on the lower valuation option.
Which One Should I Pick?
The best method to choose is to be aware of your demands and spending limits. If money is tight, you might opt for the free Alternative Level of Liability. But doing so could be dangerous if your homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover losses incurred during a move. Or if you are unable to pay for the replacement of lost valuables.
Consider whether you would be happy with your mover if they simply offered to pay you a portion of the value of your belongings before deciding on that course of action. For these reasons, most experts advise choosing the mover’s full value protection option whenever available. Especially for homes with a lot of possessions worth more than $1,000. Whichever route you take, we hope you pick a dependable mover who treats your belongings with the consideration and care they require. Nevertheless, you should prepare for the possibility that this won’t always be the case.
In the end, the decision is entirely up to you. Simply said, we want to ensure you are informed of your options so you may decide in the best way for you.
Contact Dream Moving for More Information
We have an ever-growing team of qualified agents here at Dream Moving who are prepared to assist you with any moving-related questions.
We can assist you with your local moving needs since we are also competent local movers. We’re committed to making your relocation as simple and stress-free as we can. Contact Dream Moving for a free quote.
