No one would deny that moving is a very stressful time in life. Pulling up roots and trying to set up again in a new place is never easy. So imagine how much worse it can be if your movers are responsible for substantial damage or loss to your belongings. This is a nightmare scenario that happens to people every day. Unfortunately, very few of those people have done their homework and understand their rights and responsibilities during a move. The vast majority have no idea how poorly protected they are until the worst happens to them — and by then, it’s too late.

To start with, a distinction must be made between two types of moves: interstate moves and intrastate moves. Interstate moves are those made from one state to another. Those moves are governed by federal laws and regulations. Intrastate moves are moves made between two points within a state. These moves are governed by state statutes and regulations. One should rely on the statutes specific to one’s state before considering any information in this article.

Some state statues require that every consumer be given a form about your rights prior to signing a contract with a mover. However, few people take the time to carefully read the form and understand how heavily weighted the regulations are in favor of the movers and against the consumers. For example, in some states, the maximum liability a mover has for damage or loss to your belongings is 60¢ per pound per item, unless you contract before the move for a higher limit of liability, or purchase additional insurance. So if you purchase no additional coverage, and your mover damages your 50-pound plasma screen HDTV beyond repair, then the most the mover can be held liable for by law is $30.

The obvious solution is for the consumer to contract with the mover for a higher limit of liability and/or purchase optional insurance for additional coverage. Sadly, too many consumers neglect to do so beforehand, thinking, “What could go wrong?” and later come to find out: a lot! Make sure to find out, at the time you get the mover’s written estimate or proposal for the cost of your move, how much extra it will cost for higher liability limits and what additional insurance the mover offers or can recommend through other companies.

You should read and be aware of the claims process in your state if it becomes necessary for you to file a claim for loss or damage to your belongings. Also, you may not be able to use damage or loss to your goods to offset or reduce payment of what you owe for the moving services. Payment of the moving charges is due upon delivery and the claims process must be handled separately. Now that you know some basics about the laws and regulations governing movers, make sure you adequately protect yourself when using a company to make such a move. Approach the contracting process the same way you would a box full of your best china: handle with care!

The author of this article can be reached via email at Justice360@muslimcongress.org. For more information about Justice360, visit http://www.muslimcongress.org/360.

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