What Happens If Movers Break Something? Expert Guide to Getting Compensated (2025)

Under federal law, professional movers must protect your belongings. They'll provide coverage options that range from Full Value Protection at $6.00 per pound to Released Value at just $0.60 per pound of your items.

Dealing with broken items during a move isn't always straightforward. You need to file claims quickly because there's a nine-month deadline from your move date. Your rights and protection options are accessible to more people than you think. This detailed guide shows you exactly what to do if moving companies damage your belongings, and you'll learn how to get the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Mover Liability and Your Rights

Federal law requires moving companies to provide two different types of liability coverage. Full Value Protection gives you the best coverage, as movers take full responsibility for replacing any lost or damaged items. They must pay the current market value, fix the item, or replace it with something similar.

Moving companies also provide Released Value Protection without charging extra, but the coverage is minimal at 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your 50-inch TV weighs 25 pounds and gets damaged, you would get only $15 back.

Moving companies must take legal responsibility for any damage during transport and other services listed on the bill of lading. The law requires them to give you written details about your coverage options before your move starts.

Movers can limit their liability for valuable items worth more than $100 per pound unless you declare them. These items often include jewelry, antiques, china, or expensive electronics.

You have nine months from your delivery date to submit a written claim. Movers must confirm they received your claim within 30 days. They need to give you a final answer within 120 days, though complex cases might need a 60-day extension. Your claim should include your shipment's details, state the mover's liability, and list how much compensation you want.

Documenting Damage for Maximum Compensation

Proper documentation is your best defense against denied claims. You must document all damage in detail at the time of delivery.

Everything in photos and videos you should take

Take photos of damaged items from multiple angles with good lighting. Your focus should be on close-up shots that show specific damage and wider shots that provide context. A walkthrough video of your shipment helps, too, especially when you show crushed boxes or visible exterior damage.

Required paperwork and forms

Your documentation package should have these critical items:

• Inventory List: Detail each item's condition and original location
• Bill of Lading: Note any visible damage at delivery
• Claim Forms: Complete these with specific damage descriptions
• Proof of Value: Include receipts and purchase documentation

You must sign the Household Goods Descriptive Inventory at pickup and delivery. This document shows the condition of your items when the movers took possession and notes any changes upon delivery.

Digital documentation best practices

Strong claims need well-organized digital records. Set up a dedicated folder structure to store all documentation. You should back up your photos and videos both locally and in cloud storage.

Document every interaction with the moving company with dates and times. Leave damaged items untouched until an inspector sees them - early repairs could hurt your claim. When you have hazardous items like broken glass, move them to a safe area but check the claims process with your mover first.

Filing an Effective Damage Claim

You have a better chance of getting compensation when you start a damage claim after finding broken items. The process needs to start within nine months of your delivery date.

Step-by-step claim submission process

Contact your move coordinator or customer service team to get a claim form. We needed to provide these essential details:

• A detailed description of damaged items
• Estimated value of each item
• Circumstances of the damage
• Supporting documentation

Ensure all required paperwork goes with your claim instead of sending incomplete information. Your moving company must let you know they got your claim within 30 days.

Common rejection reasons

Claims get rejected for several key reasons:

• Not enough proof that damage happened during the move
• Items you packed yourself without proper protection
• Items that were already marked as damaged on inventory
• Weather-related damage
• Asking for more money than the item's value

Following up on your claim

Yes, moving companies indeed have 120 days to pay or reject your claim. This becomes especially important when you have no response within this timeframe - you can file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or Better Business Bureau.

More than that, if you don't like the settlement offer, you can try arbitration through the neutral programs that many moving companies offer. Keep detailed records of all communications and note down the dates and times of your conversations.

The damaged items should stay available to check, as moving companies often send third-party teams to verify transit damage. You can track your claim's progress through the company's online portal or by regularly checking in with your claims representative.

Getting Fair Compensation for Damaged Items

You must understand your coverage type and item values to get fair compensation. We started with Full Value Protection, where movers must pay the current market value, repair the item, or replace it with a similar one.

Calculating item replacement value

Start by documenting the original purchase price through receipts or credit card statements. Research current market prices for similar items next. The final step involves looking at item condition and depreciation. Items worth more than $100 per pound, like jewelry or antiques, need specific documentation on the shipping forms.

Negotiating with moving companies

Moving companies must respond to claims within 30 days and resolve them within 120 days. Here's how to build a strong case:

• Present clear documentation of damage
• Reference your valuation coverage terms
• Maintain professional communication
• Think about reasonable compromises
• Keep detailed records of all interactions

The moving company might offer immediate compensation—review it carefully. Quick settlements are a big deal because they mean that you might get less than your items' worth.

When to seek legal assistance

You'll need legal action in several situations. Moving companies can refuse arbitration for claims over $10,000. This means you might need to pursue legal remedies. You have options if the mover denies your claim or offers inadequate compensation.

Small claims court works well for smaller amounts and is relatively inexpensive. Federal regulations require moving companies to participate in neutral arbitration programs for claims up to $10,000. An attorney who specializes in transportation law might benefit from complex cases or big losses.

Note that you and the mover split arbitration costs, though the arbitrator decides who pays the final expense. Interstate moves require you to serve legal papers to your state's mover's process agent if you pursue a lawsuit.

Conclusion

Broken items during a move can be stressful, but you can get compensation by knowing your rights and taking the proper steps. Federal law protects you with options from simple Released Value coverage to detailed Full Value Protection.

Once you find damaged items, you need to act fast. Take photos and videos and make detailed notes to document everything. File your claim within nine months. Your documentation will be your best proof during the claims process.

The law requires moving companies to acknowledge claims in 30 days and resolve them within 120 days. You have several options to get fair compensation if talks break down. These include arbitration programs and legal action if needed. Knowledge about your coverage options and rights will help you handle the compensation process better and protect your valuables in future moves.

FAQs

Q1. What should I do if movers damage my belongings? If movers damage your belongings, document the damage immediately with photos and videos. Contact the moving company to request a claim form, and file a detailed claim within nine months of your delivery date. Be sure to keep all damaged items for potential inspection.

Q2. How much compensation can I expect for damaged items? The compensation depends on your chosen liability coverage. With basic Released Value Protection, you'll receive $0.60 per pound per article. Full Value Protection offers more comprehensive coverage, where movers must pay the current market value, repair the item, or replace it with a similar one.

Q3. Can I file a claim if I discover damage after the movers have left? Yes, you can file a claim after the movers have left. However, acting quickly and filing your claim within nine months of your delivery date is crucial. Document the damage thoroughly and contact the moving company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

Q4. What if the moving company refuses to pay for damages? You have several options if the moving company refuses to pay for damages. You can file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the Better Business Bureau. For claims up to $10,000, you can pursue arbitration. Consider seeking legal assistance or taking the matter to small claims court for larger claims or complex cases.

Q5. How can I protect my valuable items during a move? To protect valuable items, declare any items worth more than $100 per pound before the move. Consider opting for Full Value Protection instead of the basic Released Value coverage. Pack fragile items carefully or let professionals handle the packing. Take photos of valuable items before the move and keep an updated inventory list.