Moving long-distance can be stressful enough without the added nightmare of dealing with a dishonest moving company. Unfortunately, there are companies out there that don’t play by the rules, and they can leave you with more than just a headache—they could leave you with a much bigger bill than expected, damaged or stolen belongings, and little recourse to fix it. But don’t worry, there are ways to protect yourself and ensure you’re working with a reputable mover. Before you hire movers, here’s everything you need to know to avoid getting taken advantage of by unscrupulous moving companies.
Understanding Estimates: What Happens When the Numbers Don’t Add Up
Not every moving estimate will be spot-on, and that’s okay! The moving process is unpredictable, and sometimes things can change. However, how the company handles that change is the difference between a trusted professional and a scammer.
Legitimate movers provide estimates based on a walkthrough (either in person or virtually) to get an accurate understanding of your move. If the price goes up because of unexpected circumstances, they should be upfront with you, explaining the reasons behind the increase.
By law, movers can’t charge you more than 110% of the original estimate at the time of delivery. This is known as the 110% Rule, and it’s your safety net against surprise charges.
If a mover demands you pay more than that upfront, they’re breaking the law. Remember, it’s not about the estimate being perfect—it's about how the company handles changes fairly and legally.
Watch Out for Brokers: The Middleman Trap
Many people fall into the trap of working with brokers, thinking they’re hiring a moving company when, in fact, brokers are just middlemen. Brokers don’t own trucks or employ movers—they simply connect you with someone else to handle your move. This lack of direct accountability can cause major problems.
Imagine you work with a broker, and your furniture arrives damaged. When you call to resolve the issue, you’re suddenly caught in a game of finger-pointing: the broker blames the mover, the mover blames the broker, and you’re left holding the bill. To make matters worse, the company might not even be licensed, leaving you with no legal options to get your money or belongings back.
Always ask if the company is a mover or a broker. Make sure you're working directly with a licensed moving company—not someone who's going to pass you off to another business you know nothing about.
Delivery Window Expectations: Don’t Be Left Hanging
One of the biggest frustrations people experience with moving companies is delivery delays. While unforeseen events can cause delays, movers are required to give you a reasonable delivery window and stick to it as best as possible. If something goes wrong, a professional company will communicate with you clearly and provide updates.
In some cases, movers may be liable to compensate you if their delay causes serious inconvenience. If they show up late without any reasonable excuse or without proper communication, that’s a sign they’re not running an ethical business.
Weight Disputes: Know Your Rights
If your move is based on weight (as is common with long-distance moves), you have the right to be present when the truck is weighed. This protects you from inflated weight reports, which some dishonest movers might use to increase your final bill. If you suspect the weight is off, you also have the right to request a reweigh at no extra cost.
Remember, an ethical mover will be transparent about the process and won’t hesitate to let you verify the weight of your belongings.
Insurance Options: Full Value Protection vs. Released Value Protection
By law, moving companies must include Full Value Protection (FVP) with no deductible in your estimate as the default option. This means that unless you say otherwise, your belongings are fully covered at their replacement value in case of damage or loss. Full Value Protection requires the mover to either repair, replace, or compensate you for damaged or missing items.
As the customer, you have the option to:
Adjust the deductible,
Choose different coverage amounts, or
Waive Full Value Protection in favor of Released Value Protection, which is the cheaper option and only covers your belongings at $0.60 per pound per item.
Make sure the company clearly explains these options to you, and don’t let them automatically apply Released Value Protection without your understanding. A legitimate mover will prioritize transparency and give you the chance to make an informed decision.
Bill of Lading and Written Estimates: Get It in Writing
The Bill of Lading is essentially your moving contract. This document outlines the services, costs, and any additional terms agreed upon between you and the mover. Before signing, review this document thoroughly. Movers can’t legally change the contract after it’s signed without your consent.
It’s equally important to get your estimate in writing. Verbal agreements or email estimates with vague details leave too much room for interpretation, and that’s where some moving companies will take advantage. If they hesitate to give you a written estimate or rush you to sign without reading it, they’re probably not the right choice.
What Happens if There’s Damage? Claims and Your Rights
After the move, if you notice damage or missing items, you have nine months to file a claim. The mover is required to respond within 30 days and resolve the claim within 120 days. Any company that drags their feet or refuses to address the claim is breaking the law.
There’s also a dispute resolution process you can turn to if the claim isn’t resolved fairly. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) provides arbitration services for disputes related to moving claims.
Deposits and Cancellation: Know the Policies
If a mover asks for an unreasonable deposit (like 50% of the total cost), be cautious. Most reputable movers won’t ask for more than 10-20% of the estimated cost upfront. Large deposits are often a warning sign that the company may vanish with your money.
You should also be aware of the company’s cancellation policy. If you cancel within a reasonable period, you should expect a fair refund—excessive cancellation fees are another red flag.
Do Your Homework: Licenses, Reviews, and Transparency
Finally, the most important step in avoiding moving scams is to do your research. Before you hire a mover:
Verify their licensure through the FMCSA database. Look up their DOT number to make sure they’re properly registered and have a clean record.
Read reviews carefully. Don’t just look at the star rating—read through the experiences. Are there patterns of complaints? Do the reviews sound genuine? Reviews can provide insight into how the company handles problems.
Ask questions. A legitimate mover will be transparent about their process, services, and fees. If they hesitate or try to avoid your questions, that’s a red flag.
Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By taking the time to understand your rights, researching the company, and watching for red flags, you can protect yourself from being scammed. Remember, an ethical mover will always be transparent, communicate clearly, and follow the law—anything less is a warning to walk away. Your belongings are important, and you deserve to have peace of mind when they’re in someone else’s hands. Don’t settle for anything less than professionalism and honesty.
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