No matter where you are in the packing and moving process, it’s essential to take care of your valuables. Jewelry, fine art, stamp collections, family heirlooms, firearms, memorabilia, cameras, and musical instruments can be worth a lot. The last thing you want is for something to be broken during transport.
By appraising and insuring your valuables before packing them for the big move, you can ensure they are covered if something were to happen.
Appraising Your Valuables
Just because something has sentimental value does not mean it has monetary value. The best way to know what something is worth is by getting an appraisal from a professional.
The place to go for an appraisal depends on the item you want to value. Some of the major appraisal associations can help you find an appraiser in your area:
American Society of Appraisers
Appraisers Association of America
International Society of Appraisers
Even Yelp offers a local database for appraisers in your area. The cost of an appraisal varies and could be a flat fee per item or an hourly rate. You can use an online valuation company, but they aren’t always accurate. They may not be acceptable if you want to insure your items.
No matter who you use, make sure they are certified and accredited.
Insuring Your Valuables
After you have the appraisal, the next step is insuring your valuables. While this is an optional step, it’s a good idea if it’s worth more than what your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers. Most insurance policies have a limited amount of coverage for valuable items that may not be enough to replace or repair the item if it’s damaged.
Depending on the insurance company and the type of home policy you have, you might be able to insure the item under your policy for the appraised value. If not, some companies offer a separate insurance policy for scheduled personal property. This policy cost is based on the type of item and the value and will pay to repair or replace the item for the appraised value.
However, you have another option if you only want to insure your valuables during the moving process. Buying third-party cargo liability insurance through your mover is another option. For every item valued at more than $100 per pound, you must notify the mover in writing declaring these items for complete liability protection.
When you get a quote for moving services from Freedom Moving in Pasadena, Maryland, we offer complete replacement value protection. We include this in your cost estimate for shipment. Just like with third-party cargo liability insurance, make sure they listed the full value in your shipping documents. Confirm with the mover that they recorded your valuables for the right amount and get a complete explanation of any limitations in coverage before your move.
Freedom Moving Insures and Protects Your Valuables
Freedom Moving in Pasadena, Maryland, is a full-service moving company offering packing and moving services. If you don’t want to pack yourself, we can handle the process while taking the utmost care in packing your valuables. We offer local and long-distance moving services to make the entire experience as stress-free as possible.
Contact us today for a free estimate on packing and moving services. Find out how Freedom Moving can protect your valuables so you can continue to enjoy them in your new home!
