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Moving This Summer? Read this Before You Start Packing!

Moving can be an exciting time. With so much happening, it can be tempting to simply toss your stuff in a U-Haul or skip the fine print when hiring movers. But are your household contents properly protected? The answer is probably no. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a quick checklist to make the process of checking your contract quick and painless.

Check 1: Valuation or Insurance- Choose Wisely!

In most cases, moving companies will be liable for damaged or lost items, however, many moving companies limit their liability to a certain price per weight. This means that if the moving company loses or breaks a 10-pound box of expensive electronics, you may only be entitled to a fraction of the replacement cost! For this reason, it is suggested that you try and find movers with full valuation coverage. Although usually a bit more expensive, full valuation coverage provides the full value needed to replace any lost or damaged items- but is often limited to a hundred dollars a pound and does not account for natural disasters.

Unlike the above two types of valuation, insurance policies can cover your belongings while moving no matter what the situation. Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring movers, insurance can cover your items for their full value, often times for less than a full valuation through a moving company or as an add-on to an existing policy.

Check 2: Preparing for the Move

Whether you choose valuation or insurance, it is important to document expensive items while packing for the move. Items such as jewelry, electronics, or other high-value items need to be noted in order to be thoroughly covered. If you are hiring movers, be aware your items may be required to be packed by the movers to assume responsibility for their condition. Finally, be aware of dangerous or perishable items which could limit the responsibility of the moving company.

Check 3: Unpack and Assess

Try to unpack your boxes in a timely manner. If you notice missing items or damage, you will usually only have nine months to report it, however the sooner it is reported, the better. Checking the most valuable items first is recommended, as you’ll want to be able to document damage or loss right away.

For more information on mover liability in your state and for tips on how to protect your treasures, visit The United States Department of Transportation. After that, our team at Conrey Insurance Brokers will be happy to help, no matter what stage you’re at in the moving process. We’ll review your options and find the best coverage for you at a stellar price so you can protect what matters.

Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.