Here's Lynch & Sons Guide to choosing the right Insurance

• Insurance/Valuation
• How to get a good estimate
• Insurance, Coverage & Claims
• Limited Liability
• Lump Sum Value
• Full Value Protection
• Things to note

Insurance/Valuation:

All companies include minimal insurance, however we suggest you purchase additional moving insurance through your carrier.

How to Get a Good Estimate:

Only allow licensed and insured movers to bid. Check with your local Public Utiliites Commission to verify that your mover has the necessary licenses and insurance.

Try to avoid phone estimates if possible. On site estimates have a greater degree of accuracy and will allow you to have a better feeling about the moving company you have choosen.

Try to get at least 3 estimates. They are free so this is to your advantage.

Eliminate any suspicious estimates. Take out the estimates that appear to good to be true, it probably is.

It is important to show the estimator everything you intend on moving. Don't forget the Attic, Basement, Garden Shed, Garage and Closets? The more information he has the more accurate your move will be.

Estimates should be broken down and compared to one another. Note of the following items and compare: the time estimated to complete your move, the number of people needed to make the move, especially if you are paying by the hour, the amount of materials estimated to be used and the quality of the movers and their equipment.

Below you will see some things that can make some estimates different. And, why can it happen?

• Change of destination.
• Lack of access to an elevator at either location.
• Restricted truck access, especially on long distance.
• Did not show the mover all of the items.
• Restriction of building or apartment you did not mention thoroughly.
• Acts of God. (e.g. fire, flood, earthquakes)

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Insurance, Coverage & Claims:

This is the most misunderstood and problematic aspect of the moving contract. A Company's track record in handling claims is should be another important factor when choosing a mover.

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Limited Liability:

This is the minimum coverage required by law and it's free. If an item is lost or damaged, you would receive 0.60$ per pound. As a customer, this has very little value to you. If the mover drops a plate that weighs half a pound, all you get back is 30 cents. If all your property was lost, the most you would receive is a maximum of $2500. It is important to think this through before you sign the contract with your mover.

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Lump Sum Value:

You can purchase optional coverage which is recommended. This coverage you must declare the value of your merchandise. If the value of your shipment is more than $1.25 per pound, you pay $10 per $1000.

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Full Value Protection:

If you decide to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. The exact cost for full value protection may vary by mover. Ask your mover for the details of its specific plan.

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Things to note:

• Items in cartons that were not packed by the mover are not covered, unless there is entire box was dropped or mishandled during the move. You must be able to prove this.
• Some homeowner's policy cover property transit, check with your agent.
• It may be wise to get your own insurance policy for the move if your merchandise is very expensive.
• Unlike most property insurance, valuation does not automatically pay for any damage. It must be clearly shown that the mover was responsible.
• The mover is only responsible for any electronic item that does not function after the move, there must clear evidence that the item was dropped or mishandled by the movers.
• The customer is still legally responsible to pay for the move regardless if extensive damages occur during move. The customer must submit a claim and go through the claims process to receive compensation for any damages.
• If a settlement cannot be reached between the customer and mover, the customer can contact the local governing agency to seek settlment or arbitration.

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