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How to Deal With Bad Movers: Steps to Take When Things Go Wrong

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How to Deal With Bad Movers: Steps to Take When Things Go Wrong

Highlights

  • Unfortunately, there are some bad movers out there.
  • You must learn how to spot a bad moving company so that you can stay away from trouble.
  • Protect yourself and your possessions by knowing how to avoid moving scams.
  • Find out how and where to report a bad moving company.

Table of Contents

It’s well known that certain things remain beyond our control, no matter how hard we try to stay in charge.

Unfortunately, sometimes we are reduced to mere spectators as an unfortunate event takes the steering wheel out of our hands.

When faced with the challenging process of moving, it can be disheartening to invest so much time and effort into planning a smooth local or long-distance move, only to have a bad moving company ruin it all.

Yes, there are dishonest, disreputable, and fraudulent movers who wreak havoc on the relocation scene, tarnishing the reputation of the moving industry as a whole.

This is why it’s crucial to do your research in advance to know:

  • How to spot a bad moving company
  • How to avoid becoming a victim of a moving scam
  • How to report a bad moving company
  • How to deal with bad movers in general

In other words, being a well-informed shipper of household goods will help you lock the stable door before the horse is stolen.

How To Spot A Bad Moving Company

It might seem straightforward, but the best strategy for handling a moving scam is to avoid it entirely.

To steer clear of fraudulent moving companies, the first step is to learn how to identify them.

1. Bad online reputation

 

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To uncover unreliable movers, start by examining customer reviews and testimonials.

Our comprehensive database offers detailed information on local and interstate movers across the country, including contact details, licensing information, and most importantly—authentic moving reviews, ratings, and testimonials.

Reputable movers know the value of a solid professional reputation and strive to maintain positive online records by delivering excellent services and resolving any claims, disputes, or issues promptly and fairly.

Therefore, if a moving company has predominantly negative reviews, it’s wise to be cautious.

 

Additionally, it’s recommended to check the company’s ratings and any unresolved claims with the Better Business Bureau.

While negative reviews alone may not definitively identify a bad mover, they can be an early warning sign that warrants further investigation.

 

2. No licensing information

All interstate moving companies must be registered with and licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

You can easily verify a moving company’s licensing information using the search tool on the FMCSA’s website. Interstate movers are assigned a USDOT number by the U.S. Department of Transportation, serving as official proof of legitimacy.

In other words, avoid any interstate movers that lack proper licensing.

It’s important to note that local movers who do not cross state lines are regulated by individual state laws rather than federal regulations. However, reputable local moving companies typically adhere to federal relocation standards and regulations.

Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, always ask your movers about their licensing details.

3. Estimates over the phone or Internet

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Consider this for a moment – can a mover really provide an accurate moving estimate over the phone or online without a detailed in-home inspection of all your household items?

Relying on this method of assessment is more fitting for science fiction than real life. It might work if you were a moving expert (which you probably aren’t) or if the moving company representative had psychic powers (which they likely don’t).

Therefore, to obtain a precise and detailed moving estimate, you should request an in-house inspection by a qualified representative from the moving company.

The moving expert’s main task is to assess exactly how many items you have and identify any special properties (such as being too heavy, awkwardly shaped, fragile, or valuable).

Additionally, the representative will note any factors that could affect the final cost, such as special packing requirements, long flights of stairs, narrow hallways or doorways, and the need to disassemble certain furniture pieces.

In summary, do not accept estimates over the phone or online. Instead, insist on getting at least three accurate in-home written estimates from different reputable movers before making your final decision.

4. You are refused proper insurance

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Moving companies are legally obligated to take responsibility for the value of the items they transport.

As a consumer, you have the right to ask your moving company for proof of insurance and detailed information about the available insurance options and the claims process in case of damage or loss.

If a mover refuses to provide adequate coverage for your belongings, consider hiring a fully insured moving company for your upcoming move.

Here are the two most common types of moving coverage:

  1. Released-Value Protection: This coverage is free but offers minimal protection. If an item is damaged or lost, the mover is required to reimburse you only 60 cents per pound per item. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to purchase full-value protection.

  2. Full-Value Protection: This coverage comes at an additional cost but is well worth it. In case of damage or loss, the moving company is liable for the repair, replacement, or cash settlement of the item’s full value.

Additionally, consider third-party moving insurance if the options above do not meet your needs. Contact your current home insurer to see if your policy covers possessions during a move. If not, they may offer affordable coverage options.

5. Additional red flags when deciding on a moving company

When searching for a moving company, you’ll likely prioritize professionalism, reliability, and affordability. With thorough research and a bit of luck, you can find an excellent mover.

However, be alert to signs of a bad mover. Something is amiss if:

  • You call a mover, and they don’t answer with their company name. A reputable company should be proud of their identity and services.
  • You can’t find the mover’s website, or if you do, it lacks information about their license, insurance options, or local address. In today’s Information Age, a trustworthy company should provide this essential information.
  • The mover requires a large deposit or cash-only payments, without offering flexible payment options.
  • The mover presents incomplete or blank documents and asks you to sign them. NEVER sign any moving documents that are blank, incomplete, or unclear.
  • On moving day, the movers arrive in an unmarked truck, appear unprofessional, bring dirty or damaged packing materials, or behave rudely

How To Avoid Moving Scams


Now that you can tell a good mover from a bad one, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from potential moving scams.

Keep in mind that the best defense against moving fraud is taking preventive measures early on.

Follow these safety tips to ensure you don’t fall victim to moving scams.

Use our Moving Cost Calculator to connect with reputable, licensed, and trustworthy movers.

Dedicate more time to finding reliable movers by following these steps:

  • Read moving reviews and testimonials.
  • Check ratings and licensing information.
  • Look for unresolved claims.
  • Seek recommendations from friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Request detailed in-home estimates from 3-4 different movers for an accurate total moving price. Choose a binding moving estimate.

Carefully compare the services and prices in the received quotes. A significantly lower quote may indicate potential issues, as a dishonest company might raise costs drastically later.

Ensure your movers provide proof of proper licensing and insurance according to federal or state regulations.

Get satisfactory answers to these questions from your chosen moving company:

  • Will you handle the entire move, or will subcontractors be involved?
  • Are you sending experienced movers or temporary laborers?

Keep your valuable items, such as important documents, cash, bank cards, jewelry, and electronic equipment, with you during the move. These items should not be in the hands of strangers.

Take plenty of photos of your belongings before and after packing them in labeled moving boxes. Photographic evidence can help resolve disputes with the moving company. If possible, use a camera with an automatic date imprint function.

If you notice damaged boxes upon delivery, open them in front of the movers and ask them to confirm the damage in writing.

Understand all conditions in the documents before signing. Ask for clarification if anything is unclear, and never sign incomplete or blank documents.

How To Deal With A Bad Moving Experience

By the time you’re reading this article, the damage may already be done.

There are numerous ways your move can go wrong, but the most common reasons for failed moves are:

1. A household item is broken or missing

property-damage

These are precisely the situations where appropriate moving insurance should be utilized.

It’s essential to evaluate your insurance options and select the best coverage for your items.

Unless you’re moving with only a few possessions of little value (such as during college moves), don’t assume that the complimentary released-value protection will suffice.

2. Your household items are delivered late

Late delivery is a common source of disputes between customers and moving companies.

If your movers are late in delivering your belongings to your new address, contact them immediately to determine the cause. Delays can result from scheduling errors due to misunderstandings or from force majeure circumstances beyond the movers’ control.

Regardless of the cause, it’s important to stay calm and patient.

Notify your moving company about the inconveniences caused by the late delivery and request compensation for any expenses you have incurred as a result.

 

3. The final price is way over the estimate

Stay calm and try to understand why the moving costs have exceeded the initial estimate.

Remember, an estimate is just an estimate. However, if you chose a binding estimate (which is always recommended), the final moving cost should not exceed 110% of the quoted price unless there were additional services or charges you were unaware of.

Reputable moving companies strive to honor their estimates, even if circumstances change during the move.

On the other hand, disreputable companies may not be as honest. Your best option is to attempt a peaceful negotiation that benefits both parties.

If negotiation fails, you should file a claim against your moving company. See below for more information.

4. Rude movers

Moving day is often the most stressful part of relocating, and it’s common for things to go out of control.

Despite how organized you are and how well you’ve planned, perfection is rarely achievable, and there’s almost always at least one small detail that goes awry. When things don’t go as planned, emotions can run high.

In such tense situations, the last thing you need is rude strangers in your home. If you encounter a disrespectful crew member, don’t tolerate their attitude. Immediately contact the moving company and report the issue—it’s likely this minor problem will be resolved quickly.

How And Where To Report A Bad Moving Company

However, simply reporting a member of the moving team may not suffice to resolve the issue.

If you believe you’ve been mistreated by the moving company, it’s important to understand the necessary steps for reporting unethical movers.

 

Step 1. Resolve the issue with your movers

To begin seeking justice in your moving situation, your initial step should be to contact your moving company and attempt to resolve the matter amicably. Present your case objectively, gather ample evidence (including photos taken during the move), and propose a fair resolution beneficial to both sides. Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during negotiations is crucial, as displays of anger, aggression, or defensiveness typically hinder progress.

Step 2. Leave a negative moving review

If your moving company fails to address your concerns or provides an inadequate resolution, the next step is to document your experience in a moving review. Detail what went wrong objectively and rate their services accordingly.

Writing a thorough review can effectively resolve disputes; your movers might reach out to offer a fair settlement if they see your negative feedback. If they don’t, you’ve still fulfilled your responsibility and alerted others who may be planning a move.

Sharing bad experiences with moving companies is important for transparency and accountability. Feel free to leave your review of your experience with these movers here.

Step 3. File a formal complaint against your moving company

If none of the steps above works for you, it’s time for you to escalate the issue.

File a complaint with the Department of Transportation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will accept your complaint against a bad moving company in instances such as overcharging, unlicensed or uninsured operation, damaged or stolen items, and so on. Fill out the FMCSA’s complaint form or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238) from 8am‒8pm, Mon‒Fri ET for assistance.
File a complaint with the BBB. You can use the complaint section of the Better Business Bureau’s website or pay a visit to their nearest office.

Step 4. File a lawsuit against your moving company

 

If you remain unsatisfied with the outcomes from earlier steps, your final option is pursuing justice through a small claims court. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to seek competent legal counsel and carefully evaluate your choices before committing to this course.

Above all, consider whether it’s worth it: Will the potential resolution justify the investment of your time, money, and emotional energy?

Similarly, when you know how to select the best long-distance movers, you’re ultimately benefiting yourself, whether you realize it or not. Taking the time to choose a reputable moving company that offers professionalism and experience will yield significant dividends in the long run.

A seamless and stress-free moving experience will reassure you that your decisions during this challenging transitional period were sound. Moreover, you’ll avoid the frustration of questioning, “Why are moving companies so unreliable?”

 

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