Fast, Fair, Friendly…
Our record for safe transport and delivery is among the industry’s best! We work hard so you are satisfied with your move and the best compliment we can get is a referral from our customers.
Unfortunately, damages or loss can occur. Alison’s Relocations provides this information to explain what you must do and what it will cost to place a value on your household goods shipment. If you have any questions after reading this information, ask your Alison’s Relocations Representative.
Under Federal law, interstate movers must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage:
- (1) Full Value Protection
- (2) Released Value
(1) Full Value Protection
Under Full Value Protection, your mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire
comprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings. Unless you select the alternative level of liability described below – Released Value – your mover will transport your shipment under the Full Value Protection level of liability. If any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s custody, your mover will, at its discretion, offer to do one (1) of the following for each item: Repair the item, replace with a similar item, make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value.
Under this option, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (i.e., jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques). Ask your mover for a written explanation of this limitation before your move.
The exact cost for Full Value Protection varies by mover and may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost.
(2) Released Value/Carriers Liability
The most economical protection available is Released Value, since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, you would only receive $6.00 in compensation (60 cents x 10 pounds).
There is no additional charge for Released Value. However, you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading or contract agreeing to it. But remember, it compensates you according to the weight of the item, not its actual value. And, if you do not select Released Value, your shipment will automatically be transported at the Full Value Protection level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable charge.
Full Value Protection and Released Value are not insurance policies governed by State insurance laws; instead, they are Federal contractual tariff levels of liability authorized under Released Rates Orders of the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Third-party Insurance
If you select Released Value, some movers may also offer to sell or obtain for you separate liability insurance. Alison’s Relocations insurance broker will procure coverage through the underwriters. The cost of this insurance is not included in the basic move and must be purchased separately by you. This is not valuation coverage governed by Federal law – it is optional insurance regulated by State law.
If you purchase this coverage, the mover remains liable for the amount up to 60 cents per pound per article; but the rest of the loss is recoverable from the insurance company up to the amount of insurance you purchased. Your mover is required to issue the policy or other written record of the purchase and provide you with a copy at the time of purchase.
You also have the option of purchasing insurance from a third-party insurance company. Before purchasing insurance, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you’re already covered.
We understand that this is a lot of information to absorb. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for further inquiry. We are here to simplify this process for you!
