Moving valuation coverage and claims
Moving valuation coverage is not insurance. Every move with us includes free basic coverage, and you can upgrade for extra protection. Here is what each option covers, and what to do if you have a claim.
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Valuation is not insurance coverage
Valuation is the maximum amount you declare as the total value of your property. It works like the “blue-book” value of a car: in a total loss, the most you can recover is that value, however the damage happened.
Every move includes free basic coverage. You can upgrade to Full Value Protection, and for more than that we partner with third-party providers.
Valuation coverage options
Basic (released value)
Basic coverage is included at no charge. It pays a maximum of $0.60 per pound per article.
If an article is lost or damaged, what you get back is its weight multiplied by $0.60. That is considerably less than the average value of household goods.
It applies if you do not choose an upgrade.
Full Value Protection
The most comprehensive plan available for the protection of your goods.
For $10,000 of Full Value Protection coverage, you pay $50 with a $500 deductible. Maximum coverage is $100,000 for local and long distance moves and $150,000 for Elite White Glove moves.
Choose it before your move begins. It cannot be purchased after the move has started.
Third-party protection
Gotham partners with third-party providers when you need more than our Full Value Protection.
Ask your moving specialist about your needs. For insurance, we highly recommend Baker International as the premier provider.
We suggest third-party insurance to protect your property.
The $0.60 per pound minimum comes from federal rules (49 CFR 375.701), so every shipment always has at least that coverage.
The comparison, in one table
| Basic (released value) | Full Value Protection | |
|---|---|---|
| What it costs you | $0. Included at no charge. | $50 for each $10,000 of coverage, with a $500 deductible. |
| How a loss is paid | By weight: $0.60 per pound per article. | Up to the coverage you chose, less the deductible. |
| Maximum coverage | $0.60 per pound per article. | $100,000 local and long distance, $150,000 Elite White Glove. |
| Boxes you packed, particle board, fragile items | $0.60 per pound per article. | Also limited to $0.60 per pound per article. |
| When to choose it | Applies if you do not upgrade. | Before your move begins. It cannot be added after. |
What is limited or not covered
From our Terms of Service. Most of these are easy to plan around.
Boxes you packed yourself
A mover cannot control how a box was packed, so on boxes packed by the owner, liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article. If you want fragile things covered properly, have us pack them.
Particle board and fragile items
Pressed wood (particle board) furniture, and fragile or brittle items such as glass, china and ornaments, are limited to $0.60 per pound per article.
Things we cannot carry
Firearms, jewelry, cash, bank notes, financial instruments, hazardous materials and liquids. We cannot take them and accept no liability for them.
The buildings themselves
Damage to property that is not transported, such as walls, floors, stairs, banisters, doorways, driveways and lawns, is not covered under our terms.
Appliances and utilities
We do not disconnect or reconnect utilities or appliances. Turn them off and disconnect them from electric, gas and water before moving day.
How a claim is made
- Note it at delivery. All damage and missing items must be noted on the inventory logs, item by item, at the time of delivery.
- Call the office. On 212-732-1234. Please call us and we will work on your claim as soon as possible. Under our terms, we get the first chance to investigate and respond to you in writing.
- Put it in writing. A claim must be made in writing, with proof of ownership, value and weight.
- Keep the item as it is. We have the right to inspect and repair any damage, so do not repair it or throw it out first.
- File within 9 months. Claims must be filed within 9 months of delivery, and all charges must be paid in full before a claim can be made.
What to photograph before the move
Dated photographs make any claim simpler.
- Anything already damaged, before we arrive. A scratch you photographed is a scratch nobody argues about later.
- Every electronic item switched on and working. Screen lit, machine running.
- The back and underside of large furniture, where the existing damage usually is.
- Artwork and mirrors out of their wrapping, front and back, including the frame corners.
- The serial number plate on appliances and electronics.
- The rooms themselves, empty, once everything is loaded.
Arbitration, the alternative to court
Our first step is always a call, and under our terms we get the first chance to investigate and respond in writing. Federal rules also require a mover to offer arbitration, and it is optional for you.
What it is
Arbitration is an alternative to going to court. Each side presents its case, and a neutral third party decides who is right.
How it works
It is done by written submission and, at the arbitrator's discretion, by phone. The claimant files a written brief with all the supporting documents, and the other side then has 30 days to respond.
What it means
An arbitration decision cannot be appealed in a court of law, so read the terms before you choose it. It is based on federal law, not on conflicting state rules.
What it costs
Each party pays a $250 filing fee and a supplemental $50 administration fee, splits the arbitrator's costs 50 and 50, and pays its own expenses.
Call the office on the number on your estimate to ask for the arbitration forms.
Valuation and claims, answered
Ready to get started?
Call for a free estimate, or send the form and we reach out during business hours (Mon-Sun, 9:00am - 9:00pm).