At Friendly Movers LLC, we take extra care in ensuring a safe and stress free move of the contents of your home or office. From time to time, things will happen that are out of our control. For this reason, we have different levels of valuation. “Valuation” and “insurance” are are often a challenge to fully understand, but it is very important to know how you are protected before your move.
There’s a tremendous amount at stake come move day. All of your life’s possessions are carefully packed up and strategically loaded by the movers. Although the mover is liable for the value of goods we handle, it is the shipper (that’s you) that must understand the level of liability a mover is responsible for – also known as valuation.
Valuation is defined as the shipper’s (that’s you) indication of the value declared for the possessions being shipped, thereby establishing the carrier’s maximum liability for loss or damage to the shipment.
There are two different levels of liability. The level you choose will determine the type and amount of reimbursement you will receive if an item is lost or damaged. Be aware of the various types of protection available and the charges for each option.
Be sure to read this information carefully and follow the instructions provided to declare a value on your shipment.
Interstate Moves – What are your options?
Under Federal law, interstate movers must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage:
(1) Full Value Protection – OR – 2) Released Value
(1) Full Value Protection
Under Full Value Protection, your mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. This is the more comprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings. Unless you select the alternative level of of liability described below—Released Value—your mover will transport your shipment under the Full Value Protection level of liability. If any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s custody, your mover will, at its discretion, offer to do one (1) of the following for each item:
Repair the item
Replace with a similar item
Make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value
Under this option, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (i.e., jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques).
Ask your mover for a written explanation of this limitation before your move.
There is an additional cost for Full Value Protection that can be offset with various deductible levels of liability. Please insure within for more details on our Full Value Protection plan.
(2) Released Value
The most economical protection available is Released Value, since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, you would only receive $6.00 in compensation (60 cents x 10 pounds).
There is no additional charge for Released Value. However, you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading or contract agreeing to it.
But remember, it compensates you according to the weight of the item, not its actual value. And, if you do not select Released Value, your shipment will automatically be transported at the Full Value Protection level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable charge.
Full Value Protection and Released Value are not insurance policies governed by State insurance laws; instead, they are Federal contractual tariff levels of liability authorized under Released Rates Orders of the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Intrastate Moves – What are your options?
Full Value Protection does not change for intrastate moves, however Released Value is reduced to $.30 per pound per article in certain regulated states in which we operate. A list has been provided below.
New York – Released Value
The most economical protection available is Released Value, since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 30 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, you would only receive $3.00 in compensation (30 cents x 10 pounds).
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC- Released Value
The most economical protection available is Released Value, since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, you would only receive $6.00 in compensation (60 cents x 10 pounds).
Tip: Do you have a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy?
Is the transportation of your household goods covered under this policy?
If not, can you add moving coverage?
Simply put, your insurance company can offer better coverage at better rates than a moving company.
Have the coverage or just added it it? Great, you’ll want to elect “Released Valuation” at no additional cost to you. Then in event of a claim, please contact your insurance for reimbursement.
