Learn how to spot red flags like unreasonable fees or damaged belongings when evaluating potential moving companies. We offer tips to protect yourself.
Moving can be extremely stressful. Finding trusted moving services is key, but spotting concerning red flags early also helps avoid issues.
We’re detailing top warning signs, protecting your valuables, verifying credentials, using binding estimates, understanding replacement value protection, and asking the right questions.
Common Early Warning Signs
As you evaluate moving companies, watch for these early red flags:
- Pushy Sales Tactics: Quality movers focus more on understanding needs vs aggressively selling.
- Vague Answers: Clear, direct responses build confidence. Vagueness hints at potential problems.
- Lack of Physical Address: Ensure a real, verifiable local address exists versus just a phone number or website.
- Negative Reviews: Feedback highlighting damaged items or hidden fees indicates trouble ahead.
Also concerning – an excessively low estimate compared to other movers. That likely means either unrealistic calculations or the urge to attract with an unrealistic quote that later balloons through sly fee increases.
Valuable Inventory Steps
Before allowing a moving crew into your home, protect items via two key steps:
- Photograph expensive possessions
- Detail high-value goods for declared valuation
Photos create evidence if possessions get damaged or lost. A detailed high-value inventory ensures sufficient coverage by the mover’s insurance – if they provide insurance.
Verifying Licenses
Check licenses directly with regulating agencies. For interstate American moves, that’s the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Red flags include:
- Pending licenses without approval
- Recent license awards
- Exempt status due to transporting own goods
Table highlighting license types:
| License Type | Meaning | Concerning or Not |
| New Authority | Brand new license | Potential warning sign |
| Active | Approved by the FMCSA | Preferred status |
| Revoked | Rescinded right to operate | Do not use |
Dig into specifics by searching the FMCSA website. For local moves, check state regulations as laws vary.
Binding Moving Estimates
A binding estimate locks in costs upfront. If the price later seems incorrect, reasonable changes based on an inspection still cannot exceed the original quote by more than 10%.
You must receive the binding estimate at least 3 days before the move. Pay only a fraction upfront, with the balance due after loading possessions.
By contrast, non-binding estimates show approximate costs but allow hikes. Insist on binding estimates in writing after an in-person inspection.
Insurance Replacement Value Protection
Basic liability coverage by movers only satisfies 60 cents per pound. For a $500 television weighing 30 pounds, reimbursement would equate to just $18!
Instead, obtain third-party valuation coverage for possessions’ replacement value. Confirm what types of damage trigger claims. Check if pre-existing flaws impact valuation.
Understand how loss gets calculated if no comparable replacements exist for rarely made items. Take into account sentimental value beyond just retail pricing.
Key Questions to Ask Moving Companies
- How do you train staff on careful handling of cherished possessions?
- What types of trucks and packing materials do you use? Cheaper trucks increase risks.
- How does your valuation coverage specifically handle fragile items like glassware or artwork? Standard liability is inadequate.
- What is the actual cash value depreciation schedule for damaged goods based on age? Details often prove vague.
