Moving can be stressful. From relocating down the street or across the state to a thousand miles away from your current location the stress of having your property moved can be a tough cookie to swallow. During the move there are several steps to take to be able to get your items from point A to point B in this process items can get damaged. It is not uncommon for a moving company to damage furniture and personal items. There is a process that helps with filing claims in the event that you get damaged furniture at your new home. It is your job to make sure that you get to your home in one piece and it is the moving company’s priority to be certain that your items get there in one piece. If your personal items or even your antique furniture is damaged during a move we want you to know what it takes to file a claim for damaged furniture. 
      When preparing to move and to make sure that you do not end up on the bad end of receiving damaged items from your move there is a three-step process to follow.
       The first step is on the day of your move. You want to want sure that the movers prepare a list of every item in your home and the condition. The list should be an itemized list that includes the quality of each item and the working condition. Double-check that both parties agree on the list, because when you file a claim for items that have been damaged in the move you want to be able to prove what the damages were and how the piece was affected. This is especially important when filing claims for antique furniture and big ticket items. This list will make your claim stronger and much easier to file.                The goal of this process is to make sure that you can easily file a claim on any item that would or has been damaged during a move from a moving company.
           When your items arrive at your new home it is time to take inventory. Use the list to compare what items were sent with the movers and what items that made it to the new location. One of the most important parts of this step is to double check the condition of each and every item that is on the list. The list almost serves as a recipient. If you do not acknowledge or question the condition of the items it will or could affect your ability to file a claim. The idea is to make sure that the moving company understands that you know that an item was damaged in the move and that you have the proper documentation of the inventory and condition to make your case strong.
           Once you account for each item that has been damaged then it is time to make a claim. The best way to start this process is to call the agent that worked with you to set up your move. It is never the best idea to leave this step up to the movers. You want first hand to have the knowledge that the claim has been started. This also gives you the information that you need to start the claim.
          Most companies will require the inventory list with the condition of each item that was agreed upon by both the homeowners and the movers. The movers will always want to start the claim first. That is actually part of their job, if they insist then suggest that you be a part of the call and document the process. There are typically claim numbers and pictures that will be required to work the claim.
        It is very important that whether they initiate the claim or you do the same information will be needed so be super prepared to complete a process with pictures and claims documentation. Often this process also includes an inspector that will visit during the claim process along with signed and written forms. 
        The most important part of this whole process is the inventory list and if anything has been damaged during your move that you start the claim as soon as possible. You never want anything to happen to the item or for any documentation to be accidentally lost during your move. Filing moving claims for damaged furniture or other items can be a challenge but is well worth the hassle in the long run especially if you had special antiques or other that are not replaceable on your inventory.
     Call us today at 404-904-0070​ if you need help filing an damaged furniture insurance claim.