(1)The so-called “Free Standard Insurance” (FSI) in fact offers very little coverage. It is calculated at .30/lb./article (“.30 per pound per article”) and, for example, amounts to only about $30 coverage in the case of a couch and $150 coverage for an upright piano. This option might be considered when the customer has a home owner’s policy which explicitly covers the goods for breakage during a move. (Or, if the insurance company is willing to write a “rider” for the move.) Also, if the goods being moved fall mostly under the category of exceptions to the Insurance (listed under (3) below) or are very inexpensive, the customer may decide not to take Replacement Insurance. The goods will then be automatically covered by “Free Standard Insurance.”

(2) Replacement Value Insurance (RVI) covers goods for the cost of replacing them with an identical or similar item. In the rare event of damage, the moving company (us) would first of all see whether a satisfactory repair can be made. If not, our insurance company, CHUBB would process a claim for the cost of actually replacing the item. (CHUBB is one of the few insurance companies known for its fairness.)

The cost of replacement insurance is $5.00 per $1000 coverage. The amount to be covered must reflect the plausible total worth of the goods. For example, if your furniture is worth $100,000 you could not take a policy for $20,000. There is a $60 ($12000 coverage) minimum purchase with a $500 deductible. Monthly insurance for goods kept in storage is available at a lower rate, $3.50 per $1000 coverage.

We generally encourage customers, when the home owner’s policy does not cover for breakage, to take RVI . But certain exceptions should be kept in mind . See (3) immediately below. Note that if your homeowner's is simply a general insurance policy, it will cover only a fraction of the real value of jewelry.

(3) Items not covered by RVI or FSI include the following:

A. Items packed by the customer or their representative.

B. Items made of particle board/pressboard/ engineered wood (as, for example Ikea furniture .)

C. Electronic and mechanical devices are not covered UNLESS there is clear visible damage to the exterior.

D. Cash and items of extraordinary value (e.g. a diamond necklace) aren't covered.

E. Plants