5 Questions to Ask Movers Before Signing a Contract

When doing your research to identify the best moving and storage companies, there are several key questions to ask. The way in which the answers are provided, as well as the answers themselves, will shed light on the caliber of the company. Although you can ask additional questions if you want, the following five represent some of the most important to ask professional movers before signing an official contract.

• Does Your Company Have Proper Licensing? – Look for professional movers that are a member of the American Mover and Storage Association (AMSA). That way, you know the company is in compliance with current federal laws. For a cross-country move, a moving company must have a US Department of Transportation number, which is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To guarantee that your move will be safe and legal, you can verify this number online by visiting the administration’s website.

• What is the History of Your Company? – Experience speaks volumes when hiring movers. Preferably, you want a moving and storage company that has years of industry experience handling your type of move.

• What Type of Liability Insurance Coverage Does Your Company Provide? – There are two options, Full Value and Alternative Liability. For Full Value protection, any lost, damaged or destroyed goods are replaced for the actual value of the item. With Alternative Liability, the moving company is only responsible for $0.60 per item per weight. In other words, if your $1,000, 10-pound stereo speakers were lost, damaged, or destroyed during transport, the moving company would only be liable for $6.00! Although Full Value insurance is more expensive, it is a worthwhile investment.
• What Kind of Experience Does Your Moving Crew Have? Along with hiring a moving and storage company with experience, you should look for experience in the movers. After all, these are the actual people who will handle your belongings so you want a crew that is dedicated, qualified, and professional. Remember, some moving companies hire inexperienced seasonal workers, which is what you want avoid. Instead, you want movers who are actual employees of the moving and storage company.
• Will You Provide Me with an On-Site Binding Written Estimate? If any moving and storage companies are only willing to provide an estimate via email or by phone, consider this a red flag. Instead, you want to work with a company that will send a representative to your home or business to conduct an on-site visual inspection of the items to be moved. Professional movers will also provide you with a binding written estimate, which ensures that you will not pay more than the price quoted.

For more information about what questions you should ask movers or to receive a free moving quote please contact Priority Moving, Chula Vista today.