In general, your mover (HWC) is legally liable for loss or damage that occurs during the transportation of your shipment and all related services identified on the bill of lading or work order. All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the household goods they transport. You can choose between two levels of liability that apply to interstate moves: Full (Replacement) Value Protection and Waiver of Full (Replacement) Value Protection – Released Value.
1. Full (Replacement) Value Protection This is the most comprehensive option available to protect your household goods, but it will increase the cost of your move. You will have to pay a premium as well as a deductible if an article(s) needs repairing/replacement/or settlement.
Your shipment will be transported at this level of liability unless you waive Full Value Protection. Under HWC’s Full Value Protection level of liability, subject to allowable exceptions in your mover’s tariff, if any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in HWC’s custody, HWC will, at its option, either:
1. Repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by your mover, or pay you for the cost of such repairs; or
2. Replace the article with an article of like, kind, and quality, or pay you for the cost of such a replacement.
The exact cost for your shipment, including Full Value Protection, may vary by mover and may be further subject to various deductible levels that may reduce your cost. The minimum level for determining the Full Value Protection of your shipment is $6.00 per pound multiplied by the weight of your shipment. HWC may have a higher minimum value or you may declare a higher value for your shipment (at an additional cost).
Under this option, HWC is permitted to limit our liability for loss and damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100.00 per pound (i.e. jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques, oriental rugs, or computer software). It is your responsibility to study this provision carefully and to make the necessary declarations.
How to calculate the minimum value of your shipment: $6.00 x weight of your shipment = $#.##
HWC’s 2 options for premium and deductible: $2.00 per $100.00 value of shipment ($150 deductible)
$1.50 per $100.00 value of shipment ($250 deductible) Here is an example of the different deductible/premiums for $30,000 value of shipment:
2. Waiver of Full (Replacement) Value Protection (Released Value of 60 cents per pound per article)
Or simply called Released Value is minimal protection; however, it is the most economical protection available as there is no charge to you. Under this option, HWC assumes liability for no more than 60 cents ($0.60) per pound, per article. For example if a 100-pound dresser valued at $350.00 were lost or destroyed, HWC would be liable for no more than $60.00. With this option there is no premium or deductible added to your bill, this is what comes standard with your move at no additional cost.
How to calculate the compensation with Released Value: $0.60 x weight of your article = $#.##
In the event that you choose this liability option and an article is lost or damaged while under our custody, HWC will get an estimated weight on the article(s) and pay you $0.60 per pound for compensation of the damaged good(s).
Reducing your Mover’s Normal Liability
The following are some actions that may limit or reduce your mover’s liability for loss or damage to your household goods:
1. Your acts or omissions cause the loss or damage to occur. For example, improper packing of containers you pack yourself do not provide sufficient protection or you include perishable, dangerous, or hazardous materials in your shipment without your mover’s knowledge.
2. You chose Released Value liability (60 cents per pound per article) but ship household goods valued that more than 60 cents per pound per article.
3. You declare a value for your shipment which is less than the actual value of the articles in your shipment.
4. You fail to notify your mover in writing of articles valued at more than $100 per pound. If you do notify your mover, you will be entitled to full recovery up to the declared value of the article or articles, not to exceed the declared value of the entire shipment.
Loss and Damage Claims
You have the right to file a claim with HWC to be compensated for loss or damage. You have nine (9) months from the date of delivery (or in the event of loss for the entire shipment, from the date your shipment should have been delivered) to file your claim.
The claim must be submitted in writing to HWC for processing. After you submit your claim, HWC has thirty (30) days to acknowledge receipt of it. HWC has one-hundred and twenty (120) days to provide you with a disposition. HWC might be entitled to sixty (60) day extensions if the claim cannot be processed or disposed of within one-hundred and twenty (120) days.
All written correspondence must be sent to the address below:
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery
P.O. Box 7605
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
