What is insurance?
What is valuation?
How is valuation different from insurance?
Aren’t my items already covered?
Do I need insurance?
These are some common questions when it comes to valuation vs insurance. We cannot influence your decision to purchase valuation or insurance, but we are happy to assist with questions. We have provided some valuable information and resources. Keep in mind, some renters and homeowners insurance cover items during a move.
Valuation is NOT insurance. Valuation is the amount of liability a moving company will accept for the value of your goods if damaged or lost while in their possession. Valuation is limited to the moving company’s own coverage, and in many cases is as low as $0.60 per pound per item on domestic shipments. It can be as low at $0.10 per pound per item on international shipments.
Does not cover acts of God
Is a tariff level of liability the carrier is required to carry
Liability is determined by the weight of your goods
Claims are only paid if the carrier is found liable
Claims are settled by the company that damaged the items
Some levels of valuation coverage are more expensive than insurance
Insurance is NOT valuation. Insurance is a system of protection against loss in which an individual agrees to pay a certain sum for a guarantee that they will be compensated under stipulated conditions for any specified loss. It is a contract guaranteeing such protection.
Covers acts of God
Greater coverage than valuation
Liability can be allotted for each item
Claims are handled by a professional insurance company
Most coverage offers more deductible options and costs less
Insurance is the most coverage you can choose for your items. Please keep in mind that SeaPort does not control the rules and regulations of a third party insurance company. By opting for additional insurance, you understand and agree that you could be subject to additional packing and/or crating required by the insurance company. All high value items (over $1,000 worth of value), must be listed separately. It is the customers responsibility to take out enough insurance to cover the entire shipment.
Household goods carriers must assume liability for the value of the goods they transport. The amount of liability a carrier must assume depends on the level of valuation protection selected by the customer. The customer makes this selection by initialing the appropriate line on the bill of lading issued by the carrier.
The carrier’s liability responsibility for loss and damage is to customer regardless of any cargo insurance policies it may have. The customer-declared value determines what the carrier’s legal liability will be in case of loss or damage. In lieu of declared value, the value of a household goods shipment will be based on the weight or constructive weight of the shipment. Before providing service, carriers must require customers to state in writing on the bill of lading either the declared value of the shipment in cents per pound or a lump sum value for the entire shipment. For the purposes of valuation, the phrases “weight” & “constructive weight” are used interchangeably.
For distance moves the “weight” of the shipment is determined by recording the actual weight.
For hourly rated moves the “weight” of the shipment is determined by recording the constructive weight. “Constructive weight” is calculated by multiplying 7 pounds times each cubic foot of space used in the moving vehicle.
The coverage afforded above does not apply to:
a) Act of God (earthquake, flood, tornado, etc.)
b) Hostile warlike action, or acts arising from riots, civil commotion, strikes, or labor disturbances.
c) Any article of extraordinary nature of value, antiques, fine art, painting, statuary, and similar articles, which by their inherent nature cannot be replaced with new articles; or articles whose age or history contribute substantially to their value. This includes, but is not limited to: memorabilia, souvenirs, and collector’s items. Unless a special agreement has been stipulated to do so. Including, but not limited to jewelry, furs, stocks, bonds, cash, antiques, and art collection. Any article of extraordinary nature/value must be identified separately on an inventory that must be included with the bill of lading.
d) Loss or damage resulting from wear and tear, moths or vermin, dampness or atmosphere or extremes of temperature.
e) Acts of omissions of the shipper such as neglecting to prepare for time of the move.
f) Internal electric, LCD/Plasma TV’s or mechanical item, whether packed or unpacked by Seaport Moving or the shipper.
g) Loss or damage consisting of breakage to fragile items, such as china, glassware, etc., unless packed by Seaport Moving or unless caused directly by fire, theft, collision, or overturn of transport vehicle.
Local Valuation Coverage – Please visit our resource center to review our local valuation coverage forms.
Interstate Valuation Coverage – Please visit our resource center to review our long distance valuation coverage forms.
Insurance Options
Additional insurance can be purchased through the following companies:
- Movinginsurance.com– customers can go online directly and purchase additional insurance themselves or through relocation consultant, detailed inventory could apply
- TG International (TGI)– insurance arranged through relocation consultant and requires detailed inventory
Note: Additional insurance must be purchased 2 days prior to the packing and/or move date or additional fees could apply.