INSURANCE
Complete Insurance Coverage for Your Move
Commander Moving is a fully licensed and insured moving company that services Alameda, San Francisco, and the Bay Area.
We understand your trust in us when handling your belongings and take that responsibility seriously.
While our team takes every precaution to ensure a smooth and damage-free move, we know that sometimes unexpected situations can arise.
That’s why if we cause any damage during your move, we will resolve the issue and ensure your satisfaction before leaving your property.
If an on-site resolution isn’t possible, the matter will be addressed through our insurance company. In such cases, the settlement will be based on the level of coverage you selected before your move.
These guys were phenomenal from start to finish. Friendly free estimate, no pressure with their follow-up call and they worked nonstop. Five guys showed up on moving day as promised and were well organized with how they tackled the move. You can tell they have honed their skills in working as a team and split up tasks. Watching their efficiency was amazing as they carried multiple boxes on their backs with straps up and downstairs during a heatwave and one was even SINGING while doing so! Such a great attitude! I have moved several times with Commander Moving and they're the best in the business. The estimation process is quick and easy. The crew shows up on time and works so quickly and efficiently that you won't even have time to pick up the pizza you ordered for them. They moved our whole two bedroom house in a morning and even helped with some junk removal at the end of the move. I don't plan to move again very soon, but when I do, I'll be contacting Commander Moving again! Commander Moving stored our items for years and helped coordinate our move cross-country through their connections. The owner, Karel, is probably one of the most genuine people in this business. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and highly recommend them for any size move!
Affordable Peace of Mind
Accidents Happen
Coverage Options
Basic Coverage
Actual Cash Value
Full Value Coverage
Choosing the Right Coverage
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Insurance
1. Is insurance included in my moving cost?
Yes and no. Federal law requires licensed interstate movers to offer a basic level of liability coverage, often referred to as Released Value Protection. This basic coverage is typically included in your moving cost at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal protection.
- Under Released Value Protection, the mover’s liability for loss or damage is limited to a certain amount per pound per article (e.g., $0.60 per pound in many states). This means if a 50-pound television is damaged, you might only receive $30, regardless of its actual value or the cost to replace it.
For more comprehensive protection, you’ll need to purchase Full Value Protection, which is an optional add-on and will increase your overall moving cost.
2. What is the difference between Actual Cash Value and Full Value coverage?
These are two different ways to determine the value of your belongings in case of loss or damage:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): This coverage considers the current market value of your items, taking depreciation into account. So, if your five-year-old couch is damaged, you would receive the amount it would sell for today, not the original purchase price. This option is generally less expensive than Full Value Protection.
- Full Value Protection: This is the more comprehensive option. If an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the moving company will either:
- Repair the item to its original condition.
- Replace it with a new item of like kind and quality.
- Provide a cash settlement for the current replacement value.
With Full Value Protection, you generally need to declare the value of your entire shipment. The moving company can then charge you a premium based on this declared value.
3. How do I decide which level of coverage to choose?
The best level of coverage depends on several factors:
- The value of your belongings: If you have many high-value items, antiques, or sentimental possessions, Full Value Protection is likely worth the extra cost.
- Your risk tolerance: How comfortable are you with the possibility of receiving only a minimal payout under Released Value Protection if something is damaged?
- Your budget: Full Value Protection will increase your moving expenses.
- Your existing insurance policies: Check if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy offers any coverage for belongings during a move. Be aware that many policies have limitations or exclusions for items in transit.
4. What happens if something is damaged during the move?
If something is damaged during the move, here’s a general process to follow:
- Document the damage immediately: As soon as you notice any damage, take clear photos and videos.
- Note the damage on the inventory list: If the movers used an inventory list, make sure to note the damage on your copy before signing off.
- Notify the moving company promptly: Contact the moving company as soon as possible to report the damage. Most companies have a specific timeframe within which you need to file a claim (often within 9 months for interstate moves).
- Follow the moving company’s claim procedures: They will likely provide you with a claim form and instructions on how to submit it. This may involve providing photos, repair estimates, or proof of value.
- Keep all documentation: Retain copies of all communication with the moving company, the inventory list, photos, repair estimates, and any other relevant documents.
5. How is the cost of additional insurance coverage calculated?
The cost of Full Value Protection is typically calculated based on the total declared value of your shipment. The moving company will have a specific rate per $1,000 of declared value.
Factors that can influence the cost include:
- The total value of your belongings: The higher the declared value, the higher the premium.
- The distance of the move: Longer moves may have slightly higher rates.
- The moving company’s policies: Different companies may have different pricing structures.
- Any specific high-value items: You may need to specifically declare and potentially pay extra for items exceeding a certain value.
It’s crucial to accurately assess the value of your belongings when purchasing Full Value Protection. Under-declaring the value could limit your payout in case of a significant loss.
6. Are all my belongings automatically covered?
Under the basic Released Value Protection, yes, all your belongings being moved by the company are technically covered, but at the very minimal per-pound valuation.
However, for Full Value Protection, you are generally required to declare the value of all the items you want to be fully covered. While you might not have to list every single sock, you’ll need to provide a reasonable estimate of the total value of your household goods. There might be limitations or specific procedures for covering extremely high-value items.
7. Can I purchase additional coverage on moving day?
Generally, it is best to purchase additional coverage (Full Value Protection) before moving day. Most moving companies will require you to make this decision and complete the necessary paperwork in advance.
While it might be possible in some cases to add coverage on the day of the move, it’s not advisable to rely on this. It’s better to have your coverage secured beforehand to avoid any last-minute stress or complications. Contact your moving company to confirm their specific policies on purchasing additional coverage.
8. Are there any items that aren’t covered by insurance?
Yes, most moving insurance policies have exclusions. Common examples of items that may not be covered include:
- Jewelry, precious metals, and valuable papers: These often have specific limitations or require separate riders.
- Money, stocks, and bonds: These are typically excluded.
- Perishables: Food and plants are usually not covered.
- Hazardous materials: Flammable, corrosive, or explosive items are generally not allowed to be moved and therefore not covered.
- Items of extraordinary value: Some policies may have limits on individual items unless specifically declared and potentially insured separately.
- Owner-packed boxes (under certain conditions): If you pack your own boxes and the contents are damaged, it can be harder to prove that the damage occurred due to the mover’s negligence under Released Value Protection. Full Value Protection often covers contents of owner-packed boxes unless there’s external damage to the box.
Always check the specific exclusions listed in your moving company’s insurance policy.
9. Does the insurance cover natural disasters or accidents outside of Commander Moving’s control?
Basic moving insurance, even Full Value Protection, may have limitations regarding coverage for natural disasters (like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes) or other “acts of God” that are completely outside the moving company’s control.
- Released Value Protection likely will not cover these events.
- Full Value Protection might have exclusions or limitations.
For broader coverage against such events, you might need to explore third-party moving insurance options. These specialized policies can offer more comprehensive protection against a wider range of risks, including natural disasters. Review the terms of your chosen coverage carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.
10. How do I file a claim if something is damaged?
The exact process for filing a claim will vary slightly depending on the moving company, but here are the general steps:
- Obtain a claim form: Request a claim form from the moving company. This is usually available online or can be provided by their customer service.
- Complete the claim form thoroughly: Provide all the requested information, including your contact details, moving dates, a detailed description of the damaged items, the date the damage was discovered, and how the damage occurred (if known).
- Provide supporting documentation: Include copies of your moving contract, inventory list (with notations of damage), photos and videos of the damage, and any repair estimates or replacement costs.
- Submit the claim form and documentation: Follow the moving company’s instructions for submitting your claim. This might be via mail, email, or an online portal.
- Keep records of all communication: Maintain copies of all emails, letters, and phone calls with the moving company regarding your claim.
- Adhere to deadlines: Be aware of the time limits for filing a claim, as specified by the moving company and federal regulations.
It’s important to be prompt and thorough when filing a claim to ensure a smoother process.
Remember to always read the fine print of any moving insurance policy and ask your moving company any questions you have before your move. This will help you understand your coverage options and make informed decisions to protect your belongings.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you have questions about our insurance options or need guidance on which coverage is best for your move, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist and ensure your move is as worry-free as possible.
Phone
Address
3668 Enterprise Ave Hayward, CA 94545