Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depend upon the valuation coverage you choose – Full-Value Coverage or Released Rate Liability (60 cents per pound per article).
The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability of the moving company. The liability of the moving company for loss or damage is based upon its tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusion. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability. If you desire insurance, you should consult your insurance company representative about available insurance coverage, because The Inland Sea does not offer insurance.
Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
With this type of valuation, the carrier’s maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in the shipment is 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the article. This is the basic liability level and is provided at no charge.
Full-Value Coverage
Under this protection plan, if any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while under the carrier’s authority, it will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by the carrier, or pay you for the cost of such repairs; or 2) replace the article with an article of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of such a replacement. An additional charge applies for this option. The carrier will determine the appropriate settlement method to be used.
Full-Value Coverage and deductible options are available in dollar increments to fit your needs at very attractive rates.
The deductible options are as follows:
Option A -- Full-value protection with no deductible
Option B -- Full-value protection with a $250 deductible
Option C -- Full-value protection with a $500 deductible
The carrier’s total liability for loss or damage will be the amount you declare as the value of your shipment. However, the minimum total declared value must be at least equal to the weight of your shipment multiplied by $5.00.
What about Items of "Extraordinary Value?"
In the moving industry, items having a value of more than $100 per pound are known as "articles of extraordinary value." All "articles of extraordinary value" in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form which will be given to you by the salesperson to complete. Although you might have other articles of extraordinary value, the following list should help you identify items that might fall under this classification: jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines, antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china and silverware. In the event of a claim, any settlement involving an article of extraordinary value listed on the High-Value Inventory form is limited to the value of the article, not to exceed the declared value of the shipment, based upon the carrier’s valuation program applicable to your shipment. If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, the carrier’s maximum liability is limited to $100 per pound per article. If you are not shipping any items of high value, sign the form and print the word "None" in the inventory list.
Shipments that move under the Released Rate Liability program, in which the declared value of the shipment would be 60 cents per pound per article, would not be covered by the provisions applicable to articles of extraordinary value. The High-Value form should still be signed with the words "Not Applicable" written on the form.