The one point that is the hardest to explain to any customer who is looking to hire Wagoner Moving is Valuation.  Many people think that because we are physically moving their furniture, pictures and treasured possessions we are 100% liable for any damage…...while we do have responsibilities to provide professional moving services accidents do happen.

Why do we use the term VALUATION and not INSURANCE?  Well we are not in the business of selling “insurance” but moving services.  To sell insurance you must be licensed to do so and we are not!  

Common sense tells you wait a minute!  I am paying for movers to handle my possessions why would they not be 100% liable for any damage?  Well I hope to explain. 

The first point is “inherent vise” or the process of moving your electronics, appliances or any mechanical running item that could be damaged just in the act of handling it, putting it on a truck that is driving down the road or climate changes.  A wire can come loose, improper prep for moving  or just the act of moving will cause electronics to stop working.   Proper servicing of these items for transport as well as allowing them to come to room temperature is crucial.

My second point is we cannot be liable for items we did not pack.  If you pack Grandma’s china and open the box to find a soup bowl broken that is not the mover’s liability but the person who packed it.  Is the top of the box crushed because it was not packed full and the dead space was not filled with paper?  Keep in mind when movers load a truck it is loaded from the floor to the ceiling.  Those boxes you picked up at the grocery store were not made to hold books, glassware and knickknacks.  The crush resistance built into moving boxes are.  While you can pick up cheap  moving boxes at truck rental stores or hardware stores these boxes are not as well made as the more expensive moving boxes Wagoner Moving purchases.  Also keep in mind if Wagoner Moving does not pack your items in boxes we have no idea what box the toaster was packed in and cannot be responsible when you can’t find it!

Now to address scratches or damage.  Valuation allows our customer to choose what level of risk vs cost their comfortable with.  There are different levels of liability that movers are required to provide.  Full Value Protection or Release Value Protection.

Full Value Protection is for replacement value but is based on the ENTIRE shipment.  You cannot pick out once piece to declare Full Value Protection on.  This protection is charged to the customer based on the estimated weight of their shipment and deductibles they choose.  Movers still have the option to repair, replace or cash out on an item.  You must talk to your moving counselor to obtain a quote.

Released Value Protection is the most economical but the liability to the mover is greatly reduced.  Wagoner Moving assumes liability at 60 cents per pound per article.  So if the movers damage a lamp that is valued at $100.00 , you would only receive the weight of the lamp (10 lbs.) times $.60 per pound or $6.00.

Many times your home owners insurance will cover your household goods during transport so check with your agent as well.  

Be sure you discuss and sign for the Valuation option of your choice with Wagoner Moving prior to your move.  Please check out the FMCSA website under the United States Dept. of Transportation for more information regarding your rights and responsibilities.

If you have any questions, please call Wagoner Moving Systems at 800/421-6986.