Moving is one of the most stressful events that you can be a part of! The most important worry is related to the safety of your items in the transit. No matter how cheap your items are, the last thing you want is to get some of them damaged or broken! After all, it is not always about the price, but about the attachment that you have with your old items.
The Florida movers might be at fault for the damage caused to your items. However, it might not always be so. There is a bunch of other factors that might cause damage.
In usual, genuine moving companies in Florida have insurance. This actually protects you as well as them! From the mover’s perspective, it safeguards their business against devastation in the case of a major claim. Accidents are common to happen, especially when the move is really complicated or is being done in bad weather. From your point of view, it provides reimbursement in the event of loss or damage.
When it is related to the damage to the Home
When damage is caused to the home, either your old home or the new one, the mover is usually responsible. Heavy furniture, awkward boxes and long days at work might add up to dented drywall or a scratch across the floor.
Prior to the arrival of the moving day, make sure to take photos of your home to record its condition. In case the damage is evident during or after the movers arrive, it will be beyond clear as to who should pay to have it repaired.
However, you need to keep in mind that movers might not be responsible if the damage was unavoidable.
If movers pick up your prized belongings and relocate them to their new home, you can expect to find everything inside just the way that it was packed. But the brutal reality is that accidents happen. Many things can collide and break in a moving carton!
You must sort out responsibility for damage to packed items. One of the major points to keep in mind is as to who packed the box. When Florida movers packed up all of your belongings, you should bear no responsibility for damage that happened in the transit. However, if you packed the boxes and movers only picked them up, you are the one pretty much at fault!
In case you packed a box and the movers clearly damaged it you probably have an argument for reimbursement. However, check the moving contract for a “hold harmless” clause or liability waiver with broad and sweeping language. This way the mover is protected, at least if the customer had packed their own belongings. Such clauses don’t always hold up in court. However, if you signed the contract you might have a more difficult time securing reimbursement.
Keep in mind that a good inventory gives you the best shot at reimbursement.
How to protect yourself?
In order to protect yourself against loss, inventory your belongings beforehand and take photos. There are times when a carton disappears between the origination and destination. On top of that, accidents happen as well. There are certain times when a favorite belonging gets damaged.
These days, there are many moving apps on the market that make it easy, with itemization and photo capabilities in one. Else, a spreadsheet and digital photos or a simple ledger with pictures included will cover those bases.
How to file a claim?
There are times when you might have no choice but to just file a claim after your move is complete. There can be times when you might not be reimbursed for the full value of the damaged items. However, the more relevant data you provide the better your chances. Since most of the movers use a standardized form, the process is easy.
How to go ahead with the claim?
Make sure to notify the mover of damage right away. Collect evidence that proves damage. Focus on taking photos and don’t throw away anything. Consider filling out the mover’s claim form as soon as possible.
You must enter information about what was damaged, the inventory number of the item, how the item was damaged, whether the packaging was also damaged, how much you paid for the damaged item, the value of the item on the day it was damaged, include photographs etc. You must keep the damaged item until after the claim is settled. In case the item has come up missing, provide the same information to the best of your ability.
Keep in mind that some reputable movers in Florida are known for responsible labor and careful transit. You can check the credentials, such as licensing and insurance, of every mover that you consider. You can watch out for damage complaints at the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, and other review sites.
Moving is never easy, and it’s rarely simple. One dropped box can turn everyone’s mood afoul. But with efficient recordkeeping, you can build a strong case for reimbursement. Movers know that damage happens, and they already have measures in place to cover it when the blame lands on them.
What do the laws say?
As per the government, you must first try to negotiate with the moving company you’re dealing with. This is mainly when you believe it’s their fault. You can actually hope to reach a mutual agreement if you have good insurance and a good argument. However, if negotiation doesn’t work, try to keep a record of all the steps you’ve taken. Then, gather all the paperwork to prepare for the next steps, which may be a summons or heading to court. No matter what, try to avoid going to court by seeking a mediator and going into arbitration.
You should be aware of the mover’s responsibility. Generally, you will find all the liability and insurance coverage information in the moving contract.
You might find the norm for basic responsibility is limited to a value assigned to the item according to its weight. Another clause may stipulate the mover is only liable for damage in case they were the ones in charge of packing.
