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What about estimates?
Compare prices by having at least three moving companies come to your home and do on-site estimates, which the moving companies should provide free of charge. If they won't come to your house to do an in-home estimate, then find another company that will. Never rely on a quote provided sight-unseen over the phone (or over the Internet). You are generally charged for the actual weight of your shipment and the actual services provided, and you are better off meeting face-to-face with the moving company's representative to ensure that you both understand what is involved.
During the on-site estimate, be sure to show the representative everything that is to be moved. Don't forget about the items in the basement or the major piece of furniture which you have sent away for repairs. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The salesperson should also ask you questions...about your new home, about the timing of your move, etc.
Ask questions about the differences in pricing from each moving company compared to the others— it may have to do with what services are provided by one company, but not the other, or valuation of your belongings may be factored in. Don't sign blank paperwork, and make sure you know what you're signing. Read the document until you understand it and ask questions if you need to. While the moving representative is there, make sure you get as much information about the company as possible such as: full company name and/or DBA (Doing Business As) names; length of time in business; address and phone numbers; company's Web site address and e-mail address; the DOT number; and references. Since you have already looked up this information on your moving company, it should match what you found while checking.
If one of the quotes is substantially lower than the rest, be careful. Quoted prices that are dramatically lower than the rest of the competition are probably too good to be true. "Low ball" price quotes could result in significantly lower-quality service. And one weight quote totally out of line with the others could indicate a flawed estimate.
Make sure that the company will be doing the moving themselves - not sub-contracting the work. If they aren't doing the moving themselves, find another company. Take the time to visit their offices to make sure they are who they say they are.
Some consumers mistakenly assume that the moving company is insured to cover the full value of their goods at no extra charge. This is not true, so make sure you inquire about "valuation" options. Valuation provides protection from loss or damage to your possessions. The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of moving company. The liability of a moving company for loss or damage is based upon the moving company's tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability. Your moving company should be able to provide you with written information outlining the various levels of valuation and the cost to you. Charges depend on the level of coverage you choose. The most basic level of valuation may prove inadequate, especially if you have a number of "high-value" items. You may also want to check to see what might be covered under your homeowner's insurance policy.
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