Lansing Moving Company Valuation Moving Coverage
Attention: Homeowners Looking for the Best Moving Valuation Coverage!
Are Movers Responsible for Damaged Items? The Shocking Truth Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Are movers responsible for damaged items?
This question keeps many homeowners up at night when planning a big move. You work hard for your stuff. You saved up. You picked out that perfect couch. That TV cost you a whole month's pay. And now you're trusting strangers to move it all without breaking anything. Scary, right?
Hi, I'm Jae Burnham, owner of Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving. I've helped thousands of families move their prized items safely. And I'm going to tell you the REAL truth about moving damage that most companies hope you never find out.
The Ugly Secret Most Moving Companies Hide From You
Picture this: The moving truck pulls away. You're standing in your new home surrounded by boxes. You open the first one and find your grandma's china... SMASHED to bits.
Your heart sinks. You call the moving company. And what do they say?
"Sorry, but you signed our release form. We're only liable for 60 cents per pound."
That means your 10-pound box of priceless family heirlooms? They'll pay you $6. SIX DOLLARS!
Is this legal? Can they really get away with this?
YES, THEY CAN. And they do it every single day to unsuspecting homeowners just like you.
How Moving Valuation Actually Works (What They Don't Want You to Know)
Most folks don't know this, but standard moving coverage is NOT insurance. It's called "released value protection" and it's the biggest scam in the moving industry.
By law, moving companies must provide basic liability coverage of 60 cents per pound per article. That means:
Your 50-pound flat-screen TV worth $1,000? They'll pay you $30 if they break it
Your 5-pound blender worth $200? You'll get $3
Your 200-pound dining table that cost $2,000? At most, you'll receive $120
Does that sound fair to you? Of course not!
But every day, homeowners fall for this trap because they didn't read the fine print.
Are Movers Responsible for Damaged Items When YOU Pack?
Here's another sneaky trick they pull.
If you packed your own boxes, many movers will claim ZERO responsibility for anything broken inside them.
"You didn't pack it right," they'll say.
Even with full value protection, they'll try to wiggle out of paying for damages by blaming YOUR packing skills.
And you know what's worse? If you can't prove the condition of your items BEFORE the move, you're out of luck. It's your word against theirs.
The Documentation That FORCES Movers to Pay for Damages
Now, I'm going to share something powerful. Something that will completely change how moving companies treat you and your belongings.
Before ANY move, you MUST:
Take clear, date-stamped photos of ALL valuable items
Record video walking through your home showing item conditions
Create a detailed inventory with values listed
Get the moving company to acknowledge this inventory
This simple 4-step process creates what I call a "Damage-Proof Shield" around your possessions.
When movers know you've done this homework, they suddenly become MUCH more careful with your stuff.
Why? Because you've removed their favorite excuse: "We can't verify it wasn't already damaged."
The Full Value Protection Truth They Don't Tell You
Moving companies offer something called "full value protection."
Sounds great, right?
They'll repair, replace, or pay the full value of any items they damage.
But here's the catch most homeowners miss:
It costs extra (sometimes A LOT extra)
There are hidden deductibles
They decide whether to repair, replace, or pay cash
They can dispute your valuation of items
Many items have maximum liability limits
And the biggest secret?
Even with full value protection, the moving company gets to CHOOSE how they compensate you. They can:
Repair the item (even poorly)
Replace it with a "similar" item (usually cheaper)
Pay cash (based on THEIR assessment of value, not yours)
How Mr. BigStuff Handles Damaged Items (The Right Way)
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we do things differently. We believe movers SHOULD be responsible for damaged items.
That's why we:
Employ only professional, trained movers (not day laborers)
Use premium packing materials that actually protect your stuff
Take before-and-after photos of valuable items ourselves
Offer genuine coverage options that ACTUALLY protect your belongings
Have a simple, no-hassle claims process if anything goes wrong
And our clients notice the difference.
That's why we have over 75 five-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper. People know when they're being treated right.
The Hidden "60 Cents Per Pound Moving Coverage" Scam
Let me show you how badly this standard coverage fails homeowners.
Shocking, isn't it? And completely legal.
This is how moving companies get away with damaging your prized possessions with almost no consequences.
Questions to Ask About Moving Insurance Before Signing ANYTHING
Before you hire ANY moving company, ask these questions:
"What is your claims process for damaged items?"
"Do you offer full value protection, and what EXACTLY does it cover?"
"Are there any items your insurance won't cover?"
"What documentation do I need to file a successful claim?"
"How long do I have to report damages after my move?"
"Does your insurance cover items I pack myself?"
Pay close attention to how they answer.
If they hesitate, give vague responses, or try to change the subject... RUN!
Why Local Moving Company Valuation Options Matter More Than You Think
When choosing between moving companies, most people focus on the price quote. BIG MISTAKE.
The difference between good and bad valuation coverage can cost you THOUSANDS if things go wrong.
A company that charges $200 more but has better protection might save you $2,000 in broken items. That's a 900% return on your investment!
Smart homeowners know this.
They look beyond the bottom-line price and choose movers who stand behind their work.
How to File a Moving Insurance Claim Process (Step by Step)
If the worst happens and your items get damaged, here's exactly what to do:
Document the damage immediately with photos
Contact the moving company within 9 days (interstate moves have deadlines!)
Submit a written claim with all your evidence
Include original value and replacement cost information
Keep copies of EVERYTHING you send
Follow up weekly until resolved
Most homeowners give up too easily when movers deny claims.
Don't take "no" for an answer!
The law is on your side if you follow these steps.
Moving Valuation vs Insurance: The Difference That Could Save You Thousands
Here's something most homeowners don't know: moving "valuation" and "insurance" are NOT the same thing.
Valuation is what the moving company provides.
Insurance is a separate policy you can purchase from a third party.
The difference? Insurance companies actually PAY claims.
Moving companies try everything to AVOID paying claims.
For valuable items, consider getting separate moving insurance.
It costs more upfront but gives you real protection when things go wrong.
The Moving Company Valuation Coverage Limits They Hide in Fine Print
Even when movers offer "full coverage," there are limits buried in the contract:
Items worth over $100 per pound often need separate coverage
Certain categories (electronics, art, antiques) may have maximum payouts
Many policies exclude items in unlocked or unsecured locations
Acts of God (floods, fires) are almost never covered
Pre-existing damage (even minor scratches) can void coverage
Read every word of your contract.
If you don't understand something, ASK.
If they can't explain it clearly, that's a big red flag.
Why Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving Treats Your Belongings Better
At Mr. BigStuff, we believe your possessions deserve respect.
That's why:
Our movers are full-time professionals, not random day laborers
We train extensively on proper handling techniques
We use better quality packing materials
We take extra time to wrap and protect fragile items
We document conditions before and after
The result? Our damage rate is 87% lower than the industry average.
That's not luck.
That's caring about doing the job RIGHT.
As Jae Burnham, I personally guarantee the safety of your items.
That's not something most moving company owners can say.
Common Moving Insurance Claim Denials (And How to Fight Back)
Moving companies have dozens of excuses to deny claims:
"You signed the delivery sheet saying everything was fine"
"You didn't note the damage within 9 days"
"You packed the box yourself"
"The item had pre-existing damage"
"Your claim form wasn't filled out correctly"
Don't let them get away with these tactics!
Document EVERYTHING, inspect items BEFORE signing, and know your rights.
If they still deny your claim, report them to the Department of Transportation and the Better Business Bureau.
Moving companies hate this kind of attention.
Are Movers Responsible for Damaged Items During Transit?
Yes! Legally, movers ARE responsible for items damaged during transit.
The question is HOW responsible.
With standard coverage, they're only liable for that pathetic 60 cents per pound.
With full coverage, they should cover full replacement value.
But here's the key: YOU must prove the damage happened during the move.
That's why documentation is so important.
How to Document Items Before Moving (The Bulletproof Method)
Here's my foolproof system to protect yourself:
Create a spreadsheet listing all valuable items
Take clear photos of each item from multiple angles
Record video walking through your home showing everything
Store copies of purchase receipts or appraisals
Have the movers sign off on your inventory
This takes about 2 hours for an average home but can save you THOUSANDS in disputed claims.
The One Thing You MUST Do on Moving Day to Protect Your Rights
When the movers arrive, do this ONE thing: walk them through your home and point out high-value or fragile items BEFORE they start loading.
Make them acknowledge these items verbally.
This creates both legal and psychological obligation to take extra care.
Even better, mention that you have everything documented with photos and videos.
Watch how their attitude changes!
The Truth About USDOT Moving Insurance Requirements
By federal law, all licensed interstate movers must:
Offer basic liability protection (60 cents per pound)
Provide the option of full value protection
Give you a written explanation of coverage options
Include valuation fees in their initial estimate
If they don't do ALL of these things, they're breaking federal law.
Report them immediately to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
Military Move Valuation Coverage: Special Rules You Should Know
Military families move more often than almost anyone else.
If you're in the military, you have special protections:
The government's Full Replacement Value coverage is better than civilian options
You have longer to file claims (75 days vs. 9 days)
The claims process goes through the military, not the moving company
You can request special handling for high-value items
Don't let moving companies tell you differently.
Know your military moving rights!
Why Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving for Your Next Move
When you choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, you're choosing peace of mind.
Here's what makes us different:
Founded by Jae Burnham, a YouTube influencer and published author who puts his reputation on the line with every move
Over 75 five-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Comprehensive protection options for your valuables
Professional, background-checked movers who care about your belongings
Simple claims process in the rare event something goes wrong
Don't gamble with your precious belongings.
Choose movers who actually take responsibility for your items.
TAKE ACTION NOW: Protect Your Move Today
Moving is stressful enough without worrying about broken items.
Let Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving handle your next move with the care and respect your belongings deserve.
Call us today at (517) 948-0894 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Mention this article and receive our "Premium Protection Package" at no extra charge – a $150 value!
Visit https://justthebigstuff.com to learn more about our services and read our glowing reviews from happy homeowners just like you.
Remember: When it comes to your prized possessions, don't settle for standard 60 cents per pound coverage.
Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving – where we treat your belongings like our own.
Are movers responsible for damaged items? The standard answer is "barely."
But at Mr. BigStuff, our answer is "absolutely."
That's the difference that will protect your move and your peace of mind.
Call (517) 948-0894 now before your moving date is booked by someone else!
