Are Movers Responsible for Damage? Key Insights & Your Rights Explained

Why Understanding Mover Responsibility Matters

Moving can be stressful enough without worrying about your belongings getting broken, lost, or damaged. Yet, accidents happen. When they do, customers are often left wondering: who pays for this? The answer depends on the mover’s liability and the type of coverage selected. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to protect your belongings and yourself.

Moving Damage Happens—But Who Pays for It?

When you're dealing with boxes, stairs, and tight corners, even professional movers can accidentally damage your belongings or home. The big question is: Are movers responsible for damage? The answer isn’t always simple—but with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself and your property.

Understanding Mover's Liability

What Is a Mover Legally Responsible For?

A mover’s liability refers to how much financial responsibility they accept if something goes wrong during your move. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Coverage can vary dramatically based on the type of liability protection you select in your moving contract.

What If the Mover Breaks Something?

If a mover drops your TV or dents your wall, they could be liable—but only under certain conditions. The mover's financial responsibility is based on your coverage level, whether they packed the item, and whether negligence can be proven.

Federal and Texas Rules Around Moving Company Liability

Texas vs. Federal Rules: Know the Difference

If you're moving across state lines, federal law requires movers to offer two levels of liability:

• Full Value Protection
• Released Value Protection

Texas Regulations for Local Moves

In Texas, all licensed professional movers are required to offer a minimum liability of 60 cents per pound per item. That means if a 100-pound sofa is damaged, you’re only entitled to $60—regardless of its actual cost. This is similar to what federal law requires for interstate moves under "Released Value Protection."

What Is the Bill of Lading?

It's More Than Just Paperwork

Every professional move involves a document called the Bill of Lading, which acts as a contract between you and the moving company. It outlines the terms of service, including the mover’s responsibilities and the type of valuation coverage selected.

Types of Liability Coverage for Moving

There are two major types of liability coverage:

1. Full Value Protection (FVP)

This is the most comprehensive liability coverage available. If a mover damages or loses something, they must:

• Replace it with a similar item
• Repair it
• Reimburse you for its current market value

While FVP may be an additional cost, it gives you the highest chance of receiving fair compensation.

2. Released Value Protection

This option is included for free but offers minimal reimbursement—only $0.60 per pound. It’s the most economical option, but it's not ideal for high value items or fragile items.

Declaring High Value Items

Why Declared Value Matters

If you're moving jewelry, collectibles, or expensive electronics, these high value items may not be fully covered unless declared in writing ahead of time. Movers may exclude such items from compensation if they weren’t listed on the inventory form. Most moving companies require you to declare items valued over $100 per pound (such as expensive electronics, antiques, or collectibles). Failure to list these items ahead of time may void any chance of full compensation.

Examples of High Value Items to Declare

High value items often include artwork, computers, collectibles, heirlooms, and certain types of jewelry. If you’re unsure, ask your mover before packing. Better yet, itemize these valuables and provide a copy to the company.

You may not think you have items worth declaring as high-value, but here is a checklist of items you may want to consider:

• Artwork or antiques
• Laptops, tablets, and cameras
• Designer handbags or shoes
• Heirlooms and musical instruments

What About Fragile Items?

Fragile Items Require Extra Attention

Glass, porcelain, or other breakables are considered fragile items, and movers may not cover them if they weren’t properly packed. If you packed these items yourself, movers typically aren’t responsible for internal damage unless there's obvious external harm. The movers can deny the claim based on improper packing.

Tip: Let Movers Pack Fragile Items

To ensure you're covered, let the professional movers pack delicate items—or at least ask what materials to use to qualify for coverage.

Who Packed the Boxes Affects Your Claim

Movers vs. Customer-Packed Boxes

If your boxes were packed by the mover, any damage inside is generally their responsibility. But if you packed them and damage occurs, they may claim the issue was due to how it was packed, not how it was handled.

Damage to the House: Who’s Liable?

Movers Can Be Responsible for Property Damage

Scuffed walls, scratched floors, broken stair rails—these types of damages are more common than most expect. Movers can be held accountable for property damage, especially if it results from careless handling. It's smart to take clear photos of your home before and after the move to document any damage.

When Does Liability Not Apply?

Acts of Nature

If damage is caused by a flood, storm, or other uncontrollable event, movers can often use a force majeure clause to deny liability unless negligence was involved.

Pre-Existing Damage

Movers can deny responsibility if they believe the item already had damage. Taking photos of your items before the move can help you prove otherwise.

What To Do If Something Is Damaged

Stay Calm—You Have Options

Discovering that something was broken, scratched, or missing after a move can be incredibly frustrating. But don’t panic. How you respond in those first few hours can make all the difference in protecting your rights and getting fair compensation.

Step 1: Inspect Lost or Damaged Items Immediately

As soon as your belongings are delivered, begin inspecting them—especially fragile or high value items. This is when you’re most likely to notice problems like:

• Dents or scratches on furniture
• Cracks in mirrors or picture frames
• Electronics that won’t power on
• Boxes that appear crushed, torn, or wet
• Items missing from your inventory list

Don’t wait days or weeks to open boxes. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to prove when or how the damage occurred.

Step 2: Document the Damage Thoroughly

Use your phone to take clear, timestamped photos from multiple angles. Include:

• Close-up shots of the damage
• Wider shots to show context (e.g., broken table leg on a clean floor)
• The box or packaging it came in
• Serial numbers or product tags (if applicable)

If your walls, floors, or doorways are damaged, photograph those as well—before cleaning or fixing anything.

Bonus tip: If you have before photos of the items or home (such as from a listing or staging), those are gold.

Step 3: Don't Discard the Item

Even if the item is broken beyond repair, don’t throw it away. Movers may request an in-person inspection or ask for more photos. Keeping the damaged item helps support your case.

This also applies to damaged packing materials (like torn boxes or burst bubble wrap), which can indicate rough handling.

Step 4: Compare Against the Inventory List

If your move included an inventory sheet (especially for interstate moves), compare each item against it. Note any missing boxes or discrepancies between what was listed and what arrived.

Highlight anything labeled “damaged” or “scratched” before the move—this may impact your claim. If something was marked as being in good condition at pickup but arrived broken, that’s important evidence.

Step 5: Notify the Moving Company Immediately

Once you’ve gathered your evidence, contact the moving company as soon as possible—ideally the same day. Email is best for documentation, but also follow up with a phone call if you don’t hear back within 24–48 hours.

Your message should include:

• A brief description of the damage
• Attached photos
• Item name, description, and estimated value
• The date of your move
• Your contact information
• Request for next steps to file a claim

Some companies may provide a specific claim form—ask for it directly or look on their website.

Filing Damage Claims

How To File a Claim

You’ll usually need to submit a written claim that includes:

• The item’s description
• Details of how it was damaged
• Estimated value or repair cost
• Photos or videos
• The inventory number (if available)

Time Limits to File

• Texas local moves: Filing claims must be done within 90 days of delivery
• Interstate moves: You have up to 9 months
  Delays can result in denial—even if the damage is obvious.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Filing Isn’t the End—It’s the Beginning of the Resolution Process

Once you’ve submitted your written claim for lost or damaged belongings, the clock starts ticking. But many customers aren’t sure what happens next—or what to expect during this process. Here’s how it typically works.

1. Acknowledgment of Your Claim

By law, most interstate movers are required to acknowledge receipt of your claim in writing within 30 days. For local moves in Texas, most reputable companies follow a similar timeline. If you don’t receive confirmation, follow up in writing.

This acknowledgment doesn’t mean they’ve accepted responsibility—it just confirms they’ve received your documentation and are beginning their review.

2. Internal Review by the Moving Company

Next, the mover will conduct an internal review. They may:

• Review the inventory sheet and Bill of Lading
• Check notes from the moving crew
• Examine any photos or documentation you submitted
• Possibly request to inspect the damaged item in person

If the item was packed by the mover, they’ll also evaluate their packing methods and crew notes. If you packed it, they may look for signs of improper packing or pre-existing damage.

3. Follow-Up Requests

During the review, the mover might reach out to request:

• More detailed photos
• Receipts or proof of value
• Clarification of where/how the damage occurred
• Your choice of repair, replacement, or reimbursement (if Full Value Protection applies)

Responding quickly helps keep your claim moving forward. Always save any new documentation you send.

4. Resolution Window

By federal regulation, movers have up to 120 days from the date they receive your claim to provide a resolution. That resolution may be:

• Full or partial payment
• An offer to repair or replace the item
• A denial of the claim, with an explanation
  They can also request a one-time extension if they need more time to investigate.

5. Reviewing the Outcome

Once the mover responds with their decision, review it carefully. If the outcome doesn’t match your expectations or if the compensation is too low, you can:

• Request further clarification
• Negotiate a better resolution
• Escalate the issue through legal or regulatory channels (see: When You Might Need Legal Action)

Tips to Keep the Process Moving

• Follow up every 10–14 days if you haven’t heard anything
• Keep all communication in writing
• Be polite but firm—documentation and tone matter
• Keep copies of everything (claims, photos, receipts, emails)

A well-documented, timely, and cooperative claim process often results in a smoother, faster resolution. But if the moving company is unresponsive or denies the claim without clear cause, you still have options.

When the Claim Is Denied

What If the Mover Says No?

You still have options. Start by gathering additional evidence:

• Before/after photos
• Receipts or appraisals
• Witness statements (if applicable)

Then consider contacting:

• The Better Business Bureau
• The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Your insurance provider (if applicable)
• Small claims court, if needed

Is Homeowners Insurance Helpful?

Does It Cover Moving Damage?

Sometimes. Some homeowners insurance policies may cover items during a move, but coverage is limited and often doesn’t apply once items that are in a moving truck. Ask your provider in advance.

Some moving companies may also have partnerships with third-party insurers and can refer you directly.

Using Third Party Insurance

Extra Peace of Mind

Third party insurance fills the gap between limited mover coverage and full protection. It’s ideal if you’re moving very valuable items or want more peace of mind.

You can typically buy this coverage through your current homeowners or renters insurance company or a specialty moving insurance company.

When applying, you’ll typically need to:

• Provide an estimated value of your belongings (some may require an inventory list)
• Declare your high value items individually
• Choose a deductible and coverage limit
• Confirm the timeline of your move (coverage often begins from the packing process and ends at delivery)

It's worth considering if you're transporting valuable items or simply want extra peace of mind. It may be a bit of a hassle to set it up, but it can make a huge difference if something unexpected happens

When You Might Need Legal Action

When Filing a Claim Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, no matter how well you document the damage or how quickly you file your claim, you may hit a wall. If the mover ignores your claim, denies it without a valid explanation, or offers an unfair settlement, it might be time to consider legal action.

Start with Direct Communication

Before escalating things legally, always try one last round of written communication. Send a formal letter or email that includes:

• Your original claim information
• The damage or loss described in detail
• A reasonable request for resolution (repair, replacement, or reimbursement)
• A deadline for response (typically 10–14 business days)

Keep this correspondence professional, clear, and polite—it might prompt a resolution without further action.

Gather Evidence

If you're going to pursue legal remedies, documentation is everything. Collect and organize:

• The Bill of Lading (your official moving contract)
• The delivery receipt
• Photos and videos of the damaged or missing items
• Copies of all written communications with the mover
• Any estimates or invoices related to repair or replacement
• A detailed timeline of what happened

This will serve as the backbone of your case—whether you're going to court or filing a complaint.

Filing a Complaint with Oversight Agencies

Before hiring an attorney, try reporting the issue to the following agencies:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): A public complaint can pressure a company into resolving the issue
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): If it was an interstate move
• TxDMV Enforcement Division: For Texas moves (call 1-888-368-4689 or file online)
• State consumer protection agency: Especially helpful if the mover is operating across state lines

These agencies can’t offer compensation, but they can investigate bad actors and apply pressure that leads to a faster resolution.

Taking the Case to Small Claims Court

If the mover refuses to resolve the issue and you’ve exhausted other options, small claims court may be your best bet. In most states, you can file a case without hiring an attorney if your damages are under a certain limit (often between $5,000–$10,000).

Here’s how to get started:

1. Check your state’s small claims limit and procedures
2. File in the jurisdiction where the move originated or where the company is based
3. Prepare your documents and evidence
4. Attend the hearing with a clear, fact-based presentation

If you win, the judge may order the mover to pay you the value of the damage or loss.

When to Hire an Attorney

If your damages are substantial or involve negligence (e.g., your belongings were stolen or grossly mishandled), you may need to consult with a lawyer. Legal professionals can help you:

• Evaluate if your case qualifies as breach of contract or negligence
• Send a formal demand letter
• Represent you in negotiations or court

Legal action should be your last resort, but it's sometimes necessary—especially if you're dealing with unlicensed movers, large financial losses, or a company that simply refuses to take accountability.

How Reputable Movers Prevent Damage

What Professionals Do Differently

A reputable moving company will:

• Wrap furniture in blankets and shrink wrap
• Use padding to protect doorways and banisters
• Strategically load the moving truck to prevent shifting
• Roll out carpet protectors
• Train their crews in proper lifting and handling

What to Look For Before Booking

• A low damage claims rate
• Verified registration with the TxDMV
• Strong reviews
• Responsive customer service

How 3 Men Movers Keeps Damage Claims Low

With a damage claim rate under 2%, we pride ourselves on protecting your belongings. Our trained crews use best-in-class packing techniques and we respond quickly if something goes wrong. Your home and items matter to us—because we know how much they matter to you.

Final Tips for Protecting Your Belongings

• Carefully review your moving contract
• Choose the right liability coverage
• Declare high value items in writing
• Take photos of items and your home before the move
• File your written claim as soon as possible if needed
• Keep your delivery receipt for records

TL;DR: Are Movers Responsible for Damage?

Yes—but only under specific conditions. The key is understanding what you’re covered for, what type of value protection you selected, and how quickly you act when damage occurs. Choosing an experienced, professional mover and reviewing your liability options are the best ways to avoid surprises.