Handling a move involves trust. While most moves go smoothly, understanding how claims work protects you from frustration and confusion.
👉 Most claim issues don’t come from damage — they come from misunderstanding the process.
⚖️ 1. Understand What “Coverage” Actually Means
Most movers provide valuation coverage, not full insurance.
- Standard: $0.60 per pound per item
- Based on weight — not value
👉 Example: A 50 lb TV = $30 coverage
📦 2. Documentation Is Everything
Before the move:
✔ Take photos
✔ Create inventory
✔ Note existing damage
👉 No documentation = weak claim
📝 3. Inventory = Protection
If it’s not on the inventory, it doesn’t exist in a claim.
🚫 4. What Is NOT Covered (And Why)
📦 Items Packed by the Customer
We don’t know:
- How it was packed
- What materials were used
- The level of protection inside
👉 Example:
A box with china or glass may look secure — but if not wrapped correctly inside, items can break even with careful handling.
📺 TVs, Glass, Artwork & Specialty Items
These require boxing or crating.
Standard movers (including us) are trained for general moving — not specialty crating.
👉 These items are handled separately because they require:
- Specific materials
- Specialized handling
- Extra protection
✔ Recommendation: Use proper boxes or crating
🔍 Pre-Existing Damage
If an item already has:
- Scratches
- Cracks
- Weak joints
👉 It may worsen during the move.
This makes it difficult to determine what is new vs. existing.
⚠️ Normal Wear and Tear
Examples:
- Light scratches
- Minor dents
These happen due to:
- Tight spaces
- Stairs
- Heavy furniture
👉 This is not considered negligence.
🏠 Structural Damage (Walls, Floors, Doors)
This is not covered under standard valuation.
👉 Why it happens:
- Tight spaces
- Heavy items
- Rushed moves
💡 Important:
Most damage happens when:
❌ The move is rushed
❌ Not enough time is booked
✔ Recommendation:
Allow proper time and consider General Liability coverage
🧾 Items Not Listed on Inventory
Simple:
👉 If it’s not listed — it doesn’t exist
📨 5. How to File a Claim
✔ Email the company
✔ Include photos
✔ Include inventory + invoice
✔ Submit quickly
⚠️ 6. Common Mistakes
❌ No photos
❌ No inventory
❌ Late submission
❌ Emotional claims without proof
🤝 Final Thought
The smoother the documentation → the smoother the claim.
At Local Movings, we help customers across Houston and surrounding areas understand exactly how moving claims work before moving day.
🚚 Ready to Move Without Surprises?
Book your move online in minutes with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
FAQ
Most local moving companies provide $0.60 per pound per item under valuation coverage.
Typically no. Items packed by customers are usually excluded unless proven otherwise. Items packed by customers are usually not covered because movers cannot verify how the items were packed, what materials were used, or the level of protection inside the box—especially for fragile items like china, glassware, or collectibles.
Most moving companies require claims to be submitted within a few days after the move. It’s important to act quickly and provide all required documentation.
Yes. Photos taken before and after the move are one of the strongest forms of evidence and significantly improve the chances of a successful claim.
No. Structural surfaces like walls, floors, and doors are typically excluded.
In most cases, no. If your items were moved into storage by another company, it becomes difficult to determine when the damage occurred.
There are several unknown factors:
How the previous moving company packed or handled the items
Whether damage occurred during storage
If anyone (including the customer) accessed the storage and moved items
Because of this, responsibility cannot be clearly established.
If you are concerned about property protection, you can request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company.
Here’s how it helps:
The moving company provides proof of General Liability (GL) coverage
A walkthrough is done before the move to document existing conditions
A second walkthrough is done after the move to confirm condition
👉 This creates a clear record of the property before and after the move.
COIs can be used for both residential and commercial moves, and are commonly required by apartments, condos, and office buildings.
