A New Beginning — But Something is Damaged

You have made it to your new home. The boxes have been offloaded and the moving company has gone to the next job, and you are ready to begin unpacking - until you or your family takes a closer look at one box and unearths your cherished lamp with the base cracked in two or the screen of your television smashed in the middle. An aggravating circumstance, and you might be thinking, "What now?"

Don not worry - you won't have to eat the loss. If you're working with a licensed mover, they will process your claim, and so you can be reimbursed or paid for the damage done to your good. The claims process is simple and straightforward, so don't let it intimidate you - it is just a matter of your own legwork and the communication you have with the moving company.

How to claim damage - Step-by-Step

1. Take a Deep Breath and Inspect Everything
Before you panic take a slow walk through your boxes and furniture. Check for scratches, dents etc seems missing. Snap clear photos right away — and keep any damaged packaging. These photos are your “proof” later when you file the claim.

2. Pull Out Your Moving Paperwork
Remember that big packet or email your moving company provided you? That’s your Bill of Lading or moving contract. Within it, you’ll determine what kind of protection you purchased; Full Value Protection (repair or replacement) and Released Value Protection (basic coverage of low incurred value based on weight).

3. Contact the Moving Company
Don't delay. Most of them in businesses expect to see claims submitted within 30 to 90 days of delivery. Send them a brief and polite message with your specifics, something like this:

“Hi, I unpacked my belongings and there are a few items that sustained damage during transport. What is the process of filing a claim?”
That is all that is required to get the process started!

4. Fill Out the Claim Form
Once they respond, they will send you a claim form (usually online). You will list what is damaged, include your photos, and maybe add receipts or estimates of the item’s value.

5. Wait for the Review or Inspection
Some providers may want to assess the damage in person and especially if it is for high value items, some may just have you submit photos and documentation. This process takes a little patience but check in periodically in a polite manner if it seems to be taking a long time.

6. Review the Settlement Offer
When they process the claims and they will start to extend an offer to you. If it appears to be too low then feel free to question it and negotiate with it. You have the right to a fair resolution.

How Long It Usually Takes to Settle a Claim

When people file damage claims, the first question is, "How long will this take?" Well, it depends on what kind of move you had. This is valuable information that we gathered from real customers about our average claim resolution times:

Type of Move	Typical Claim Resolution Time
Local Move	10–15 days
Long-Distance Move	25–35 days
International Move	40–60 days

In short: the farther your stuff travels, the longer it might take to get a claim resolved.

What Kind of Protection Did You Choose?

Here is where things get real. The type of coverage you picked when booking your movers makes a big difference in how much money you will get back.

Coverage Type	What It Means	Example Payout
Released Value Protection	Free basic coverage; pays about $0.60 per pound per item.	A 50 lb TV = $30
Full Value Protection	Covers repair, replacement, or full cash value of damaged item.	A 50 lb TV = full replacement cost
Third-Party Insurance	Extra coverage you buy separately for high-value items.	Depends on declared item value

If you’re moving again in the future, it’s worth paying for Full Value Protection — especially for electronics, furniture, or anything sentimental.

A Few Tips to Keep Things Smooth

Stay composed and keep records on everything. Yelling or rushing around won't speed anything up, but if you have photos and receipts, that will.

Don't get rid of damaged items immediately. The movers may want to see the damaged items before authorizing all your claim.

Be polite and firm in your communication. Companies are much more congenial when you are clear and respectful.

Why Filing a Claim Is Worth It

Regardless of the item's value, filing a claim concerns accountability. Moving companies that are rated by your top movers site take damage claims seriously. If they are reputable and rated in the top movers category and they want to be responsive so they can maintain their reputation.

Do not skip out on the claim process. Take time to report and to take photographs and follow up. You deserve to have your items treated and compensated with care!