Moving Estimates
Understanding Moving Estimates
Moving Estimates
The two most important things to understand for your interstate move are the mover’s liability in the event of loss or damage to your belongings and the different types of moving estimates.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires your mover to provide written estimates on every shipment transported for you. Your mover must provide you with a written estimate of all the charges, including transportation, accessorial, and advanced charges. This written estimate must be dated and signed by you and the mover. Never sign a blank or incomplete moving quote. Unscrupulous movers can use the blank or incomplete estimate form to change the terms of your move without your consent.
Two Liability Coverage Options for your Shipment
The estimate provided to you by your mover will include a state notifying you of two options of liability coverage for your shipment. Your mover may not change an estimate after loading your belongings for shipment.
Full Replacement Value Protection
Full Replacement Value Protection is the most comprehensive option available to protect your household goods but will increase the cost of your move. Under this level of protection, subject to the allowable exceptions in your mover’s tariff, if any article of your belongings is lost, destroyed, or damaged. But while your belongings are in the mover’s custody, your mover will repair them to the same condition as received for shipment or replace it with a like kind and quality of the item. Or pay you the cost of such a replacement.
Waiver of Full Replacement Value Protection (Released Value)
If you waive full replacement protection, Released Value is minimal protection; however, it is the most economical protection available as there is no charge to you. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if a 10-pound stereo valued at $1000 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $6.00 (10 x $.60). You should think carefully before agreeing to such an arrangement.
Two Types of Moving Estimates
Binding Estimates
A binding estimate guarantees that you will not pay more than the amount on the estimate. However, suppose you add additional items to your shipment or request additional services. In that case, you and your mover may either agree to abide by the original binding estimate or negotiate a new binding estimate. Or convert the binding estimate into a non-binding estimate.
Non-Binding Estimates
A non-binding estimate provides you with an estimate of the cost of your move. A non-binding estimate does not guarantee your final costs, but it should be reasonably accurate. The estimate must indicate that your final charges are based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the mover’s published tariff. Therefore, the amount of your mover’s non-binding estimate may be different from the amount you have to pay.
Please read the brochure “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” for more information about understanding your moving quote.
Are you ready for a no-cost, no-obligation moving quote? Contact us at 888-507-6304 or fill out our online quote form, and a Lile Relocation Services representative will assist you.
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