How to File a Claim Against a Moving Company for Damaged or Lost Items

Your furniture arrived scratched, your TV screen is cracked, or boxes are missing entirely. Moving damage happens in roughly 30% of moves, according to industry estimates — but most consumers don't know how to file a proper claim or what compensation they're actually entitled to.

The claims process differs significantly between interstate moves (regulated by FMCSA) and local moves (state-regulated), and your compensation depends heavily on the valuation coverage you selected before the move. This guide covers both scenarios.

Understanding Your Coverage Level

Before filing, determine which coverage applies:

Released Value Protection (Default — Free)

• Coverage: $0.60 per pound per article
• Example: A 50-lb flatscreen TV damaged? You get $30.
• This is the default if you didn't select or pay for additional coverage
• Most people don't realize they have this minimal protection

Full Value Protection (Paid Option)

• Coverage: Mover must repair, replace at current value, or provide cash settlement
• Deductible: May apply (varies by mover)
• This only applies if you paid for it and it's documented on your bill of lading

Third-Party Moving Insurance

• Separate policy from a moving insurance company
• Covers gaps in mover's valuation
• May have different claim process and timeline

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Claim

At Delivery (Critical)

1. Inspect everything before signing: Note ALL damage on the delivery inventory/bill of lading
2. Write "subject to inspection" or note specific damage next to your signature
3. Photograph every damaged item with timestamps
4. Photograph damaged boxes before and after opening
5. Note missing items immediately on the inventory sheet
6. Keep all packing materials as evidence of inadequate packing

Within 24-48 Hours

1. Complete thorough inventory check against your original inventory list
2. Document everything with photos and video
3. Get repair estimates for damaged items (2-3 estimates if possible)
4. Research replacement costs for destroyed items (keep receipts if you have them)

Filing the Formal Claim

For interstate moves, your written claim must include:

• Your name, address, and contact information
• Move dates and origin/destination
• Bill of lading number
• Itemized list of damaged/lost items
• Description of damage to each item
• Dollar amount claimed for each item
• Supporting documentation (photos, estimates, receipts)
• Copies of inventory sheets noting damage at delivery

Send via certified mail to the address listed on your bill of lading or the mover's claims department.

Timeline (Interstate Moves — FMCSA Regulated)

What to Do If the Mover Refuses or Lowballs

Step 1: File FMCSA Complaint

• Go to: https://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/
• File a consumer complaint against the moving company
• FMCSA tracks complaints and can take enforcement action against repeat offenders

Step 2: Use the Dispute Settlement Program

• Interstate movers must offer neutral arbitration
• This is binding on the mover but not on you
• Cost: usually free or minimal for the consumer
• Faster than court (typically 60 days)

Step 3: Small Claims Court

• Most damaged-item claims fall within small claims limits ($5,000-$15,000 depending on state)
• No lawyer needed
• Bring: photos, estimates, bill of lading, claim correspondence, any admission of responsibility

Step 4: Public Pressure

• Detailed Google, Yelp, and BBB reviews
• Moving companies depend heavily on reviews for new business
• Many resolve claims quickly after a factual, detailed negative review is posted

Maximizing Your Claim Amount

• Document everything at delivery — damage not noted at delivery is much harder to claim later
• Get professional repair estimates rather than guessing
• Include consequential damages (cost of temporary furniture, storage fees for damaged items)
• Keep purchase receipts for original items if available
• Note if professional packing was paid for — movers are liable for packing damage if they packed the items
• Identify high-value items declared on the inventory — items of extraordinary value ($100+/lb) must be declared separately

Prevention: Protecting Yourself Before the Move

• Purchase Full Value Protection — the small additional cost is worth it
• Photograph everything before packing (especially electronics, furniture, artwork)
• Create a detailed inventory list with values
• Declare high-value items separately on the bill of lading
• Consider third-party moving insurance for irreplaceable items
• Research the mover's complaint history at FMCSA before hiring

Quick Checklist

• [ ] Noted all damage on delivery inventory at time of delivery
• [ ] Photographed all damaged/missing items with timestamps
• [ ] Obtained repair estimates or replacement cost documentation
• [ ] Filed written claim within 9 months (interstate) or per state deadline
• [ ] Sent claim via certified mail with return receipt
• [ ] Followed up at 30 days if no acknowledgment
• [ ] Escalated to FMCSA, arbitration, or small claims if unresolved at 120 days

Bottom Line

The key to successful moving damage claims is documentation at delivery — once you sign the inventory without noting damage, your leverage drops dramatically. Note everything, photograph everything, and file your written claim promptly. If the mover lowballs or ignores you, the combination of FMCSA complaints, arbitration, and honest public reviews almost always produces a resolution.

Sources

• FMCSA Consumer Protection: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move
• FMCSA Complaint Filing: https://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/
• Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (FMCSA): https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ESA-Rights-and-Responsibilities-2018.pdf