Your treasured furniture arrived scratched, your boxes are missing, or your belongings look like they were dropped from a truck. Moving is stressful enough without discovering your possessions damaged or lost. If a moving company mishandled your belongings, you have legal options to recover compensation—though the process can be more complicated than you’d expect.
Quick Answer
You can seek compensation from a moving company for damaged or lost items, but your recovery may be limited by the valuation coverage you selected when booking. Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of liability. For intrastate (within-state) moves, state laws apply. Filing a proper claim within deadlines is essential. If the company refuses to pay, you may sue in small claims court or pursue other legal remedies.
Understanding Moving Company Liability
Interstate Moves (Federal Rules)
For moves crossing state lines, federal regulations require moving companies to offer two liability options:
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Released Value Protection | 60 cents per pound per item (minimum coverage) | Included in move cost |
| Full Value Protection | Repair, replace, or current market value | Additional fee |
Released Value Example
If your 50-pound TV is destroyed:
- Recovery: 50 lbs × $0.60 = $30
- Even if the TV was worth $1,500, you’d only get $30
Full Value Protection
With Full Value Protection, the mover must either:
- Repair the item to original condition
- Replace it with a similar item
- Pay you the current market value
Intrastate Moves (State Rules)
For moves within a single state, state laws govern liability. These vary widely:
- Some states follow similar patterns to federal rules
- Some require specific minimum coverage
- Consumer protection laws may provide additional remedies
Check your contract and state regulations to understand your coverage.
Filing a Claim with the Moving Company
Deadlines Are Critical
Federal regulations set these deadlines for interstate moves:
- File claim within 9 months of delivery
- Company must acknowledge claim within 30 days
- Company must respond within 120 days with payment, denial, or settlement offer
State rules may have different deadlines. Check your contract and file promptly.
How to File a Claim
- Document everything immediately upon delivery
- Note damage on the inventory sheet before signing
- Take photos and videos of all damage
- Keep all packing materials
- Submit a written claim
- List each damaged or missing item
- Include the value of each item
- Attach photos and supporting documentation
- Send via certified mail with return receipt
- Keep copies of everything
- Your claim letter
- All company responses
- Photos and inventory lists
If the Moving Company Denies Your Claim
Request Arbitration
Interstate movers must offer dispute resolution through an arbitration program. Benefits:
- Usually faster than court
- Lower cost than litigation
- May be required before suing
Note: Arbitration decisions may be binding, limiting your ability to sue afterward.
File Complaints
Report the moving company to:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Regulates interstate movers
- State consumer protection agency
- Better Business Bureau
- State attorney general
Complaints create a record and may prompt the company to settle.
Sue in Small Claims Court
For smaller amounts (limits vary by state, typically $5,000-$15,000):
- No lawyer required
- Lower filing fees
- Faster resolution
- You can represent yourself
Bring: your contract, claim correspondence, photos, receipts, and inventory lists.
File a Civil Lawsuit
For larger claims, you may sue in civil court for:
- Breach of contract
- Negligence
- Consumer protection violations
- Fraud (if applicable)
What You Can Recover
Your recovery depends on your valuation coverage:
| If You Had | You May Recover |
|---|---|
| Released Value | 60 cents per pound per item only |
| Full Value Protection | Repair cost, replacement value, or current market value |
| Separate insurance | Per the policy terms (may be more comprehensive) |
Additional Damages
Beyond item value, you may seek:
- Delay damages – If late delivery caused you expenses
- Consumer protection penalties – Under state laws for unfair practices
- Fraud damages – If the company engaged in bait-and-switch or other fraud
Common Moving Company Problems
Hostage Situations
Some disreputable movers refuse to deliver your belongings until you pay inflated fees. This may be:
- Extortion or theft (a crime)
- A consumer protection violation
- Breach of contract
If this happens: call the police, file complaints with FMCSA and your state attorney general, and consult an attorney immediately.
Bait-and-Switch Pricing
The quoted price jumps dramatically after loading. This may violate federal regulations that require:
- Written estimates before the move
- Limits on how much the final price can exceed binding estimates
Rogue Movers
Warning signs of illegitimate movers:
- No physical address or license number
- Very low estimates that seem too good to be true
- Demanding cash or large deposits upfront
- Unmarked trucks
- Won’t provide written estimates
Protecting Yourself Before the Move
- Verify the company is licensed – Check FMCSA’s database for interstate movers
- Get written estimates from multiple companies
- Read reviews and check complaint history
- Understand your valuation options – Consider Full Value Protection or separate insurance
- Create a detailed inventory with photos before the move
- Keep valuable items with you – Jewelry, important documents, irreplaceable photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I didn’t notice damage until later?
You can still file a claim for “concealed damage” discovered after delivery. However:
- It’s harder to prove the mover caused it
- Report it as soon as you discover it
- You still have 9 months to file for interstate moves
Should I buy separate moving insurance?
Consider it if you have valuable items. Moving company liability (even Full Value Protection) may have limits, deductibles, or exclusions. Third-party insurance can provide more comprehensive coverage.
What if the moving company went out of business?
Your options are limited but may include:
- Filing a claim with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
- Suing the company owners personally (if possible)
- Filing complaints to help prevent future victims
Can I sue for sentimental items with no market value?
Courts typically award market value, not sentimental value. However, for unique or irreplaceable items, you may argue for the cost of restoration or creation, and some states allow emotional distress damages in extreme cases.
What if I signed paperwork saying everything was delivered in good condition?
You can still file a claim for concealed damage not visible at delivery. Signing under pressure or without time to inspect may also be challenged. Don’t let this stop you from filing.
When to Contact a Lawyer
Consider consulting an attorney if:
- Damages exceed small claims court limits
- The moving company is holding your belongings hostage
- You believe the company engaged in fraud
- You need help navigating arbitration
- State consumer protection laws may apply
- The company has refused all compensation
Some consumer protection attorneys take moving company cases on contingency.
Last updated: January 2025
This article provides general information about claims against moving companies in the United States. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
