Hiring commercial moving services often involves more than just shifting boxes from one location to another. Businesses rely on these services for relocating offices, equipment, and even sensitive data. Given the value of what's being moved, understanding what insurance coverage you actually need is important. Without the right protection, a single incident during the move can cause serious disruptions and financial loss.
Let's explore the types of insurance coverage relevant to commercial moving services and help you decide what you actually need to stay protected.
Types of Insurance Offered by Moving Companies
Most Commercial movers Orlando offer a few basic types of insurance. It's important to know what each type covers and what it doesn't.
Released Value Protection
This is the most basic coverage, and it's usually included at no additional charge. However, the protection it offers is minimal. The moving company takes responsibility for a set amount per pound of goods. In many cases, this might be around ₹30 to ₹60 per kilogram.
So, if a ₹50,000 computer weighing 10 kg is damaged, you may receive only ₹600 as compensation. That's clearly not enough to replace or repair the actual item. This coverage works only if you're moving low-value or already-insured items and are willing to take the risk.
Full Value Protection
This is a better option for businesses. It means the moving company is liable for the replacement value of any item they damage or lose. They can choose to repair the item, replace it, or provide cash compensation. This kind of coverage typically comes at an extra cost, but it offers more security for your assets.
Keep in mind that there may be certain exceptions or items the movers won't cover fully, like extremely high-value electronics, fine art, or proprietary equipment. Ask for a full list of exclusions before the move starts.
Third-Party Insurance: When You Need Extra Protection
Even if your commercial moving service offers full value protection, there might still be gaps in coverage. That's where third-party insurance providers come in. These companies offer insurance plans that go beyond what your moving company may provide.
Third-party policies can cover:
- Losses due to natural disasters
- Accidental damages during transit
- Theft during overnight stops
- High-value items excluded by movers
If your business is relocating items that are critical to operations or extremely costly to replace, getting extra coverage from a separate insurer might be worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Insurance coverage should never be an afterthought when working with commercial moving services. Whether you're relocating a small office or moving high-value equipment, the right insurance can protect you from costly setbacks.
Start by reviewing what the mover includes in their service. Understand the limits. Then, assess whether third-party insurance or existing business insurance fills the gaps. Always read the terms clearly and ask questions before signing any agreements.