Last Modified: January 1, 2025
A labor-only moving company (one that does not provide transportation) is not required to provide any type of insurance or valuation coverage. However, we believe that a professional moving service should have some level of liability for the services provided. Therefore, we provide basic insurance and voluntarily abide by federal tariff laws to provide basic Released Valuation Coverage on all moves — the same coverage that a full-service moving company must provide. This is a default coverage of up to $0.60 per pound for damage to household goods while being handled by the movers. This coverage is not insurance and is not value-based.
College Movers is different from full-service movers because we generally only provide services for one or two segments of a move — most commonly loading and unloading. Because we do not transport your items, we are unable to remain in possession of your household goods for the entire move. As a result, your movers' liability for basic damage protection ends once they are no longer in possession of your items — typically when they depart your location. To have a valid claim you must notify your movers of any damage you wish to report before they depart your location.
All claims must be submitted via email to contact@thecollegemovers.com within 48 hours of the conclusion of your move to be considered valid. If your claim is not filed within 48 hours it will be immediately void and we will be unable to guarantee any damage reimbursement.
Because College Movers does not provide transportation, we cannot provide additional coverage options beyond basic Released Valuation. However, there are several types of insurance that may be available to you:
Because we do not transport any items, once the shipment leaves your movers' possession we cannot be liable for any damages. You have the right to inspect all items prior to the departure of your movers. Any damaged items must be noted before movers depart to be considered claimable.
Items transported by a third party, PODS, or U-Pack agency are not covered. We can guarantee your belongings will leave packed well, but we are unable to ensure they are transported to your quality standard. We recommend providing as many blankets and tie-downs as possible to decrease the potential for damage during transport.
Items packed by people not affiliated with College Movers are not covered because we cannot be sure how the box, crate, or bin was packed, or if it was packed correctly.
Generally, cheaper items such as particleboard furniture (including "IKEA-style" furniture) are prone to damage when moved. These items are not covered because of the poor quality of the material and the likelihood that damage will occur even when properly handled.
Furniture pads are extremely important in ensuring your items are packed safely for transport. We recommend one dozen blankets/pads per five feet of truck space. If an adequate amount of pads are not provided by the customer during the load, we cannot be responsible for any damage even while on site.
Items such as flat-screen TVs must be packed and/or crated appropriately. We will move these items without packaging at the customer's request, but we will not provide coverage unless they are properly packed or crated.
While we move many types of heavy items, we do not specialize in these. For specialty items, you should hire a company that specializes in that item — such as piano movers or pool table movers — who will have the appropriate equipment.
These are not standard household items. It is the customer's responsibility to load and secure small motorized vehicles.
Vinyl flooring will scuff, scratch, and tear much more easily under normal operations. This type of flooring is not covered because of the poor quality of the material. It is best practice to provide movers with proper coverings for vinyl when moving tables, appliances, or safes.
In situations where we are certain damage will occur — for example, an item too large for a doorway — we will ask for your verbal approval before proceeding. In situations where the item may cause injury in addition to property damage, it is ultimately up to the team lead to determine how to proceed.
Assembly and disassembly services are provided as a courtesy for common items that do not require advanced knowledge or special tools. While most items will be taken apart or reassembled without issues, we cannot assume responsibility for this courtesy service.
Most electronics are typically packed by the customer and are therefore excluded from coverage. We also do not assess the working condition of electronics before moving them, so we cannot know whether an item was in working condition prior to the move.
We provide coverage for items that we knowingly and without dispute damage while in our possession. Movers are instructed to document and inform the customer upon seeing damage. Movers must be informed of any damaged item(s) prior to the completion of the move, otherwise the item is not eligible for coverage.
Released Valuation coverage of up to $0.60 per pound per item applies to all items dropped or damaged on site while in the possession of your movers, assuming they do not meet any of the exclusions listed above. Factors such as the condition of the item and depreciation may reduce the amount of compensation ultimately paid.
Assuming the steps above were followed correctly and the damaged item(s) are not excluded, College Movers will have the option to repair the damaged item or compensate you in accordance with the Released Valuation. The option of repair versus compensation is at the sole discretion of College Movers.
College Movers may have relationships with repair companies and will have the sole authority to choose the repair company. Costs associated with estimates or repairs will not be covered unless pre-approved by College Movers. Requests for reimbursement for unauthorized estimates or repairs will be denied.
If repair is not possible or practical, College Movers will compensate you for the depreciated value of the item up to $0.60 per pound. Compensation will be issued within 30 days of claim approval.
All liability protections, including but not limited to Released Valuation Coverage, are contingent upon full and timely payment for services rendered. If payment is not received in full, any pending or future damage claims will be considered null and void, and College Movers shall have no obligation to review, process, or respond to such claims.
Under no circumstances shall any payments made by the client to College Movers for the move be refundable or subject to dispute, except as specifically provided for in this Agreement. The client acknowledges and agrees that once the move has been completed, College Movers has fulfilled its obligations under this Agreement. If there is an agreement to refund any amount, this must be done over email and agreed to by both parties.
Any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this agreement shall be determined by arbitration before one arbitrator, administered by JAMS pursuant to its Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures.
If you have any questions about this Liability Release or need to file a damage claim, please contact us:
College Movers LLC
Email: contact@thecollegemovers.com
Phone: (877) 447-4220
Website: thecollegemovers.com