What Actually Happens If Movers Damage Something During Your Move in Tucson?
What Actually Happens If Movers Damage Something During Your Move?
If a moving company damages your belongings, you have the right to file a claim against them. How much you can recover depends on the type of liability coverage that was in place on moving day. Federal law requires all movers to offer at least two protection options, and the one you picked when you signed the contract determines what kind of reimbursement you can expect.
The Two Coverage Types That Decide Everything
Most people sign a moving contract without paying close attention to the liability section. That single oversight can cost hundreds of dollars if something breaks.
Released Value Protection (the Default)
Unless you specifically chose something else, your move was almost certainly covered under released value protection. This is the free option, and it is genuinely minimal. Under federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, movers are only liable for 60 cents per pound per item. So if a 10-pound laptop gets destroyed, the mover owes you $6. That’s it. The item’s actual market value is completely irrelevant under this coverage level.
Full Value Protection
The better option is full value protection, which requires the mover to either repair the damaged item, replace it with a similar one, or pay you its current market value. This coverage costs extra and the price varies by company, but it’s the only option that actually makes you whole after a loss. If you’re moving expensive electronics, furniture, or art, it’s worth the added cost. You can learn more about what to look for by reading through our moving insurance guide before you sign anything.
How to File a Damage Claim the Right Way
Discovering a broken item after the truck pulls away is frustrating, but acting quickly and carefully gives you the best chance of a fair outcome.
Document Everything Before the Movers Leave
Walk through the home and check furniture, mirrors, and boxes marked fragile before signing the bill of lading. Take photos of any damage while the movers are still present. Your signature on the delivery receipt can be used later to argue that you accepted items in good condition, so never sign off on a clean delivery if something looks wrong. Note any issues directly on the receipt.
Submit Your Claim in Writing and Keep Records
Contact the moving company in writing as soon as possible. Most movers require you to submit a formal damage claim within nine months of your delivery date, per federal rules, but doing it within a few days is much smarter. Include your photos, a description of the damage, and the item’s value or repair estimate. Keep copies of every email and letter. If the company denies your claim or offers an unreasonably low settlement, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA’s consumer complaint portal. You also have the right to pursue arbitration, which reputable movers are required to offer.
At E-Z Move, we take damage issues seriously. If something goes wrong, our claims process is straightforward and handled without the runaround. Local residents in neighborhoods like Sam Hughes, Rincon Heights, and the broader service area trust us because we operate transparently from estimate to final delivery.
Related Questions
Does homeowners or renters insurance cover moving damage?
Sometimes, yes. Some homeowners and renters insurance policies include off-premises personal property coverage, which can apply while your belongings are in transit. Check your policy’s declarations page or call your insurer before moving day. If you have a high-value item with a scheduled rider, that coverage often travels with the item regardless of where it is.
What items are movers usually not responsible for?
Most moving contracts exclude items of extraordinary value (like jewelry, cash, and collectibles) unless you declared them in writing before the move. Movers also typically disclaim liability for damage inside boxes they did not pack themselves, plants, perishables, and anything you personally transported in your own vehicle. Read the exclusions section of your contract carefully before loading day.
