RELORoundTable is a mutually supportive but commercially neutral learning environment where visitors can discuss the trials and tribulations of movin’.
Still having conundrums? You're invited to hobnob with the pros at the RELO RoundTable Forums, or join me at the Moving and Relocation page at Examiner.com where we discuss a wide range of topics about local, intrastate, interstate and international relocation issues.
Still having conundrums? You're invited to hobnob with the pros at the RELO RoundTable Forums, or join me at the Moving and Relocation page at Examiner.com where we discuss a wide range of topics about local, intrastate, interstate and international relocation issues.
How To Find A Reputable Mover: Do They Have The Required Insurances?
When it comes to movin’, two things are certain. It’s expensive and it can be dangerous. Before getting started, it’s a good idea to determine your risk in your relocation decision. Here are some things to consider when making arrangements for full service or do-it-yourself moving and storage services.
Liability, Cargo, and Property Damage Insurance
Most municipal, state and federal governments require proof of liability, cargo, and property damage insurance” before they’ll issue or renew an operating license to a “for hire” common, contract or household goods property motor carrier. Requirements vary based on the type of equipment being operated and the scope of the operating authority.
This expensive requirement will probably disqualify most of the anonymous fly-by-night labor contractors, and small “man and a van” hauling entities found posted on the bulletin board in the supermarket or peppered around popular online classified resources.
For intrastate and interstate exempt hauling, most licensing entities require that a Form E “Bodily Injury and Property Damage Certificate Insurance” or a Form G “Uniform Motor Carrier Bodily Injury and Property Damage Surety Bond” must be filed. Household goods motor carriers are required to file Form H, a "Uniform Motor Carrier Cargo Certificate of Insurance". Each is the standard proof of insurance form issued by insurance companies. Ask to see a copy if you’re unsure about a particular company’s qualifications.
All authorized interstate ‘for-hire’ property motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders based in the U.S. or Canada must obtain operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) before they can begin operations in the United States.
Consumers can check an on a company’s insurance and licensing compliance records at the FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System database. This site offers public access to up-to-date company information, safety data and related services. It is searchable by name, USDOT# or motor carrier (MC#) number. The Licensing and Insurance page requires a state location if searching only by name.
Can the company you’re considering provide you with proof of insurance such as a current "Insurance Certificate" issued by their insurance carrier? Some real estate property managers require it before they let a company’s workers on their premises. So should you.
Transit Protection
Ask the mover about their liability if something is damaged during your move. Again, individual states have different valuation and/or insurance requirements for local or intrastate service providers.
Under Federal law, interstate movers must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage: (1) Full Value Protection and (2) Released Value. The Protect Your Move.gov website offers an excellent explanation in Understanding Valuation and Insurance Options on interstate moves. Be sure to note the implications if you pack yourself.
Workers Compensation Insurance
Ask each vendor you’re considering if they carry Workers' Compensation Insurance. Rules vary from state to state. Contact the State Insurance Board to furnish you with detailed information regarding the applicable worker comp rules and regulations in your locale(s).
Without Workers Compensation Insurance you will be potentially liable for anyone hurt on your premises. This higher level of required insurance protection substantially adds to a mover's cost of doing business, but it protects you if someone is injured during your move. Be suspicious of the "very low" bidder, especially those found at a find-a-mover websites or the popular online classified ad lists. They may be cutting costs by "cheating" on essential Workers' Compensation Insurance protection.
If you’re planning to move yourself with the help of hired laborers, you should consult with your insurance agent and/or attorney about your liability as a primary employer under the Borrow Servant Doctrine. This common law principle holds that the employer of a borrowed employee, not the employee’s regular employer, is liable for the temporary employee’s actions that occur while the hired employee is under the control of the temporary employer.
You can find a more thorough and informative discussion about the borrowed servant doctrine at Wells Publishing's three part series here , and the related legal doctrine of respondeat superior (Latin: "let the master answer") which states that, in many circumstances, an employer is responsible for the actions of employees performed within the course of their employment here.
Still at your wit’s end? Join me at RELORoundTable – a gathering place where interested visitors can participate in a mutually supportive but commercially neutral learning environment that deals with the trials and tribulations of movin’.
Liability, Cargo, and Property Damage Insurance
Most municipal, state and federal governments require proof of liability, cargo, and property damage insurance” before they’ll issue or renew an operating license to a “for hire” common, contract or household goods property motor carrier. Requirements vary based on the type of equipment being operated and the scope of the operating authority.
This expensive requirement will probably disqualify most of the anonymous fly-by-night labor contractors, and small “man and a van” hauling entities found posted on the bulletin board in the supermarket or peppered around popular online classified resources.
For intrastate and interstate exempt hauling, most licensing entities require that a Form E “Bodily Injury and Property Damage Certificate Insurance” or a Form G “Uniform Motor Carrier Bodily Injury and Property Damage Surety Bond” must be filed. Household goods motor carriers are required to file Form H, a "Uniform Motor Carrier Cargo Certificate of Insurance". Each is the standard proof of insurance form issued by insurance companies. Ask to see a copy if you’re unsure about a particular company’s qualifications.
All authorized interstate ‘for-hire’ property motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders based in the U.S. or Canada must obtain operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) before they can begin operations in the United States.
Consumers can check an on a company’s insurance and licensing compliance records at the FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System database. This site offers public access to up-to-date company information, safety data and related services. It is searchable by name, USDOT# or motor carrier (MC#) number. The Licensing and Insurance page requires a state location if searching only by name.
Can the company you’re considering provide you with proof of insurance such as a current "Insurance Certificate" issued by their insurance carrier? Some real estate property managers require it before they let a company’s workers on their premises. So should you.
Transit Protection
Ask the mover about their liability if something is damaged during your move. Again, individual states have different valuation and/or insurance requirements for local or intrastate service providers.
Under Federal law, interstate movers must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage: (1) Full Value Protection and (2) Released Value. The Protect Your Move.gov website offers an excellent explanation in Understanding Valuation and Insurance Options on interstate moves. Be sure to note the implications if you pack yourself.
Workers Compensation Insurance
Ask each vendor you’re considering if they carry Workers' Compensation Insurance. Rules vary from state to state. Contact the State Insurance Board to furnish you with detailed information regarding the applicable worker comp rules and regulations in your locale(s).
Without Workers Compensation Insurance you will be potentially liable for anyone hurt on your premises. This higher level of required insurance protection substantially adds to a mover's cost of doing business, but it protects you if someone is injured during your move. Be suspicious of the "very low" bidder, especially those found at a find-a-mover websites or the popular online classified ad lists. They may be cutting costs by "cheating" on essential Workers' Compensation Insurance protection.
If you’re planning to move yourself with the help of hired laborers, you should consult with your insurance agent and/or attorney about your liability as a primary employer under the Borrow Servant Doctrine. This common law principle holds that the employer of a borrowed employee, not the employee’s regular employer, is liable for the temporary employee’s actions that occur while the hired employee is under the control of the temporary employer.
You can find a more thorough and informative discussion about the borrowed servant doctrine at Wells Publishing's three part series here , and the related legal doctrine of respondeat superior (Latin: "let the master answer") which states that, in many circumstances, an employer is responsible for the actions of employees performed within the course of their employment here.
Still at your wit’s end? Join me at RELORoundTable – a gathering place where interested visitors can participate in a mutually supportive but commercially neutral learning environment that deals with the trials and tribulations of movin’.
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