LIABILTY OPTIONS
At Bekins we care about your most important items and want to ensure that they are protected. Our professional crews, packing materials and trucks all contribute to the quality of high level of service we provide, but on occasion, no matter how careful we may be, items may be lost or damaged on your move. Therefore, we offer our customers two options of carrier liability.
Released Carrier Liability
The basic Released Carrier Liability is the government mandated level of liability that we must include on all moves at no additional cost to you. This values your possessions to a maximum value of $0.60 per pound, per article. This means that if a lost or damaged article weighs 100 pounds, the maximum amount that Bekins will be liable for loss or damage to that item will be $60.00. Should damage occur, Bekins has the option to either repair the item, replace the item, or pay in cash the maximum value outlined above.
Example: If a dining room chair that weighs 30 pounds was damaged, your maximum settlement would be $18.00 ($0.60 x 30 pounds).
If you use Bekins’ packing services, and an item was lost or damaged, the amount payable would be based on the average weight of the carton.
Example: If a lamp that weighs 5 pounds was damaged in a carton that totals 15 pounds, your maximum settlement would be $9.00 ($0.60 x 15 pounds).
In the unlikely event of a total loss, the maximum amount that is recoverable would be $0.60 per pound of the total weight of your shipment.
Example: If a fire were to occur and your total shipment was 8,000 pounds, your maximum settlement would be $4,800.00 ($0.60 x 8,000 pounds).
Although this option is provided at no cost, it is not recommended unless you have third party insurance on your household possessions that protects your items during loading, unloading, transportation and storage. Make sure to check with your insurance agent to see what coverage you may have.
Increased Carrier Liability
Bekins want our customers to move knowing that our liability is increased to match the cost of replacing any items that are lost or damaged. This is what Increased Carrier Liability delivers. This means that should any item be lost or damaged on your move, Bekins will repair the item to its original condition or replace it at today’s market price. This increased liability is limited only by the amount of valuation you select so it is important that you establish a realistic replacement value of all of your possessions. The only requirement is that your shipment be protected to a minimum of $10.00 per pound multiplied by the actual weight (or estimated weight on local moves) of your household goods.
Example: If the estimated weight of your shipment is 10,000 pounds, you must apply increased carrier liability of no less than $100,000.00 ($10.00 x 10,000 pounds).
Your Moving Consultant will explain the cost and benefits of each of the above options in detail to ensure you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the correct liability on your move.