Honey, what about the furniture?
How to Move Furniture Without Stress You plan to move to a new house soon. Most of your packing box...
4 hours ago
Let's get real - moving house is stressful enough without having to worry about whether your brand-new 4K TV is going to arrive in one piece.
You've hired the packers and movers, wrapped your life in bubble wrap and said goodbye to the old neighborhood - but there's one question that often gets glossed over in the chaos:
What if something gets ruined?
We know - talking about insurance and claims is usually boring. But when you're standing in your new living room staring at a shattered mirror or a dented wardrobe and wondering how you're going to fix it, that suddenly becomes very, very important.
Here's a straightforward, easy-to-understand guide to getting to grips with the Insurance & Claims Process in packers and movers services.
First Things First: Is “Free Insurance” Really Free?
When comparing quotes from moving companies, you will often see a line that says “Transit Insurance” or “Basic Coverage.” But here’s the hard truth many people learn too late:
That basic coverage is rarely enough.
Most packers and movers offer standard coverage calculated based on the weight of your goods - not their value.
How it works:
They might offer coverage of around ₹10,000 per 100 kg.
The problem:
If you have a lightweight, high-value item (like a laptop, DSLR camera, or expensive painting), weight-based compensation will be only a fraction of its real worth. If a 2 kg laptop gets damaged, you might only get paid for 2 kg worth of coverage - which is practically nothing.
Don’t assume you’re fully covered. Ask specifically:
“Is this valuation based on weight or the declared value of my items?”
The Two Types of Coverage You Need to Know
To sleep peacefully at night, you need to understand the difference between the two main types of protection.
1. Basic (Transit) Insurance
This is usually included in the quote or offered at a low cost. It covers your goods while they are on the truck, moving from Point A to Point B.
What it covers:
- Theft
- Fire
- Accidents
- Overturning of the vehicle
What it usually DOESN’T cover:
Minor damages. If a box is crushed and the items inside are scratched or dented - but not destroyed - the mover may argue it was due to poor packing (which they might blame on you, even if they packed it).
2. Comprehensive (Declared Value) Coverage
This is the “peace of mind” option.
Here, you create a list of high-value items and declare their current market value. You pay a slightly higher premium (usually 1–2% of the total declared value), but in return, you are insured for the actual worth of the item.
Best for:
- Electronics
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Expensive furniture
Important rule:
If you have items worth more than ₹5,000–₹10,000, declare them separately. Do not lump them under general “household goods.”
The Fine Print: What Is NOT Covered?
This is where many disputes happen. Before signing the contract, know that movers generally will not pay for:
- Acts of God: Floods, earthquakes, lightning. If nature ruins your sofa, the mover isn’t liable.
2. Inherent Vice: A technical term meaning “it was going to break anyway.” If an old appliance fails during transit, the claim may be rejected.
3. Perishables & Liquids: If wine spills and damages clothes, you may be compensated for insured clothing - not the wine.
4. Cosmetic Scratches: Minor scratches that don’t affect usage are often considered normal wear and tear.
The Claims Process: Step-by-Step (If the Worst Happens)
Let’s say the truck arrives. You open a box, and your heart sinks. A table corner is broken.
Now what?
Step 1: Do NOT Sign the Delivery Sheet (Yet!)
This is critical.
The delivery sheet is a legal document. If you sign stating everything is fine, you are accepting the goods as delivered.
If you notice visible damage:
Write clearly on the form:
“Subject to inspection” or
“Box #4 damaged - to be opened and checked.”
Step 2: Document Everything
Before touching anything, grab your phone.
- Take photos of the damaged box.
- Take photos of the damaged item from multiple angles.
- Photograph the packaging material (this helps prove whether it was poor packing or rough handling).
Step 3: File a Survey Report
Ask the supervisor on-site to create a Carrier’s Survey Report or Damage Report immediately.
Get a copy before they leave.
Step 4: Submit the Claim in Writing
Send a formal email with:
- Photos
- Signed delivery sheet (with remarks)
- Survey Report copy
- Repair estimate or market value proof
Step 5: The Assessment
The company may send a surveyor to inspect the damage. They will decide whether to:
- Repair the item
- Replace it
- Offer a cash settlement
Compensation depends on the insured value.
5 Tips to Make Sure You Actually Get Paid
- Read the T&C before the move. Ask for the insurance policy document upfront.
- Create your own inventory. List brand, age, and estimated value.
- Keep valuables with you. Jewelry, documents, heirlooms should not go in the truck.
- Deductible Check : If your claim comes out to be ₹2,000 and the deductible is a ₹1,000, then unfortunately, you get to take home only ₹1,000.
- Choose a reputable moving company. Companies that have been around for a while tend to have better corporate insurance policies - which can make a big difference if you need to make a claim.
Moving with Confidence Starts with the Right Partner
Insurance matters. But so does choosing a moving company that prioritizes safety, transparency, and accountability from day one.
At Pikkol, we go beyond just transporting boxes. We guide you through coverage options, help you understand declared value protection, and ensure clear documentation throughout your move. With trained teams, structured processes, and a customer-first approach, we minimize risk - and if something unexpected happens, we support you through the claims process without confusion or delay.
Because at Pikkol, protection isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the promise.
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