The pros and cons of getting moving insurance

So, you just finished house shopping and found your new dream house. Your happiness and excitement know no end. Now comes the time to think straight and devise a plan. Things have settled down a bit, but in the heat of the moment, you also bought a TV for the new house. With all the appliances you hold near and dear to you, like your laptop, you’re worried something might happen. The first thought that comes to your mind is getting moving insurance. Rest assured everything will be just fine though. Moving can be stressful enough on its own, so you don’t need this extra stress in your life. First, you have to hire a reliable Chicago moving and storage company and pack your home. Then comes the process of conducting the move itself, and unpacking at your new place in the end.

This is a lengthy and difficult task that will take up much of your time and energy. As such, it would be good to avoid any additional problems that may happen. This is the time when you start considering moving insurance as a safety measure. You’ve seen people recommend it, and even though your items may not have much monetary value, their sentimental value is priceless.

On the other hand, some things, like your computer, for example, are important for your livelihood. When it comes to getting moving insurance, there is no easy answer to whether you should get it or not. It is up to you to weigh out the pros and cons and go with the option which fits you best.

A few things to know before getting moving insurance

If you are going for insurance, you can’t just get anything. There are a few common types of moving insurance, and they function in different ways. Regardless if you are hiring furniture movers Chicago, or having a full-sized boat shipped, you need insurance that fits you, and the situation, the best. Here are the basic types you may come across:

• Released value – This is the most common kind you will find when moving. Mainly because it does not cost extra on top of your moving plan. However, with it, the moving company has the least liability when it comes to your items. This is not all that bad for budget moving and items that aren’t worth much.
• Full value – Most expensive, but also the safest. The movers have an obligation to fully refund you for any damage caused after getting moving insurance of this type.
• Third-party insurance policy – You don’t have to buy insurance from your selected mover. You have full freedom to look for insurance elsewhere when moving. Keep in mind though, that this means even less liability for your mover. Chances are, they will be even less careful.

Consider the costs of purchasing insurance

Moving usually brings a lot of expenses with it. Regardless if you opted for the full-service move or are doing everything by yourself, chances are you already spent a lot. The question on your mind is: “Will getting moving insurance even be worth it?”. In case you own a lot of antiques, a piano, or fine art, then it is definitely worth investing a bit extra to ensure your items.

However, if all you are moving are a few pieces of furniture and clothes, is there really a point? Anything with the sentimental value alone that gets broken, will probably get you the minimal amount in damages. This may only add insult to injury. That vase you got from your significant other, which is priceless to you, will only get you a few dollars if broken.

Another thing to consider is the fact that most of the things we own have decent durability. Things like tables, cupboards, beds, and closets, are pretty bulky and durable, with the exception of TVs. It would take a significant amount of force to damage them. If you want to feel more at ease about this, you can always pack up any fragile items and transport them to the new location personally. Ultimately, the decision between getting insured or not is solely yours.

Choosing reliable movers over insurance

Sometimes, hiring professional movers Skokie is much more important than buying insurance. Do your due diligence and research movers around you. Look up moving reviews or ask friends who recently moved for advice. Narrow down your options and call them. Even though the conversations may sound similar, pay attention to details. How polite is the person talking to you? Are they serviceable and friendly? Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you like. They should be transparent and openly answer any question, without beating around the bush.

After a phone call, arrange a house visit and ask for an in-house estimate. This is the best price estimation you can get since it can’t vary. Not only will you get an accurate number, but the movers will also be able to get familiar with the workload. Once you have all the needed information, get your moving supplies and start packing.

In conclusion, moving insurance has a fine balance to it

Nobody can really tell what will happen during a move. You may get out of it scratch-free, or you may end up with some broken dreams and dishes. Even though it would be great to arrange a move where you do not have to even lift a finger, most people cannot afford such a thing. This is why it is important to be realistic when planning a move. Think about how many valuable items you have. List them and make an estimated total value.

If the final count is significant in numbers, then you should definitely consider getting moving insurance. On the other hand, it is very likely that the average worth of your items will be slightly higher than the insurance cost. In cases like these, hiring a reliable and skilled mover is worth so much more than insurance.