Determining
the Right Coverage for Your Move
While van lines have the expertise, equipment and materials
to safely transport your household goods to your new home, on occasion, some items do get
damaged or lost. Realistically, if you were to examine the construction of today's
furniture, you'd quickly realize that furniture is not built to be moved. Rather, it's
designed to be functional and/or decorative, to be utilized and admired. Accordingly, it's
important that you select the proper coverage for your shipment. To best suit your
particular situation, most movers offer three types of protection:
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Regardless of which plan is most appropriate for your
circumstances, remember to ask your moving counselor to explain each alternative
carefully. It's also a good idea to review your homeowner's insurance policy to determine
whether or not it provides coverage for any especially valuable items such as crystal,
antiques, and collectibles during a move.
Basic liability protection is just that--basic. Your
household goods are covered at the rate of 60¢ per pound, per item, regardless of their
actual value--at no extra charge. If your new 40-pound portable color TV is damaged, for
example, you'll be paid up to $24 toward its repair. For most families, of course, this
level of protection is not adequate, and you might consider purchasing additional
protection. This type of coverage is available in the U.S. and Canada.
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A "middle" level of protection provides coverage
for the replacement value of the item--minus depreciation. Your cost for this declared
value protection (DVP) coverage is based on the weight of your shipment and/or the
lump-sum or per-pound value that you declare, subject to certain minimums. This type of
coverage is available in the U.S. only.
Extra Care Protection (U.S.)/Customer Transit Protection
(Canada) offers the highest level of protection. Under this plan, if an item is lost or
damaged beyond repair, you'll receive full replacement cost regardless of depreciation.
Customers can select this option at full value (U.S. and
Canada) or with a deductible option (U.S. only). As with DVP, your cost and maximum
protection level are dependent on the value that you declare for your shipment.
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