Moving can be challenging, chaotic, and time-consuming. Hiring local movers in Carrollton, Texas is the best way to take some weight off your shoulders and ensure a streamlined moving process.
Once you’ve researched if movers will move a treadmill and if you need to empty drawers for movers, you may still be wondering what to do if there’s an accident during your move. If you’re worried about the safety of your belongings during the moving process, it’s always best to hire a reliable and experienced moving company like NDMS.
Still, accidents do happen, and there is always the chance of a slip-up, no matter who you hire. If there’s an accident during a move where your belongings get damaged or broken, here is what you should do:
Thoroughly Inspect Items
When your belongings arrive at your new location, you should inspect them as they come in through the door. While there will likely be plenty on your plate during the moving process, this inspection is not something you should delay.
As your items get delivered, take a close look at all your belongings for any dents, scratches, or tears. Pay special attention to the condition of your fragile items–doing this early will allow you to spot any damage while the moving team is still there.
If you notice any damage, speak up immediately. A trustworthy moving company will always make notes of any damage and give you a copy of these notes before you pay your final bill. If there is any disagreement with the movers about the nature or extent of the damage, contact the company as soon as possible. The more quickly you inspect and report any damage, the more likely you are to get compensated.
Take Pictures for Evidence
If you’re planning on filing a claim for damage, it’s important to have pictures of the damage as evidence in case the validity of your claim is questioned. If your inspection reveals damage to your belongings, take a photo and save it for your records. Keep any photos you take until the end of your claim in case you need evidence to back up your complaint.
You should also take pictures of any belongings already damaged before moving. This is especially important for older furniture or items with wear and tear. If you find new damage to your items during the move, you can use the before-and-after pictures to compare and get compensation for the damage done by the movers.
Estimate the Damage
Once you’ve inspected your belongings, take a quick mental note of the damage that has occurred and try and determine how important it is and whether it is worth pursuing compensation.
Most people don’t pursue claims over minor scratches or dents to their furniture, but if you find severe damage that you think is important, try and get a rough estimate of how much it will cost to fix. Don’t give your movers an exact figure they can bind you to if you aren’t sure–get a general estimate of the extent of the damage, find out how much it will cost to repair, and contact the moving company for compensation.
File a Claim
If your belongings were severely damaged or broken during the moving process, note this in your copy of the bill of lading. If you purchased moving insurance from a third party, contact the company and seek help with filing a claim. If you do not have insurance, contact the movers directly.
Explain to the agent what has happened, and request the necessary paperwork to file a claim. While the company works to resolve the issue, keep the damaged items and photographs of the damage until they are properly reviewed and your claim is resolved.
Reputable moving companies are dedicated to their job and will always try to resolve your complaint quickly and peacefully. If your issue does not get resolved, however, you can choose to leave a review about your experience on the internet. You can also try and file an official complaint with the American Moving and Storage Association or the Department of Transportation, depending on how serious the damage is.
