One of the major choices you will have as you plan your move is how much liability you wish the mover to assume for your belongings. Most carriers provide the three following options. Some carriers will also provide other options. But you will want to consider carefully and chose the valuation which suits you best. Make sure you sign for the valuation you want on the bill of lading.
The mover assumes liability for only 60 cents per pound, per article. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents. For example, if a 30 pound computer, valued at $2,500 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $18.00. This option has no extra cost but provides minimal protection and you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading agreeing to it.
Under this option, the valuation of your shipment is based on the total weight of the shipment times $1.25 per pound. For example, a 5,000 pound shipment would have a maximum liability value of $6,250.. Any loss or damage claim under this option is settled based on the depreciated value of the lost or damaged item(s) up to the maximum liability value based on the weight of the entire shipment. Under this option, if you shipped a 30 pound computer, originally purchased for $2,500., the mover would be liable for up to $2,500, based on the depreciated value of the item. This option costs $0.50 for each $100. (or fraction thereof) of liability assumed by the carrier. In the example above, the valuation charge for a shipment valued at $6,250. would be $31.50. Your carrier will also allow you to declare a higher lump sum value to your shipment at this rate, provided you sign and mark the bill of lading appropriately.
Under this option, the valuation of your shipment is based on the total weight of the shipment times $3.50 per pound, or a value of $10,000. or greater. If you chose to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. Unlike the other options, depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not a factor in determining replacement value when the shipment is moved under full value protection. This option costs $0.85 for each $100. (or fraction thereof) of liability assumed by the carrier. Some carriers have minimum declared values to qualify for this option. This option provides the greatest protection for your possessions but is the most expensive.
Your mover can not accept some articles for transportation because of their extraordinary value. Deeds, jewelry and collections of stamps or coins are some of the items which can not be transported by your mover. Your mover also may not transport pets or children. When you plan your move, make a detailed inventory of any items of high value.