It is often not surprising to open a box after a move to find something has been dinged or damaged during transportation. Even if you pack things tightly and hire the most reputable movers, transporting articles by car, truck or donkey (although we’d choose this one as a last resort) inevitably means movement – and therefore the chance for dents or scratches. So what options do you have? Not move at all? No – just make sure that you protect yourself when you choose a moving company.
Firstly, do they have cargo insurance? Many companies do have cargo insurance to protect against damages – but some don’t, so make sure that you ask. Depending on the location and whether the company is licensed or not, there may not be any kind of policy protecting your possessions. If the company isn’t concerned about protecting their own goods, what makes you think they care about yours?
What about the insurance that is offered to you? A moving company isn’t an insurance agent, and therefore they are not selling you insurance, but rather are offering you the option to be compensated for any damage or the loss of your goods while they are being transported. This means that they are selling you a form of coverage that puts the degree of liability on their shoulders – there is definite comfort in knowing that there is accountability.
Avoid those movers that don’t offer any insurance whatsoever. Any good moving company will offer you insurance, but a great one will give you basic coverage at no extra cost. This basic coverage is usually determined based on weight, but if the basic numbers don’t suit your fancy, make sure that additional coverage is available if you want it.
Checking whether or not the company has WSIB insurance to protect its workers is also a smart idea. If a worker gets injured while at your new house, the last thing you want is a lawyer showing up to inform you that you’re being sued – big problem!
In the end, if you have something of extraordinary value or something really sentimental, it is always smart to let the mover know about it – don’t just pack it in a box and hope for the best. Still worried? Move that Da Vinci yourself and save yourself the stress.
Important Note: Before you move, make sure that you call your insurance provider to let them know and to find out if your insurance covers contents in transit.
A reputable and responsible moving company needs to have insurance – don’t settle for less. For more about insurance when moving please contact Bradford Moving and Storage at 1 (800) 263-3281 or visit www.bradfordmoving.com.
