As a moving company, we are responsible for the value of the goods we move. MVM Moving wants to be certain you have the level of protection that is right for you. We take the time to make sure that our customers are informed and happy. We offer multiple levels of cargo protection, so you can rest assured that you have the best coverage for your needs.
With MVM Moving, you’ll have the opportunity to select your level of coverage on your moving estimate. We offer:
- Minimal reimbursement coverage
- Full value replacement coverage
- Coverage for items of extraordinary value
Minimal Reimbursement Coverage
We include minimal reimbursement coverage as part of your move at no additional charge, as legally required. This option values items at a rate not to exceed $.60/lb.
For example, the items in a typical two-bedroom apartment (furniture and boxes) weigh approximately 5,000 pounds. If you selected the minimum coverage and something is damaged during your move, MVM Moving will repair or replace the item up to $.60 per pound regardless of what the item is. If a 20-pound flower pot was damaged or lost during your move, we would cover up to $12 to repair or replace the item.
The billing works the exact same for larger moves as it does smaller ones. The only thing that is different is the weight of the shipment. Typically, a well-packed moving truck can carry 8,000 – 10,000 pounds of cargo. For a move requiring multiple trucks or trips, the total declared value must be at least $6 per pound, meaning that the items in two full trucks could be valued around $100,000.
Full Value Replacement Coverage
We offer full value replacement coverage to customers who want to make sure they are fully covered in the event of unforeseen damages or loss. The price of this coverage is based on the stated value of your items. There are also deductible options available with valuation coverage in order to meet your budget.
Let’s use the same two bedroom apartment with 5,000 pounds of items as an example again. If you selected full replacement coverage, the declared value of your items would need to be at least $30,000 or the weight of the load multiplied by $6, whichever is greater. MVM Moving would charge you a flat rate price based on your selected deductible level. If anything was damaged with this protection, we would repair the item to like new condition or replace it if it is unrepairable.
For a move requiring multiple trucks or trips, the total declared value must be at least $6 per pound, meaning that the items in two full trucks could be valued at approximately $100,000.
Items of Extraordinary Value
Any highly valuable items are considered to be worth over $100/lb. and need to be declared separately regardless of the cargo coverage elected. This is a mandated rule for moving companies and is the same regardless of which movers you work with.
Other Moving Insurance Options
Many home and renter insurance policies will cover your belongings without the need for additional coverage. We recommend talking with your insurance company to confirm their policies on your coverage and deductibles.
Also, third party insurance is available online through several carriers and sometimes through your agent. We recommend making arrangements for additional coverage like this at least one week prior to your move.
Handling Claims
MVM Moving does our best to avoid damaging items during your move. Still, accidents do happen. Should your items incur any damages, we’re happy to work with you to resolve any damages based on the cargo protection coverage option you have selected.
The standardized language found on the back of most moving company forms does limit and exclude reimbursement amounts for some items. We are happy to review this or any other questions with you at any time.
You have a maximum of nine months from the date of your move to file a claim with us. This should be done in writing and addressed to:
MVM Moving
Attn: Damage Claims
744 Capital Commons Dr.
Toledo, OH 43615
Claims will be handled quickly and professionally according to the reimbursement option that you selected for your move.
Dispute Settlement
If you feel like we have not satisfied your claim, you may participate in our dispute settlement program. Our neutral arbitration program — an alternative to courtroom litigation — has been designed to give neither the carrier nor the shipper any special advantage. If a dispute arises between the carrier and the shipper, arbitration may be a mutually beneficial alternative to help resolve the dispute. Arbitration allows each party to present their cases and allows a neutral third party to make decisions as to the merits of each side’s case.
Section 49 U.S.C. Section 375.211 provides that a mover must have a program in place to provide shippers with an arbitration alternative. Arbitration is optional and not required under Federal law.
Each party is responsible for their own costs associated with arbitration. This is typically less expensive than hiring a lawyer and going to court. Each party is responsible for half of the costs associated with securing the arbitrator and all of their own expenses, including but not limited to attorney fees.
If the arbitration alternative is chosen, then any decision made by the arbitrator may be binding. An arbitration decision may not be appealed in a court of law. There are many arbitration programs available at multiple locations throughout the United States. It is mandatory that JAMS Arbitration services be used for MVM Moving cases. Please contact us if you wish to participate in or get more information about the arbitration program.