Moving/Damaged Items Claims Help!

[HLAuburn]

We just moved with a relocation company, so DHs new job paid for packing, moving, storage, and unloading. We had several items damaged, from scratches to major breaks that make the piece unusable. From the looks of it, most of the damage seems like it was due to careless packing and handling and could have been prevented.

That all said...within a week of the move, I filed a damages claim with the moving company. They seem like they are in no hurry to get things resolved. I was finally contacted by a 3rd party representative who will come in and assess the damages, but they can't come until the 17th - that's over a month since the move-in. If they take the damaged items to try to repair them, I assume that's going to be another month at least, and since some of these items are things we use on a regular basis (breakfast table chair, DDs desk, baby's changing table), it's been really annoying not being able to use them.

So, am I being unreasonable to expect they handle this faster than they are? The relocation company and moving company are all about customer service and excellent service, but that pretty much went out the window when they dropped off our stuff! With our last relo move, we had one small mirror broken - that's it! - and the mover went to Lowe's and replaced on the spot, so although we are not new to moving, this claims process is new to me.

Should I call tomorrow and get a little pushy? Should I push for a cash out rather than repair? I just want my things back in working order or money to replace them and I'd like it done sooner than later!

Any advice?? Thanks!!

 

[DebbieB]

Is there a contact at DH's company? If they have enough complaints, they may use a different reloc company, which would put pressure on them to resolve it. A call from the company rep might get a quicker response.

 

[golfgal]

That is an excessive wait. Did you get full replacement cost insurance???? If not, you are in for a big surprise. We had a chair get ripped in one move and didn't get the replacement cost coverage-stupid. We ended up getting $20 for the chair (but we got to keep the chair). I found someone to fix it for about that so it wasn't too bad but it still had this big seam down one side and they were only about 3 years old-still in very good shape.

 

[HLAuburn]

I think I might call the moving company one more time to complain a little and see if that gets me anywhere. If not (which I suspect), I'll put a call into the relo company.

That is an excessive wait. Did you get full replacement cost insurance???? If not, you are in for a big surprise. We had a chair get ripped in one move and didn't get the replacement cost coverage-stupid. We ended up getting $20 for the chair (but we got to keep the chair). I found someone to fix it for about that so it wasn't too bad but it still had this big seam down one side and they were only about 3 years old-still in very good shape.

Everything was covered by the company. I know we have coverage up to about $75,000, which is based on weight. Although there are a lot of damages, they're no where near this. I still think the moving company is going to pay out as little as they possibly can, and try to fix what they think they can just to save themselves some money.

Thansk for the replies!

 

[ksjayhawks]

Have dh find out the name of the person at his company who deals with the relocations. Call this person and explain your situation. Ask for the name of the moving company representative that works with dh's company and call him/her. Mention the name of dh's company representative. Remian calm and state what you want done and that waiting until the 17th is unacceptable.

This should help get things going.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I worked for a Major moving company for many years. You really need to get out your contract to find out which type of insurance you/your company placed on your items.

Moving companies release your items at .60 per pound/per item at no cost to you. So if your table weighed 10pounds and was demolished in the move, the moving company is only liable for $6.00.

There were also different types of insurance you can purchase above and beyond that amount. The most expensive would be full value replacement. Your moving company should have given you a pamphlet with a title something to the effect "Your rights and responsiblities". In that pamphlet will be an explanation of your insurance (you can find out what type was purchased on your bill of lading). It also should give you a time guideline and also how to proceed with arbritation through a third party if needed.

Just so you know, even with full value replacement, scratches, etc are repaired, not replaced. They should have and you should request an estimator to come out and write up the repair/replacement report. Good Luck and I hope you get your claim settled shortly.

I forgot to mention, and mostly this will be for others who may use a moving companies service, all damage should be noted before the moving company leaves on your inventory sheets. If this is not done, it will delay the process significantly.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I worked for a Major moving company for many years. You really need to get out your contract to find out which type of insurance you/your company placed on your items.

Moving companies release your items at .60 per pound/per item at no cost to you. So if your table weighed 10pounds and was demolished in the move, the moving company is only liable for $6.00.

There were also different types of insurance you can purchase above and beyond that amount. The most expensive would be full value replacement. Your moving company should have given you a pamphlet with a title something to the effect "Your rights and responsiblities". In that pamphlet will be an explanation of your insurance (you can find out what type was purchased on your bill of lading). It also should give you a time guideline and also how to proceed with arbritation through a third party if needed.

Just so you know, even with full value replacement, scratches, etc are repaired, not replaced. They should have and you should request an estimator to come out and write up the repair/replacement report. Good Luck and I hope you get your claim settled shortly.

I forgot to mention, and mostly this will be for others who may use a moving companies service, all damage should be noted before the moving company leaves on your inventory sheets. If this is not done, it will delay the process significantly.

That is very helpful info.