Have you tried to relocate to a new apartment in the summer? Summer is the peak time when many people move to new houses and areas. At this time, movers are in high demand, making others mushroom quickly to fill the deficit gap. To be on the safe side, use movers who are insured and licensed.
Imagine one day you go on a long trip and get involved in an accident with your car which isn’t insured. How will you handle the situation? Now take the same experience to happen on a truck carrying all your property, then the worst thing happens. They get destroyed. How will you be compensated?
It’s always good to consider insured and licensed long distance movers to offer you the services. It’s easy to claim compensation in case of breakage or damage to your belongings.
The following ways are used in the identification of registered and insured companies.
The USDOT Number
Always use a properly insured company to transit your belongings. Tracking the USDOT number is a perfect way to discover the insurance status of the company in question. Some companies publicly display their insurance status to the public, while others require the customer to request. A company hesitant to offer insurance registration status, consider that a red flag.
The Fmcsa Website
Use the USDOT number on FMCSA Website to check pertinent information regarding the moving company you intend to use. Any complaints raised against the company or the company has violated any rules in line of duty are all on this site, especially on the complaint history page. The site will tell if the company hikes prices or charges fairly. Whenever a company misses on this search website, don’t risk unless otherwise.
Full Value Protection
Federal laws state that inter-state movers should give customers full value protection. The rules state that companies have complete responsibility for your property and are liable in case of any damage or breakage. It can be either repair, buy another item or give cash equivalent to the price of the item damaged.
All registered companies will have this clause written in their contracts though costly items are generally exempted from this coverage. If a company doesn’t have this clause in its contract form, it may not be a registered one.
Release Value Coverage
Registered and insured companies have this clause where you can opt for it rather than the full version protection. When you use this, the company will not be fully liable for any damage or property loss during transit. The option, if chosen, reduces the cost charged by the company offering the services.
Company Insurance
Any trusted and registered company will have its insurance. It will be easy to prove their coverage when you request it, and you should be accommodated easily without hitches. Don’t opt for the company if they can’t accommodate you. Long distance movers must verify in all regions they will pass with your belongings.
The above is very vital to get a genuine company.
Consider AMSA certified moving companies
You also may want to consider working with a company that’s been certified by the industry’s top associations.The ProMover certification is provided by the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). Organizations like the International Association of Movers (IAM) and the International Shippers Association are other associations that moving companies might also join (ISA). A company is probably a respectable one that is committed to professionalism if it has taken the time to become be accredited or to join one of these organizations.
More tips…
It can be challenging to pick the best moving company. Most moving business complaints included allegedly missing or damaged property, billing for time that wasn’t actually worked, showing up late, and not fulfilling estimates. The stress of moving day is enough without having your belongings arrive damaged or with an unexpected fee. You should investigate potential moving businesses to prevent it. Here are some tips:
Count on word-of-mouth
Asking recently relocated friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers for suggestions is the first thing to do while looking for movers. Their first-hand accounts are more valuable than online reviews and can help you start your search for reputable businesses to get in touch with.
Get free moving quotes as a start. Next, enquire about moving companies from friends, family, and coworkers. Ask your real estate agent for a recommendation if you are currently working with them.
Observe the “Rule of Threes”
Never accept the first estimate you are given. Ask at least three separate businesses to provide you with an in-person estimate instead, as no business can actually provide you with an accurate estimate without seeing your items.
The moving company should send a representative to visit your home and physically inspect your belongings in order to provide an accurate quote—one that will hold true on Moving Day. They can only genuinely comprehend how much stuff you have in that way.
Beware of red flags
Watch for warning signs during the estimate. For instance, the majority of trustworthy movers won’t want a cash deposit before your relocation. It might not be a real service if the mover appears eager to receive the initial payment. During the estimate, take note of the movers’ appearance and professionalism.
If they request a sizable deposit, one that’s greater than 20% of the whole price, there’s your red flag. Do your homework before handing them any money. Be cautious if they ask for the money in cash as well. If at all feasible, put the deposit on a credit card so that you may dispute it if something goes wrong.
Go for a different business if they are unreliable, appear uncertain of their skills, or are unable to respond to your inquiries. Moreover, watch out for any movers that arrive in a hired moving vehicle. A reputable business will have its own tools.
Do not sign blank documents
Moving Day can be hectic, making it tempting to sign paperwork without carefully reading it. It’s possible for your shipment to be undervalued and underinsured due to incorrect documentation.
Avoid succumbing to the urge, and make sure you read and comprehend every document you sign. Watch out for requests to sign paperwork that is missing information or has blank spaces. This can make it possible for dishonest movers to change paperwork after the event without your awareness.
However, there is one exception: If you’re working with a non-binding estimate, the actual weight of your shipment may be blank until the weigh-in is complete. Do not be afraid to ask questions concerning the documents you are signing. Asking a few simple questions up front can help you avoid major problems later.
Examine the company’s accountability and responsibility transparency
A moving company is supposed to offer you the Your Rights and Duties When You Move, when you move across states. The guide delineates the terms and circumstances of moving contracts as well as the steps you should take to address any potential problems. It also specifies the services and paperwork that your mover must deliver. This covers liability insurance in the event of missing or damaged merchandise, documented estimates for each shipment, their procedure for processing claims, and so forth.
If a mover doesn’t offer you this booklet (especially after they’ve learned you’re moving state-to-state and have completed an in-house estimate), it’s your last chance to take the opposite direction and look for other companies. They probably are trying to evade accountability when things go wrong. A moving company you can rely on will be completely open and honest.
Conclusion
Finding a reputable mover doesn’t have to be difficult. Relocation can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life, whether you’re relocating across town or across the country. Leaving your belongings in the wrong hands is the last thing you want to have. Moving companies who are inexperienced and unprepared simply cause issues, and in terrible circumstances, your possessions may even be stolen by dishonest firms.
Choose a reliable moving company you can rely on to safely deliver your stuff from point A to point B and have a complete peace of mind.