Understanding the different types of moving coverage can be difficult. Choosing the coverage that is right for you is imperative, but may not be so easy to decipher. If you’re confused about liability coverage or just looking for helpful information, this section will help clear the ambiguity.

American Van Lines takes every precaution to protect your home, office, and belongings during your move. Our professional movers are skilled and highly trained in the latest techniques in moving, loading and transporting your goods. We employ moving techniques that have proven to be effective in order to provide you with safe and exceptional service. American Van Lines movers are also certified packing experts who handle your belongings with diligence and care for the maximum protection of your items.

As hard as we work to protect your belongings from damage, accidents can and do seldom occur. We wish to keep you abreast of the insurance options available to you during your move. Please carefully review the insurance options below so you can make an informed decision about the coverage that is best suited for your particular circumstance. We highly recommend that you purchase additional insurance coverage for your next move with American Van Lines.

Basic Coverage

This is the most economical protection option available; however, this no-cost option provides only minimal protection. It is required by federal law that all moving companies offer basic liability coverage. Basic coverage is not replacement insurance, but offers compensation for damaged or lost items at $0.60 per pound per article.

While basic coverage will not compensate for a high-valued item that is damaged beyond repair, such as a marble table weighing 200lbs, it can provide monetary compensation for the same table if it incurred minor scratches. Basic coverage would entitle you to $120.00 (200 pounds x 60 cents per pound) which would likely be more than enough to repair the table.

You should think carefully before choosing basic coverage and decide if this option is best for you. A written statement on your Bill Of Lading is required to obtain this coverage. If you do not acquire basic coverage through a written statement on your Bill Of Lading, your shipment will be transported at the Full Replacement Value level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable valuation charge as described below.

Full Value Protection

Full Value Protection (FVP) is the most comprehensive option available for the protection of your goods. Unless you waive FVP, your shipment will be transported under your mover’s Full Replacement Value of liability. Under which, if any article is lost or damaged, while in your mover’s custody, your mover will at its option either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by your mover, or pay you for the cost of such repairs. 2) Replace the article with an article of like kind; or 3) pay you for the cost of a replacement article at the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged article.

FVP is offered directly through the moving company. FVP is valuation, it is not insurance. Valuation is the worth of your shipment to the moving company. Valuation is typically calculated at $6 per pound and is based on the total weight of your entire shipment. If the total weight of your shipment is 1,000 pounds, the value of your shipment to the moving company would be $6,000. You would be required to pay the equivalent of a $6,000 valuation for FVP coverage.

FVP rates are not standard; they vary and are determined by the moving company. Ask your moving company for the details and costs of its specific plan. Valuation is not regulated by a governing body such as the State insurance laws are. FVP rates are left to the discretion of the moving company, and are typically calculated at $6 per pound for the total weight of your shipment.

Insurance Coverage

Moving insurance is offered through a third-party insurance carrier and not directly through the moving company. Insurance coverage gives you the option to choose the coverage that best suits your needs and lets you decide on the deductible you wish to pay. The deductible you choose determines the cost of the insurance. On average, a higher deductible will reflect a lower cost and vise versa.

The insurance company will pay the cost of lost or damaged goods minus the deductible. With insurance, you have the option of choosing coverage that will compensate for the total insured amount, less the deductible. Valuation programs offer limited coverage and will not provide full compensation.

Insurance offers coverage for natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes and lightening strikes for the items listed on your contract. While policies vary, insurance coverage gives you options and lets you determine the value placed on particular items. Compared to valuation, insurance is advantageous because you can file your claims with the insurance agent – a neutral, independent third party.

Check with your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance before purchasing any of the insurance options listed above. Many policies cover damage or loss of your goods for natural disasters when your items are being moved by a professional mover. Consult your insurance agent to discuss the details of your policy before purchasing additional insurance from the moving company.

Your American Van Lines personal moving expert will go over insurance options with you. Please be sure to address any questions or concerns you may have with our moving experts, as we are here to serve you and provide first-rate moving service. After all, your satisfaction is our greatest reward.