Can your belongings be safe during your move? Have you considered who is responsible if damage occurs during transit? These are just a couple of questions you should ask when preparing to move. Many assume that the moving company covers their property if damage, destruction, or loss happens. Another assumption is that the customer’s renter’s or homeowner’s insurance picks up the difference. Yes, both scenarios hold a little bit of truth, but only a little bit.

A reputable mover delivers your household goods without scratches or loss. However, even the best trained in the business can have unfortunate accidents. Protect your belongings by purchasing additional transit protection and working with Tippet Richardson. For nearly a century, we have helped Canadian families relocate countrywide and worldwide. Talk to our knowledgeable moving agents and discover how easy we can make it for you.

3 Reasons to Buy Transit Insurance before Your Move

Avoid leaving the security of your possessions to chance. Understand these important reasons to buy additional coverage for your next move:

  1. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance has limitations:

    These existing insurance policies do not necessarily protect your household goods while in transit to a new home. Talk with your insurance agent to see what kind of coverage your policy provides, if any. You might be surprised to discover that it is only as little as 10%. That is not much if you need to replace a treasured piece of art or an heirloom.

  2. Moving companies have limited liability:

    The liability for any loss or damage to your goods gets split between you and the moving company. For example, the company’s responsibility is about $0.60 per pound. You pick up the balance. Now some movers value your belongings a few different ways.

    1. Complete Value Protection This coverage covers damaged, lost, or destroyed property. Expect minimum coverage amounts and deductibles.
    2. Assessed Value Protection If your goods do not weigh much, this coverage may be a good choice. It is based on the cost of your belongings, not the weight.
    3. Declared Value Protection Based on Weight As it suggests, this option assesses the total weight of all your possessions. Then that total gets multiplied by a specific dollar figure per pound for the company’s final liability amount.
  3. Contracts only cover what is disclosed:

    Take a closer look at the agreement and you discover what your mover covers. Often, companies do not accept liability for damage occurring during transport. This can include settling within boxes and may extend to items their personnel did not pack. One more thing to keep in mind is that they can only assume liability for items disclosed in the contract. If you slip in anything extra, and it gets damaged, they do not have to pay compensation for it.

Protect your belongings and keep stress at bay by purchasing additional transit protection. Talk to your insurance agent, and then find a reputable moving company to assist you with your relocation. Since 1927, Tippet Richardson has been a trusted name in relocation services, locally and globally. We customize our moving and relocation services to fit your needs. No client is too small. Our experienced, highly-trained staff makes moving easy and stress-free.

Call Tippet Richardson at 416-292-4555 or toll-free at 1-800-718-7664 to learn more about our moving and relocation services, records management, downsizing assistance, and storage options.