Relocation entails aspects such as moving from one home or one office to another, and therefore it is a highly process event that must be carefully done. It may be that with many intending to make a smooth move without complications, something or the other always turns up wrong. Will items get damaged, or lost, or is there any other problem that will require you to claim the moving company you hired?
Transwrap Packers and Movers, it is our goal that our clients should be all set physically for all the challenges a move entails and on the legal side for handling claims. This guide depicts some of the vital documents that would help you when filing a claim for the mover's and packers' bills.
1. The Moving Contract
The most essential document must be the moving contract which is also referred to as the Bill of Lading. This will act as the legal contract between the moving company and yourself. The letter details the services to be offered and reasonable price to charge for them; and the contractual understanding of the dos and don’ts of the house move. Make sure you retain a copy of the signed contract because the contract will have to be used to support the contract and the claims being made.
Contents of the Moving Contract
Elaborate information on the services
Approximate charges and the actual bills
Pickup and delivery dates
Liability and insurance details
Terms and conditions
2. Inventory List
The former is a type of documentation that provides a detailed list of all the items being moved. This list is generally compiled by the moving company and you should be given a copy of the same before the actual moving takes place. One should then take his or her time to go through the list to ensure that none of the items is left out or that the condition provided is acceptable. If a claim arises as to the condition of the products, or in the event the items were lost or damaged, the list is useful as legal proof.
Inventory list checkpoints
Accurate descriptions of items
Pre-move condition of items
Any existing damages noted
Quantities and natures of the items
3. Proof of Payment
One of the most important documents when filing a claim is proof of payment because this gives evidence that one has paid for those services. This will consist of receipts, bank statements or any other legal document that will be able to show that you made payment to the moving company. On payments for the services for the contract, make sure that you retain all receipts for payments made, deposits or any advance payments, if any, made.
Three main forms prove payment has been made;
Memorandum of receipts from the moving company
Bank or credit card statements
Cancelled checks
Payment confirmation emails
4. Insurance Policy Documents
Those of you who have purchased additional insurance for your move will you the insurance policy documents. These documents include an explanation of coverage, an explanation of what is and is not covered, and how to go about applying for compensation. At least if you hire a moving company, they should provide basic liability insurance but extra insurance for your items is always useful.
Some of the important aspects of insurance documents include;
Coverage details and limits
Exclusions and conditions
Claim filing procedures
Details of the insurance company
5. Photographic Evidence
Pictures are very essential especially when the aggrieved person is to file a petition. As can be seen in several pieces in this case, leaving home and moving can be a major source of stress, so before leaving, it is recommended that the residents should take close and detailed photographs of all the items especially those that are valuable or breakable. In case of damage, one should then be encouraged to photograph the damaged items immediately. It's about the visual evidence that can assist in the reinforcement of the claim and the evaluation of damages.
Precautions When Shooting Photos for Documentation
High-Resolution Camera or Smart Phone Camera:
Take a picture from different perspectives of each item
Contemplate only the existing defects
Photocopy serial numbers or other identification numbers
6. Damage Report
It is important here to provide the client with a damage report to be filled out as soon as the goods are received and any damages or losses are evident. This report has to be filled in the presence of the representative of the moving company. Be sure to write the condition of the items, the type of damage particularly if it is light or severe and if possible any other observations. This report should be signed by both of you and the representative of the institution.
Sample List of items to include in a Damage Report
Delivery time and date
Detailed description of damages
Photographic evidence (if possible)
Signatures of both parties
7. Claim Form
Commonly, every moving company has a standard format for the claim form which needs to be filled out to start with the actual claim process. This form needs specific information on the items that are being claimed, the type of loss or damage done, as well as any relevant attachments. Please, ensure you complete this form to the best of your ability to enable us to process your claim fast.
When filling out a claim form, special attention should be paid to certain aspects beginning with the identification of the claimant, overview, claim particulars, and protection of third parties, and ending with signature attestation.
User details (name, address, phone number)
Information relating to such aspects as the date, origin and destination.
Explanations of a lost or damaged item
Value of the items and the consequential amount involved
Supporting documents attached
8. Correspondence Records
It is advisable to compile a list of all the communications with the moving company; e-mail, letters and notes of phone conversations. This documentation can be very necessary if there are disagreements or if you have to follow up on your claims. It is good to remember that all your communication should be time-stamped and person-identified.
Common Evolutions of Correspondence
Emails and letters
Phone call summaries
Meeting notes
Any written contracts or confirmations
9. Witness Statements
If there are any witnesses to the above-stated loss or damage, it is advisable to get their account of the incident. For supporting information, the witnesses could be neighbours, friends or even members of the family who saw the movie. Their version of events may help to supplement your evidence for your claim and thereby assist in countering any accusations from the other party.
What Should be Contained in a Witness Statement
Details of the witness including his or her name and telephone number
Information on the time and date of the occurrence
A close description of what one can observe
Signature of the witness
How to Ensure the Claiming Process Goes Without a Hitch
1. Act Quickly
Report your claim whenever you realize that you have incurred a loss of any assets or any of them is damaged. Most moving firms have a time frame within which the customers are expected to report their complaints, which is usually within days or weeks of delivery. If one postpones the claim it may not be granted.
2. Be Detailed and Accurate
When preparing the claim, seek to give as much information as possible in a docket and make sure all the information given is as accurate as possible. Thus, submitting a claim that is only partially valid or having some information wrong may result in waiting for your claim to be reviewed or rejected.
3. Stay Organized
Always ensure that your documents are well sorted and well arranged in your document filing system. That way all the procedures will be laid down under one roof and the process of the same will be more efficient.
4. Follow Up
To ensure you receive the best and timely services from the moving company follow up often about your claim. Patience is very important when dealing with insurance companies because this way you will be assured that your claim will be processed immediately.
5. Understand Your Rights
Educate yourself on your rights in the contractual relation with the moving company and integrated consumer protection legislation. An understanding of one's rights can assist one to have an easy time in the claims process.
Conclusion
Filing a claim with your movers and packers does not have to be a complicated process you just need to ensure you have the documentation. Transwrap Packers and Movers is an organization where every effort is made to make a shift as smooth as possible, but sometimes things occur negatively. Through the guidelines in this blog, one is accordingly prepared to meet any challenges that may occur during the move.
Thus, the critical factor of any potentially successful claim lies in documentation, timeliness, and good communication.
In case you have any more questions about your move or any other matters about the relocation, please do not hesitate to contact Transwrap Packers and Movers. Allow us to help you through the entire process step by step.
