Insurance Options for Your Bryan-College Station Move

Keeping Your Belongings Safe

Sarge’s Moving Services, LLC assumes liability for the value of the goods we transport. The levels of liability differs and clients should understand the amount of protection provided by our team and the charges associated with each option they choose. Sarge’s Moving Services, LLC offers two levels of liability pursuant to the TXDOT and USDOT regulations which governs the moving industry. These two basic forms of liability are RELEASED VALUE and FULL VALUE PROTECTION.

To learn more about our services, call us today at (979) 300-7400.

Every move with Sarge’s Moving Services, LLC is covered automatically under our Basic Coverage Plan (RELEASED VALUE) and an is additionally covered for up to $1,000.00 for any damages at no additional costs to our clients. In the unfortunate event that damage does occur during your move we will first attempt to repair the damage at our cost. If that item is not repairable, we will reimburse you for the value of that item or replace that item with like item.

Upgrading to FULL VALUE PROTECTION requires that client request that additional protection before the move. If a client requests additional coverage (FULL VALUE PROTECTIONS) options will be presented to the client and agreed upon in writing. We will provide a signed copy of the policy plan, including the amount of the policy, the items insured and the specific costs for the plan to all clients that purchase (FULL VALUE PROTECTION) plans.

Sarge’s Moving Services, LLC. is not liable above and beyond the standard $0.60 cents per pound per item for damages caused to the following excluded item list.

• Particle board, pressed wood or items containing similar materials.
• Artwork, glass, marble, stone, or other similar materials that is not inspected, packed and crated to our standards before shipment.
• Electronics, appliances, or other similar devices where visible damage is not noticeable to the exterior of the item in question and or the mechanical condition in question is unknown to us.
• The contents of any box not packed by Sarge’s Moving Services, LLC which there is no visible damage to the exterior of the box.
• An entire set when only one piece is damaged.
• Antiques, fine furniture, furs, and/or other items of high value not declared as such before the move.
• Items that have been previously broken or repaired.
• If the damage occurs as a result of Acts of God (rain, earthquake, flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.)
• If the items are damaged as a result of defects or inherent nature of the property, as in changes in atmospheric conditions such as temperature or humidity.
• If you, as the shipper, neglect to prepare properly for shipment.

Claims

In the unfortunate and rare event that you have to file a claim with Sarge’s Moving Services, LLC please try to do so within 72 hours of your move. We will promptly have our claims person identify and document the damage that has occurred and begin the repair or replacement process. We attempt to resolve any issues or damage within 2 weeks from the time the damage has occurred. We will communicate to you quickly and effectively in order to resolve any issues as soon as possible. If we pick up the item for repair or replacement there will not be any charges for that pickup or drop off.

Moving Company Insurance Types Summarized Directly from Protectyourmove.Org

Released Value

The most economical protection available is Released Value, since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, you would only receive $6.00 in compensation (60 cents x 10 pounds). **(Again, Sarge’s Moving Services, LLC offers, at no additional cost to the client, $1,000.00 of Full Replacement Value on every move above the standard RELEASED VALUE). There is no additional charge for Released Value. However, you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading or contract agreeing to it. But remember, it compensates you according to the weight of the item, not its actual value. And, if you do not select Released Value, your shipment will automatically be transported at the Full Value Protection level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable charge.

Full Value Protection

Under Full Value Protection, your mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. This is the more comprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings. Unless you select the alternative level of liability described above “Released Value” your mover will transport your shipment under the Full Value Protection level of liability. If any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s custody, your mover will, at its discretion, offer to do one (1) of the following for each item:

• Repair the item
• Replace with a similar item
• Make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value

Under this option, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or 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 per pound (i.e., jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques). Ask your mover for a written explanation of this limitation before your move.

The exact cost for Full Value Protection varies by mover and may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your mover for written details of their Full Value Protection plan.

Full Value Protection and Released Value are not insurance policies governed by State insurance laws; instead, they are Federal contractual tariff levels of liability authorized under Released Rates Orders of the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

High Valued Items

These are typically items worth more than $100.00 per pound. These items need to be discussed with your estimator prior to packing and moving day. Examples of HIGH VALUED ITEMS are, but not limited to: antiques, art collections, cameras, china, crystal, figurines, oriental rugs, audio/visual equipment, televisions, etc. In order to assure that these items are not limited to minimal liability, please coordinate with your estimator so that the proper high valued items form can be properly filled out, signed and given to the crew leader before the day of the move. In the event of a claim, any settlement is limited to the value of the item, not to exceed the declared value of the entire shipment. Claims are still settled based on the type of coverage selected. It is important to note that verification of ownership and proof of value will be required for such items prior to settlement. Also, when high valued items are not listed on the HIGH VALUED ITEMS inventory form, Sarge’s Moving Services, LLC’s liability is limited to a maximum of $100.00 per pound per item, provided the shipment was released at a value greater than $0.60 cents per pound per item. Shipments for which the declared value is $0.60 cents per pound per article are not covered by the provisions applicable to HIGH VALUED ITEMS.

Click here to view the costs of our Basic Coverage Plan and our Full Replacement Coverage Plan, to determine the best option for your needs.