Did you chose insurance (optional) with the movers?

[jazzly 3]

I am dealing with a local agent in Toronto for a large Int'l moving company. I want to know independent point of view on the optional zero dollar deductable insurance. Is this really worth to spend $450 for that insurance. I have some fragile stuff and computers, but not many. I was just wondering what others had chosen.

Any bad experience with the broken stuff during transit etc?

[Cathi 5,784]

Are you driving to the US? If you are why not bring the computers with you, then you wouldn't need to worry about them. Good luck!!!

[bsd058 296]

I am dealing with a local agent in Toronto for a large Int'l moving company. I want to know independent point of view on the optional zero dollar deductable insurance. Is this really worth to spend $450 for that insurance. I have some fragile stuff and computers, but not many. I was just wondering what others had chosen.

Any bad experience with the broken stuff during transit etc?

I've never had an issue of broken stuff when moving really. But I move my stuff myself. But if they are a moving company, technically they should be responsible for all costs associated with damage to your goods. It's a bailment. And since they have care, custody, and control of your things, they are responsible. Are they making you sign a waiver or something?

If they are, then it depends on how much your stuff is worth. How are they shipping it? By transport or by sea? What is the value of your stuff? These things are important to determine in order to give good advice as to whether or not the insurance is worth it.

Have you called your previous home insurer to see if they can cover goods in transit to your new home as long as you keep your policy in force for those days? Some do as long as your goods are not being shipped for longer than a few days.

Thanks.

Edited February 6, 2013 by bsd058

[jazzly 3]

I will check with my home insurance company. I am moving by land. I am flying to destination that is why, I can't take my desktop. I am carrying my laptop though.

[bsd058 296]

I will check with my home insurance company. I am moving by land. I am flying to destination that is why, I can't take my desktop. I am carrying my laptop though.

Ya talk to them first to see if you are allowed to keep it in force until the end of the transit. Keep in mind you'll have a deductible with your home insurer and it's unlikely to be a total loss if shipping by land and not by sea. If they don't, then you just need to decide for yourself based on the value of the stuff you have. If some of the stuff is extremely valuable, (and portable) I would take it with you. If some of the stuff is valuable and not portable, then insurance may be worth it.

Good luck!

PS - Take into consideration that you will probably not suffer a total loss if you do suffer a loss. Sometimes getting the insurance the carrier provides can be useful since you don't have to worry about deductibles or claims going against your insurance experience.

For $450, it might be worth it if you have lots of valuable things. Make a list of everything you give them, so you can prove that they damaged or destroyed it if you suffer a loss. Might be worth it to take pictures, too.

Edited February 6, 2013 by bsd058

[jazzly 3]

I have external hard drives with my data on them. I don't want to carry them on flight. Is there a risk sending them with the movers?

[Krikit 1,165]

- I have brought HD's on a flight without any issues.

- Every time I have used a mover something has been lost and something (a lot of things) has been broken. That's five times. I still get ticked when I think of it because, of course, those were the irreplaceable items. You have to decide whether $450 will offset the deductible since you don't mention what that deductible is.

[bsd058 296]

- I have brought HD's on a flight without any issues.

- Every time I have used a mover something has been lost and something (a lot of things) has been broken. That's five times. I still get ticked when I think of it because, of course, those were the irreplaceable items. You have to decide whether $450 will offset the deductible since you don't mention what that deductible is.

They said in the first post that the deductible is $0.

Edited February 7, 2013 by bsd058

[Krikit 1,165]

They said in the first post that the deductible is $0.

The deductible is $0 when you pay the $450 for insurance. I was referring to how much the deductible is when you don't pay the $450.

[bsd058 296]

The deductible is $0 when you pay the $450 for insurance. I was referring to how much the deductible is when you don't pay the $450.

No insurance = no deductible.

Home insurers are usually $500 or $1000. But we don't know if their home insurer will cover transit.

Edited February 7, 2013 by bsd058

[Krikit 1,165]

No insurance = no deductible.

In my experience, moving companies have a basic loss/damage coverage policy. I believe jazzly is referring to the additional coverage being offered.

[bsd058 296]

In my experience, moving companies have a basic loss/damage coverage policy. I believe jazzly is referring to the additional coverage being offered.

Oh ok. I was wondering to what extent they would be covered by the bailee. It sounded like they were forcing them to waive their rights to recover unless they paid the $450 premium.

[hikergirl 277]

Having gone through a handful of moves (with the companies packing for us) through moving companies, I can assure you that something gets broken every single move.

We never had a single issue with our electronics though.

They've broken: a wooden bed, lamps (bent stems), pictures and oddly enough they managed to bend the stand part of our BBQ in one move.

Good luck!

[erniechicky 1]

Typically moving companies offer 2 types of Valuation.

The Free Option - Typically this is at a rate of $0.60 per pound per article. This is typically for a total loss situation. This option is typically based on the weight of your shipment not the value. So, if your shipment weighs 4000lbs you would be "insured" for approximately $2400.

The Cost Option - If you're moving with a moving company who is an agent for a vanline, than this charge is typically in their pricing tariff. Some of the questions I would be asking would be: Does the coverage include furniture made out of particle board? Does it cover things I've packed myself? Does it cover the mechanical function of my electronics?

Some other moving tips to keep in mind when moving, be sure to always get 3 estimates, make sure the sales rep comes out to your home to see your stuff, and always ask for a 10% guarantee. Also, it doesn't hurt to do some digging online about the Company, there are plenty of review sites out there. If you move with a moving Company, be sure you ask about the Form 3299, which you will need to complete for the carrier to bring your goods across the line.

Hope this helps.