Hiring a moving company in Colorado? Making a wise decision involves more than just picking the lowest quote. The fine print in the contract can have critical details that can impact your moving experience. The moving experts at Cowboy Moving & Storage put together this list of things to watch out for in a moving company contract:
1. Pricing and Hidden Fees
Estimate Type: Ensure you understand whether the quote is a binding estimate (fixed price), non-binding estimate (price could increase or decrease based on actual weight or time) or binding not-to-exceed (you pay less if the move costs less than estimated).
Extra Fees: Look for potential charges for stairs, elevators, long carries, large or heavy items or parking difficulties.
Packing Costs: If the company provides packing materials or packing services, confirm whether this is included in the estimate or will cost you extra.
2. Insurance and Liability Coverage
Released Value Protection: This is typically included for free but offers minimal coverage (around $0.60 per pound).
Full Value Protection: This is more comprehensive but costs extra. Make sure you understand what is covered and if there are any exclusions.
Third-Party Insurance: If you’re purchasing additional insurance from a third party, make sure it complements rather than overlaps with the mover’s coverage.
3. Delivery Windows and Delays
Check if your contract specifies a guaranteed delivery window. If there are delays, verify what compensation, if any, you are entitled to.
4. Dispute Resolution
Make sure you understand the process for filing claims for damaged or lost items. Some companies have very short claim windows (e.g., 30 days).
Check if arbitration is required to resolve disputes, which could limit your legal options.
5. Inventory List and Bill of Lading
Inventory List: Confirm the mover’s inventory list is accurate before you sign the paperwork. Any discrepancies can make it hard to file claims later.
Bill of Lading: This is your official contract. Make sure it matches the terms you agreed upon—including price and services—before signing on the dotted line.
6. Cancellation Policy
Look for penalties or fees if you need to cancel or reschedule the move.
7. Subcontracting
Some companies outsource moves to third parties. Make sure you know if this is a possibility before you sign the contract. As a rule, it’s better to do business with the actual company that will be doing your move instead of a subcontractor.
8. Damage Waivers and Exclusions
Check for exclusions regarding certain items like electronics, antiques or valuables. Some contracts may not cover damage unless the company packs the items.
9. Storage Fees
If your belongings need temporary storage, be sure to clarify costs, terms and conditions, including how long your items can remain in storage.
Always take your time to read the contract, ask questions about unclear terms, and don’t sign until you are satisfied with the explanations provided.
Talk To A Moving Expert
Cowboy Moving & Storage is the #1 mover in the state of Colorado. We’ve been helping Coloradoans with all of their moving needs since 1968. We have more than 2,500 five-star reviews on ReviewBuzz—and that’s a lot of happy customers! We’d love to help you with your residential or commercial move in Colorado. Call 303-798-2200.
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