ThreeMovers Interview: When It’s Time For Litigation Against A Moving Company

What’s worse than moving, only to have to find out you’re going to have to take legal action against your moving company?

Today, Threemovers, a popular long-distance moving company, is going to explain the differences between insurance coverage, and how this can confuse the consumer. They’ll also go into how to avoid this altogether by finding a reputable transport company in the first place.

If you’re ready to learn more about what to do when you need to take legal action against a moving company, then you’ll find all that below.

Let’s get started.

Released Value Coverage VS Full Value Coverage

Unfortunately at the consumer’s expense, the Department of Transport requires all moving companies to have insurance. That doesn’t mean the insurance will cover the goods within the moving vehicle, and the insurance may not cover the goods at all if they aren’t on the truck, which can lead to some angry customers.

Released value coverage only covers the belongings at a rate of 50-60 cents per pound. Imagine they lose a box full of jewelry that’s worth many thousands, and you’re only given back a few cents.

Full value coverage does cover the entirety of the move, but not all moving companies offer this service, or you may have to pay extra. If you don’t know much about moving companies, then that’s likely normal, but these types of tactics are harming consumers who aren’t aware.

To avoid any problems, always go for full-value coverage, even if it means shelling out a few hundred more dollars. It’s also up to the consumer to take full inventory of their belongings. If there weren’t any records prior, this can be used against the customer by the insurance company, which can lead to a lawsuit.

When Your Moving Company Doesn’t Arrive

It’s not uncommon for a moving company to completely miss the arrival or delivery times. This can cause a lot of stress, especially if someone else is moving into the home that you’re moving out to on the same day.

In these instances, taking legal action in small claims court is an option. The loss of time, money, and potential late arrivals can cause a lot of stress, and when a moving company does not hold up their end of the contract, legal action can be taken to recover any losses during the move.

Bait and Switch Scams

Another time that you can take action against a moving company is when the quote that was initially offered is raised by 25% or more. In these instances, the driver normally arrives and hands you a bill, only to realize the price is much more than was originally advertised.

This can lead to an unfortunate situation where you’re forced to take the delivery, otherwise, you’re in a situation where you need to find new movers that can take a job immediately, which can often cost a lot in itself.

How to Prepare to File a Small Claims Court Against a Moving Company

The first step to filing a claim against a moving company is to prepare all evidence. It’s better to start this process before you even need to take action, by properly documenting all items that are being transported and dated. This way, you have evidence that you gave them the items that were broken along the way.

It’s also a good idea to review the contract to see if you missed anything during the initial pass-through. You can then send a demand letter to the moving company, but at times it can be difficult if the moving company is an offshore entity.

The best way to avoid using a moving company is by using a moving company that is well-reviewed and has a great online presence, like ThreeMovers. Avoiding tragedy during a move is easily done by doing some research before finding a reputable moving company.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of taking legal action against a moving company requires a comprehensive understanding of insurance coverage, potential delays, and deceptive practices. The distinction between Released Value Coverage and Full Value Coverage underscores the importance of informed decision-making when selecting a moving company.

While the Department of Transport mandates insurance, the fine print can leave consumers vulnerable to inadequate compensation, especially with Released Value Coverage, which may only reimburse items at a fraction of their actual value.

The frustration of missed arrival times or unexpected price hikes during the moving process can be mitigated through awareness and preparedness. Small claims court becomes an option when contractual obligations are not met, and losses, whether financial or in terms of time, accrue. Bait and switch scams, where quoted prices are significantly increased upon delivery, highlight the necessity of vigilance throughout the entire moving experience.

To safeguard against potential legal battles, meticulous documentation of belongings, a thorough review of contracts, and timely communication with the moving company are essential steps. Proactive measures, such as sending a demand letter, can be crucial in resolving disputes before resorting to legal action. However, the emphasis remains on prevention, urging consumers to choose reputable moving companies with transparent practices.

Ultimately, the key to a smooth and stress-free relocation lies in research and due diligence when selecting a moving company. By opting for reputable and well-reviewed services, such as ThreeMovers, consumers can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering issues that may lead to legal recourse. Avoiding the pitfalls associated with moving-related disputes is not only achievable but is also an integral part of ensuring a positive moving experience for all involved parties.