Suburban Solutions Philadelphia Valuation

At Suburban Solutions Philadelphia, we take extra care in ensuring a safe and stress free move of the contents of your home or office. From time to time, things will happen that are out of our control. For this reason, we have different levels of valuation. “Valuation” and “insurance” are are often a challenge to fully understand, but it is very important to know how you are protected before your move.

There’s a tremendous amount at stake come move day. All of your life’s possessions are carefully packed up and strategically loaded by the movers. Although the mover is liable for the value of goods we handle, it is the shipper (that’s you) that must understand the level of liability a mover is responsible for – also known as valuation.

Valuation is defined as the shipper’s (that’s you) value for the possessions being shipped, thereby establishing the carrier’s (that’s us) maximum liability for loss or damage to the shipment.

There are two different levels of liability coverage.  The level you choose will determine the type and amount of reimbursement you will receive if an item is lost or damaged.  By default, all moves are priced with full coverage with a  $500 deductible.  

What are your options?

Under Federal law, movers must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage:

(1) Full Value Protection

– OR –

2) Released Value

Our default plan is Full Value Protection.

Under Full Value Protection, we are liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. This is the most comprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings. Unless you opt out of full value protection, we will transport your shipment under the Full Value Protection level of liability.  

The cost for this coverage depends on the weight of your shipment.  Our moving company software uses a standard of weights and measures to calculate the weight of your shipment.  To calculate the value of your shipment, we multiply the weight by the industry standard $7.00 per pound.   Our default charge for full valuation with a $500 deductible is .69 cents for every $100 of coverage.

We offer three levels of coverage, $0 deductible, $250 deductible and a $500 deductible (default).

• For a $0 deductible, the rate is $1.39 per $100 of Coverage
• For a $250 deductible, the rate is $.89 per $100 of coverage
• For a $500 deductible, the rate is $.69 per $100 of coverage

Example, your Shipment weighs 9,250 lbs.  Multiply 9,250 * $7.00.  Your shipments maximum liability is $64,750.  For a $250 deductible you would divide $64,750 / 100 and that equals $647.50.  Multiply that by $.89 for a cost to you of $576.27.

To find out the weight of your shipment, please view the  grey box on the Job Details Section of  your estimate:

You may be wondering how claims work in the event something happens.

If any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s custody, we will, at our discretion, offer to do one of the following for each item:

• Repair the item to its pre move condition 
• Replace with a similar item based on current value
• Make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the current market replacement value

Here are two examples of a potential claim and how it can be handled:

Example #1

1. You keep our default coverage for your move with a $500 deductible.
2. On moving day, a dresser is damaged in transit or by the negligence of our staff.
3. A receipt, comparable retail item from the same vendor or manufacturer or a public appraisal values the damaged item at $850.00
4. We can settle a claim thru the following two ways:
   1. We can repair the item back to its condition on moving day -or-
   2. You would be eligible for a check in the amount of $350 ($850 value less $500 deductible)

Example #2

1. You keep our default coverage for your move with a $500 deductible.
2. On moving day, we damage a mirror and scratch a hardwood floor due to negligence of our staff.
3. A receipt for the mirror or an estimate for the scratch repair are both valued at $125.00 ($250.00)
4. In this scenario, the replacement value does not exceed the $500.00.  There would be no pay out for this claim and both would be out of pocket expenses.  We would still be happy to recommend you to vendors we trust that would provide you with our preferred pricing.

For Repairs, we operate similar to car insurance.  Once you are able to obtain 3 estimates for repair, we reserve the right to take the average cost as our settlement payout.  We do not schedule the repair for you.

One thing to consider is that under this option, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound.  Good examples are jewelry and antiques.

Is there an alternative option?

The minimum required coverage that we can include at no cost is called Released Value.  Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if we lost or damaged a 50 pound Television valued at $2,000, you would only receive $30.00 in compensation (60 cents x 50 pounds).  We include full valuation coverage to protect you from this type of scenario.

There is no additional charge for Released Value.

Remember, it compensates you according to the weight of the item, not its actual value. And, if you do not select Released Value, your shipment will automatically be transported at the Full Value Protection level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable charge for a $500 deductible.  If you want released value coverage, please email or call us prior to your move date so we can update your quote or estimate. 

If you are interested in coverage other than a $500 deductible / Full Value Protection, click here and fill out the request form

Exclusions to our coverage:

• Damage to any owner-packed items, cartons, or containers, including plastic storage containers with no apparent physical damage to the container itself.  
• Non-delivery of a shipping package if the delivery receipt shows that all packages were delivered to the final destination.
• Loss or damage to lampshades, jewelry, watches, gem stones, cash, currency or bank notes, deeds, travelers checks, coin or stamp collections, sports memorabilia, alcoholic beverages, foods, medications, negotiable items, furs or garments trimmed with fur, ammunition, contraband, cigarettes, laptop or tablet computers, mobile or cellular telephones.
• Loss or damage caused by wear and tear, deterioration, changes in climatic conditions, mold and mildew, infestations, pre-existing damages, or inherent vice.
• Functionality of any TV’s, Stereos, Computers or other electronic equipment unless the client has tested the equipment for our crew leader prior to moving AND there is no visible physical damage to the unit in question or the box it was transported in.
  • Electrical or mechanical malfunctioning coverage may be available for a nominal additional premium. If such coverage is purchased, it is required that any electrical or mechanical item covered by this insurance must be inspected at origin and destination by movers, with a specific note on the carrier’s inventory indicating the operable condition of this item. Failure to do so will cause denial of claim in case of loss and/or damage to the items and will not constitute refund for this insurance coverage. Any item inventoried by the mover as MCU (mechanical condition unknown) will not be covered.
• Damage to any furniture constructed of any type of veneered chipboard, particle board, MDF —medium density fiberboard, composite board, or similar. Any reduction in quality thereof arising as the result of dismantling or reassembling of any such items of furniture is also excluded.
• Wrinkled or soiled clothing, linens, drapes, or rugs.
• Items not listed on the movers’ inventory prepared at origin. Items not shipped are not insured.
• Marring, scratching, denting, chipping, or rubbing on items which have been received by the carrier as previously damaged
• Real Estate property damage and/or any service related issues, including but not limited to mover and customer agreements, shipment delays, etc.
  • Minor drywall and paint damage is not covered.  It is inevitable that minor scratches dings and dents will occur from time to time, particularly from moving large items in and around tight stairwells and hallways.
• Damage or loss to any items listed or specifically excluded on the moving company’s Order for Service, Bill of Lading, or Waiver Forms.
• Any damages caused as a result of these being in the shipment: hazardous materials, items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive; perishables: food, plants or living things that may die or spoil in transit
• Contributory negligence on the part of the owner and/or their agents. Damages or loss attributed to an act, order, or omission on the part of the shipper.
• Loss or damage to any items or shipment that contains non household items, or items that are considered for commercial, industrial or non-household use, including merchandise for sale or exhibition.
• LIABILITY OF COMPANY: We are responsible only for our own negligence. We assume no liability of any kind of loss or damage to goods caused by weather, bug or rodent infestation, rust, deterioration, an Act of God, an act of governmental agency or public enemy, or any other causes beyond our control.
• CONTENTS OF FURNITURE/CONTAINERS: We assume no liability for the contents of drawers, containers or other items of similar nature. All contents should be removed from items prior to the move.
• ELECTRONICS: We assume no liability for the electrical and/or mechanical function of any and all electronics, whether or not our employees pack them. We recommend electronics to be serviced by a qualified service company.
• MECHANICAL ITEMS: We assume no liability for the mechanical function of any and all mechanical devices including pianos, juke boxes, phonographs, etc., whether or not our employees pack them. We recommend mechanical items to be serviced by a qualified service company.
• OVERSIZE ITEMS: We assume no liability for damage to oversize items that do not fit through doorways or hallways properly. We also assume no liability for damage to doorways and/or hallways that are damaged due to oversize items.