Tip #10:
Safeguard valued items
It is a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as jewelry, silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled “Misc kitchen pantry”. Either way, check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move and if you need additional insurance from your Austin moving company. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss. If you purchase additional insurance for your move, be sure to read your moving insurance policy carefully so you are aware of all conditions and exclusions of the policy. Some items will require additional packaging (for an additional cost) in order to be fully covered. Certain valuable items, such as jewelry, watches, gem stones, cash/currency/bank notes, deeds, travelers cheques, coin/stamp collections, sports memorabilia, alcoholic beverages, furs, plasma televisions, and firearms/ammunition, are not covered by any mover or third party insurer regardless of the policy or coverage purchased, so make sure your homeowner’s policy does cover these items if you plan to ship them with the moving company.

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At Elephant Moving and Storage we strive to maintain the highest quality services. Our movers work hard to get your valued possessions moved safely across town or across the country. Ocassionally, however, despite all efforts and precautions, small damages may occur. It is important to remember that all claims must be submitted in writing. A phone call will not be sufficient to process your claim! If you have a damage claim the best way to begin the claims process is to submit your claim to our claims department by emailing claims@elephantmovingaustin.com. Please include your name, the date of your move, a description of the item and the damage that occurred, the value of the item, and what you are asking for as compensation. If you have photographs of the damage please send those along with your claim.

Be advised that damage claims will be limited to $.60 per pound per article as noted on our local and long-distance moving contracts. This is the basic level of liability that is included in the rates for moving. If you purchased additional moving insurance coverage through MovingInsurance.com then you must submit your claim directly to them online at http://www.movinginsurance.com/claim/login.asp. For any damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces, Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $100.00.

Also, please note that pressed wood and particle board furniture are exempt from any insurance or valuation coverage (this includes the basic $.60 per pound and also any additional coverage from www.movinginsurance.com). This furniture is not stable, and is not meant to travel fully assembled. For further discussion on this topic please visit the pressed wood section of our blog. If you have questions about the claims process or insurance for your move please feel free to call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

When purchasing moving insurance for your local or long-distance move you should be sure to read the fine print carefully! There are some things that are not covered by any moving insurance policy. Boxes, containers and items that are packed by owner (PBO) are excluded from full coverage - the maximum amount that will be paid for these items is $250. If there are items that need to be boxed or otherwise packaged that you would like insured for above this amount then you will need to order packing services from your Austin mover in order to get full replacement coverage.

Delicate and fragile items - including glass tables/tops, marble tables/tops, slates, paintings, framed pictures, chandeliers, display cases - must be professionally packed and/or crated in wooden or other protective containers to be covered. Wrapping such items in moving pads only does not constitute professional packing and are not covered. All lamps, including floor or pole lamps not professionally packed in cartons specifically made for this item will be excluded from coverage. Loss and/or damage to articles not professionally wrapped with special moving pads, bubble wrap, and/or shrink-wrap will also be excluded from coverage. Mattresses and boxsprings are specifically excluded from coverage unless packed by the mover in mattress cartons specifically designed for this purpose. Shrink-wrap alone does not constitute proper protection.

The following items are excluded from coverage regardless of how they are packaged:
jewelry, watches, gem stones, cash, currency or bank notes, deeds, travelers cheques, coin or stamp collections,
sports memorabilia, alcoholic beverages, negotiable items, furs or garments trimmed with fur, plasma televisions, firearms and
ammunition, or contraband. Loss or damage to motorcycles is not covered. Wrinkled or soiled clothing, linens, drapes, or rugs are also excluded.

*** Moving insurance excludes damage to any furniture constructed of veneered chipboard, particle board, composite board, pressed wood or similar. Any reduction in quality arising as the result of dismantling or reassembling of any such items of furniture is also excluded. Click here for other posts on this subject. ***

And perhaps the most important exclusion to remember: Items not listed on the movers’ inventory prepared at origin are not covered. Items not shipped are not insured. Be sure to double check the inventory your Austin movers have prepared for your shipment!

As with any insurance policy, it is important to read through your moving insurance policy information so that you are aware of all exclusions and exceptions to the coverage. If you have any questions or concerns talk to your move coordinator.

The insurance offered on your move covers only the items that the movers are transporting. Please be advised that our liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.

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More moving insurance options:

Total Loss Only
This coverage is for a specified dollar amount and pays only in the case of catastrophic loss. Small damages are not covered by this type of insurance. Benefits of this coverage include low cost and protection against a major accident or disaster.

Add-on options for full replacement value moving insurance include pairs and sets coverage and mechanical and electrical derangement coverage. Pairs and sets will replace a full set of something if only one or part of the set is damaged. The mechanical coverage covers internal working of mechanical and electrical devices (without this add-on coverage, only physical damage to the unit itself is covered).

Movinginsurance.com also covers storage in our warehouse (self storage facilities are not covered). A policy purchased for a local or interstate move is good for up to 90 in our storage facility. Customers can also purchase extensions of this coverage on a monthly basis to cover periods longer than 90 days.

All of our basic and increased insurance options cover the goods that we transport and store. None of these options cover damage to the premises we work in. Be advised that Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

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Elephant Moving and Storage is pleased to offer a variety of increased insurance options for customers moving locally, interstate, or coming into storage. The basic coverage of $.60 per pound per article is included automatically and free of charge with every move, and also with all storage. The two most popular additional coverages our customers most frequently purchase for their interstate relocation are ‘Total Loss Only’ and ‘Full Replacement Value.’

Full Replacement Value - Lump Sum
This coverage is for a specified dollar amount (customer states that shipment is worth $XX,XXX). Any items specifically valued at greater than $500 must be noted at the time of purchase. Damaged and destroyed items are covered at full replacement value up to the lump sum amount of the insurance. Customers should be careful not to undervalue their total shipment since compensation is limited to the total lump sum amount specified at the time of purchase.

Full Replacement Value - Valued Inventory
This coverage offers full replacement coverage for a list of select items. You will be prompted to create an inventory list that includes the name, value and condition of each item. Damage to listed items is covered, but items not included on the valued inventory are not covered by the additional moving insurance (the basic coverage of $.60 per pound will apply to these items).

Stay tuned for more information on other types of moving insurance that are available for your local or long-distance move with Elephant Moving & Storage…

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Get a quote for moving insurance now!

It is extremely important to remember that movers are not insurance companies! All licensed movers must carry cargo insurance, for the customers’ and the company’s protection. This translates into cargo valuation coverage in the amount of $.60 per pound per article. Obviously this is a basic and limited coverage for your belongings.

Some moving companies offer different options for increased coverage, but you should remember that no interstate moving company is an insurance company. If your long-distance mover has offered to sell you increased coverage directly, then this is increased valuation, NOT INSURANCE.
This increased valuation means that for your interstate move your relocation company has agreed to be liable for damages above the $.60 per pound limit (usually this maxes out at around $5.00 per pound). This is still not enough to cover the full replacement cost of many items, especially smaller, lighter, expensive items such as TVs and fine china.

The only sure-fire way to guarantee that your things will be covered at full replacement value is to purchase additional insurance (not increased valuation). Many interstate movers offer this option through reputable third party insurers who deal only with moving and storage.

Elephant Moving works with www.movinginsurance.com to provide increased insurance options to our local and long distance moving customers. Policies are available for valued inventory or lump sum coverage; there are also add-ons available for pairs and sets coverage and mechanical and electrical coverage. Be aware that Elephant Moving’s liability for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces is limited to $100.00. Movinginsurance.com does not offer increased coverage options for damage to your premises. Check with your homeowner’s insurance to see if they will cover any damage to the premises that may occur during a move.

Stay tuned for more information on the third party insurance options that may be available from your interstate relocation company…

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Get a quote for moving insurance now!

The liability coverage that movers offer isn’t actual insurance. It is cargo vaulation coverage, and the basic coverage carried by all licensed moving companies in Texas only pays you 60 cents ($.60) per pound for any item that is damaged or broken. So even though your Waterford goblet is worth $80, if you were to make a claim for it, you’d get less than a buck because it’s lightweight. It is extremely important to be aware of this when you are moving. If you would like full replacement value insurance for any or all of the items in your shipment you must purchase this coverage from www.movinginsurance.com at least 3 days prior to your move in order to be covered. If no additional insurance is obtained, your items are covered at 60 cents per pound and only 60 cents per pound!
Please be advised: your premises are separate from the goods we transport and are not covered by the cargo valuation. Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.
Questions about insurance? Ask your Austin movers for clarification on anything you don’t understand. We’re here to help!

Due to the design and/or construction of certain items, as well as moving company policies and government regulations, there are items which are not covered under basic cargo coverage, increased valuation coverage, or third part moving insurance. Also, please note that Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.

Elephant Moving assumes no liability for the following items:

Customer Packed Boxes (PBO-Packed By Owner) - VERY IMPORTANT
- the contents of your boxes are not covered unless they have been packed by Elephant Moving company employees
- in the event that a customer-packed box is lost or destroyed, compensation will be computed based on an average weight of 50 pounds per box, REGARDLESS of actual box contents

Pressboard Furniture
- disassemble pressboard furniture if possible, package fasteners separately (see our section on pressed wood furniture for further explanation)

Halogen Pole Lamps
- disassemble and box halogen pole lamps to protect them, always remove bulbs

Live Plants or Perishables
- avoid packing food or plants if at all possible, use open-top boxes or wardrobes for plants

Electronics & Musical Instruments (Internal Mechanisms)
- includes the internal workings of all electronic items such as televisions, stereos, computers, computer accessories and all musical instruments (unless you have specifically purchased full coverage insurance with the mechanical and electrical derangement add-on coverage)
- have your electronics and musical instruments professionally prepared for moving beforehand

Unpackaged Glass
- includes glass framed artwork, fish-tanks, tabletops, and mirror glass
- glass must be pre-packaged by an Elephant Moving employee to be fully covered

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Depending upon your agreement with your Austin mover, you may be doing some of the preparation for the move. If you are doing your own packing, be careful about overloading your moving boxes. Be sure to use appropriate boxes so your goods will arrive safely. Box tops should be flat and taped securely for easy handling and safe stacking in the truck. Never pack liquids with other items - be sure to label the boxes as liquids to ensure proper handling. To avoid damage, do not pack fragile items and heavy items in the same carton. Clearly mark fragile cartons. DO NOT pack valuables (such as jewelry, money, etc.), medication, or important papers to be taken on the moving truck. The mover is not responsible for these items. Remember, it’s first in, last out when loading any truck. Keep items such as toiletries, medicines, and other necessities with you. Be sure to check out our other helpful hints and tips to help you with your move.

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The basic insurance that Austin movers carry is $.60 per pound per article. Liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces. You may wish to purchase additional transit insurance to cover loss or damage to your goods; additional coverage is not available for damage to premises. Elephant Moving works with MovingInsurance.com to bring you increased insurance options. MovingInsurance.com offers Total Loss Only, Full Replacement - Valued Inventory and Full Replacement - Lump Sum coverages. Additional options include Pairs and Sets coverage and Mechanical and Electrical Derangement coverage. MovingInsurance.com allows you to insure one high value item, your entire shipment, or anything in between. You can also choose your deductible. The average cost for a policy purchased on MovingInsurance.com is less than 1% of the value of the goods.

MovingInsurance.com uses a number of factors to determine which moving companies they include in their network. Each moving company that applies to become an affiliate is checked for relevant state and federal moving licenses, valid liability, auto, cargo, and warehousemen insurance policies, previous loss history (in terms of past claims), Better Business Bureau record, and general moving experience. The claims loss ratio and frequency with affiliate moving companies on MovingInsurance.com is 50% lower than the nation’s average.

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