Moving insurance can be confusing, but its worth the time to study your options in order to obtain the best coverage. By law, moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods that they move, but this level of liability can vary greatly. You need to be aware of the levels of coverage offered and what each option costs.

Movers are required to provide you with information on what it will cost you to place a value on your shipment. You should be provided with the brochure, Heres What You Need to Know About Placing a Value on Your Household Goods Shipment Before You Move, or this information may be included in Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move brochure. Be sure to read these brochures so you can accurately put a value on your shipment.

An educated consumer is the best consumer. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see how your mover has handled claims in the past. In the unlikely event you have loss or damage as a result of your move, you have nine months to make a claim, but you are still responsible for paying for the move in a timely fashion. This is generally COD (cash on delivery) on the day of unloading. The mover is required to respond to your claim within 30 days and the issue must be resolved within 120 days. If you choose arbitration to resolve the issue and you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may sue for damages.

More in this subject:

Basic Carrier Liability-Released Value

Declared Value Protection

Full (Replacement) Value Protection

Homeowners Insurance

Extraordinary Value Items