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Protect Your Belongings

Valuation

Valuation refers to the amount of liability that the carrier assumes while in possession of your household goods. The liability for loss or damage is based upon tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability.

Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage

With this type of valuation, the maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in an interstate shipment is 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the article. This is the basic liability level and is provided at no charge. For example, if the mover would lose or damage a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, your settlement would not exceed $6.00.

Replacement Value Protection - Full Coverage

Under this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in our care, they will either be repaired or replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the item.

Items Of "Extraordinary Value"

"Articles of extraordinary value" refers to items having a value of more than $100 per pound. All "articles of extraordinary value" in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form (this form will be given to you by your salesperson). Following is a partial list to help you identify items that might fall under this classification: jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines, antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china and silverware.

Interstate

One of the most difficult concepts to understand when moving from state to state (interstate) is valuation. It is critical that you, our customer, understand what valuation is and what it is not. One of the most common pitfalls to avoid is the comparison with insurance.

Following is a chart that shows how valuation is different from insurance:

VALUATION INSURANCE
Regulated by the federal government through the interstate 400N tariff. Regulated by each, individual state.
Provides coverage for the movement of household goods from one state to another. Provides coverage within a given state, not when crossing state lines.
Provides specific, limited liability. Must be able to prove that damage and/or loss was caused by the mover. Provides broad coverage (365/24) within policy limits established in each state.
No insurance policy issued; tariff charge collected. Insurance policy with terms and conditions issued in exchange for payment of premium.
Hughes RelocationAmerican Way Moving Systems is not licensed to sell insurance. Must be licensed to sell.
Nine-month claim filing limit set by tariff and Bill of Lading Claim filing time limits vary by state and by applicable insurance policy.

Here is a concise definition of valuation:

"The Five C’s"
Valuation is Coverage for your household goods while they are in the Care, Custody, and Control of the Carrier (United Van Lines).

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