Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Consumer
By Kaida Suyuki, Relocation Specialist, Truck rental.com Staff
Moving is a very hectic and stressful time in anyone’s life. There is a lot that can go wrong when you are moving, so it is vital to know your rights and responsibilities before you delve into the world of moving. Knowing what your rights and responsibilities are can save you from making costly mistakes, as well as suffering from a moving scam. Make sure that you learn about this topic before you ever contact a moving company.
Written Estimates
All moving companies are bound by law to provide written estimates to any consumer who requests one. Keep in mind that this law does not state that moving companies have to provide binding estimates. Also note that this law does not force moving companies to honor written estimates that have been given by agents. It can be rather misleading, but this is one of the most important points to remember.
Keep in mind that you also have the right to request written estimates from multiple moving companies. Use discretion when speaking to one company about another, as this information may influence the quote that they give you. This law does not apply to truck rentals, either, so make sure to get rates for trucks in writing if you plan on moving that way.
Liabilities
You always have the right to extra insurance coverage. You should bear in mind that the limits of insurance coverage that comes with your move automatically is regulated by law. If you want to, you may purchase additional coverage, but you will never be forced to. Remember, in the event of a total loss, basic insurance coverage only pays 0.60 per pound of your goods.
In Transit
So much estimation hinges on the weight of your shipment. Due to this fact, weighing your things is an important step of the transit process. As such, you always have the right to be present when your things are weighed. You also can request that the shipment be reweighed at any time. Remember that your insurance coverage and cost depend on weight, so it is important that the weight be accurate.
Company Rights
While consumers do have many rights when they move, so do the moving companies that move them. You should realize that all moving companies have the right to inspect what they are carrying, so if you want something kept private, it is best to transport it yourself.
Moving companies also have the right to charge in excess of the written estimate. They are allowed to add fees for services that were rendered but not included in the original estimate. Keep this in mind when you are creating a budget for your move.
Governing Bodies
The FMCSA is the main organization responsible for governing the actions of various moving companies. If you have a problem, they will be happy to help you file a claim or complaint. They also offer lots of information online and on paper for those who are about to move. It is so important to know what is required of you when you move, so make sure that you understand all of your rights and responsibilities before you set out on this journey.
