General Shipment Data

The DMV Tariff requirement is accomplished through the membership the Mover has with VMWA. The Tariff is basically a catalog of services with their associated rates or fees. Tariff rules stipulate how the service is performed and the method that a fee is applied. This Tariff is available for Public inspection during normal business operating hours at your Mover’s office. All moves over a 30 miles distance will require a certificated Mover using their published Tariff to price their services. All moves under a 30-mile radius are priced on a non-Tariff basis, usually hourly rates apply.

Pricing for your move is obtained from the published rates and charges listed in the Mover’s tariff.

Most Movers in Virginia are a member of the VMWA, which publishes a Tariff Number 17 for their Members. Every certificated Mover must have their Tariff on file at Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV).

All certificated Movers that are Members of VMWA have in their Tariff rates minimum cargo coverage of $.60 per pound per article. This level of coverage is normally called the Standard or Tariff Liability.

There are available at additional costs, higher levels of coverage for the cargo. Many Movers offer Full Value coverage, Depreciated Value coverage and Catastrophic Coverage along with associated deductibles for the Full Value coverage. Your Estimate form will contain all of your options available from your selected Mover.

It is recommended that you acquire cargo coverage for your shipment at the same level of your homeowner’s coverage especially if your shipment is insured with a first party insurance carrier that your Mover may offer. This is important since in the state of Virginia, a co-insurance clause is applicable. You must insure your shipment for at least 80% of the actual value. If you insure it at a lower amount, the settlement will be affected by the undervalued amount percentage.

A detail listing of the extraordinary valuable items being moved is a normal requirement for Insurance Carriers and Movers. Movers need to know about the unusual and most expensive items in your shipment. Check with your Mover on the various items that are not covered such as jewelry and items that need to be excluded from the shipment. You may want to review this link for a more detailed listing of restrictions from a first party insurance company. Sample of first party insurance listing.

Usually, the homeowner’s coverage will only apply for a catastrophic damage (total loss). It will not cover you for transit damages.

You are required to file your cargo claim for new damage or missing items within 30 days from the date of your delivery . It is recommended that you contact your Mover within seven (7) days from delivery for a claim form if you are filing a claim.

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Cargo coverage is different from property coverage. The Customer must choose a level of cargo coverage for their shipment. Property coverage is used for the protection of the Customer at no additional cost.

Your property is covered by the Mover’s policy for new damage caused by the Movers actions. It is recommended that you make a list of the old damage that exists to floors, walls, sidewalks, and other key areas before the moving Crew arrives. This is similar to a real estate “Walk Through” performed prior to closing.

If there is new damage to the property caused by the Movers, you will need to record the new damage on the bill of lading or other related form before they leave the residence. Once the crew leaves the residence, the Mover cannot be held liable for property damages unless it is noted on the shipping paperwork.

A lot of new furniture is purchased in a box at various retail stores and assembled at home. These items are very functional. However, they were not designed to be moved once they are assembled.

Most Movers and their Insurance Carrier will not assume liability for these articles due to their fragile nature. Usually, you will be asked to sign a disclaimer that waives the Mover’s liability for these particular items.

The Customer is fully responsible for providing a safe working environment for the moving crew. The Mover is responsible to provide all of the required equipment for the safe handling of the shipment as well as the normal equipment for the moving van.

This is where the Consumer needs to have their Due Diligence since an unlicensed Mover may or may not have insurance coverage for their Crews and the Consumers property. DMV will only issue a Certificate or Permit to Movers who have proof of insurance that covers Public Safety and has the required insurance coverage necessary for a For Hire Mover. Consumers need to ascertain their Mover’s Certificate Number to be assured of protection. Otherwise, the Consumer may be subject to risks when things go wrong.

The Mover’s Insurance Carrier will not provide coverage if the Movers are in an area that is not safe. The attic is an area that it is recommended that the Customer remove or place the items in a safe place since the liability is so great.

Bad weather can create difficult problems for the Movers, too. If there is snow covering the sidewalk and driveway or ice presenting a hazard, it is recommended that the Customer make arrangements before the moving Crew arrives to have the access to their house safe.

All Movers are required by law to have minimum levels of insurance in force and on file with Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These minimum levels are for the protection of the General Public and the Consumer of moving services.

Highway safety is enforced by safety and legal compliance checkpoints throughout the state. Drivers and equipment are checked by the State Police while on public highways and roads for safe operation of the moving vans.

Furthermore, the Department of Transportation (DOT) inspect the moving vans for safe mechanical operating conditions.