How to File a Moving Damage Claim

Step-by-step process for filing a claim, required documentation, federal timelines, typical payouts by item type, and what to do when your claim is denied.

Updated 2026-09-25

Step-by-Step Claim Process

For interstate moves regulated by the FMCSA. Local (intrastate) moves follow state-specific rules but the general process is similar.

Step	Action	Deadline	Details
1	Inspect at delivery	Day of delivery	Check every item. Note damage on delivery receipt before signing.
2	Photograph all damage	Within 24 hours	Wide shots and close-ups. Include item labels and inventory numbers.
3	File written claim	Within 9 months (interstate)	Send via certified mail or email with delivery confirmation.
4	Mover acknowledges claim	Within 30 days of your filing	Required by FMCSA for interstate moves.
5	Mover resolves claim	Within 120 days of your filing	Must pay, deny, or make a settlement offer.
6	Accept, negotiate, or escalate	After mover's response	Arbitration, FMCSA complaint, or small claims court.

Required Documentation Checklist

*Photos of damage (wide shot + close-up for each item)

*Photos of items before the move (if available)

*Copy of your Bill of Lading (the contract)

*Inventory list with condition notes from pickup

*Signed delivery receipt with your written exceptions

*Repair estimates or replacement costs for damaged items

*Receipts or proof of purchase showing item values

*Your written claim letter (keep a copy)

*Certified mail receipt or email delivery confirmation

Typical Payouts by Item Type

What you can expect to receive under each coverage type. The gap between Released Value and Full Value Protection is significant.

Item	Avg Claim Value	Released Value Payout	Full Value Payout
Sofa / couch	$1,500 - $3,000	$42 - $60 (70-100 lbs)	$800 - $2,500 (repair or replace)
Flat-screen TV	$800 - $2,000	$15 - $30 (25-50 lbs)	$600 - $1,800
Dining table	$1,000 - $4,000	$48 - $90 (80-150 lbs)	$500 - $3,000 (repair preferred)
Washer or dryer	$600 - $1,200	$60 - $96 (100-160 lbs)	$400 - $1,000
Artwork / framed pieces	$200 - $5,000+	$3 - $12 (5-20 lbs)	Appraised value if documented
Mattress	$500 - $2,000	$36 - $60 (60-100 lbs)	$400 - $1,500

Full Value Protection vs Released Value

Feature	Released Value	Full Value Protection
Cost	$0 (included by default)	1 - 2% of declared value
Payout formula	$0.60 per pound per item	Repair, replace, or current market value
50-lb TV worth $1,200	$30 payout	Up to $1,200 payout
100-lb dresser worth $2,000	$60 payout	Up to $2,000 (repair first)
Deductible	None	$0 - $500 depending on plan
Recommended for	Items under $5/lb in value	Furniture, electronics, valuables

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

Request arbitration

Interstate movers must offer an arbitration program. Arbitration is typically binding and costs $0 to $400. An independent arbitrator reviews your claim and the mover's response. Most disputes are resolved within 60 days. This is usually your best option for claims under $10,000.

File an FMCSA complaint

Go to fmcsa.dot.gov and file a consumer complaint. The FMCSA does not resolve individual disputes, but complaints create a record against the mover's operating authority. Multiple complaints trigger investigations. This matters for accountability even if it does not directly get you paid.

Credit card chargeback

If you paid any portion by credit card, you can dispute the charge under the Fair Credit Billing Act. You have 60 days from the statement date. The card issuer investigates and may reverse the charge. This works best when you have clear documentation of the damage and the mover's failure to resolve.

Small claims court

File in your local small claims court. Limits vary by state: $5,000 in some states, up to $25,000 in others. Filing fees are $30 to $100. You do not need a lawyer. Bring your photos, claim letter, the mover's response, and any correspondence. Many movers settle before the hearing date.

Report the mover

File reports with the BBB, your state's attorney general, and review sites. Legitimate businesses respond to public complaints more seriously than private ones. You can also report the mover on Trunk to warn other consumers.

Report a mover on Trunk →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a damage claim with my moving company?+

For interstate moves, federal law gives you 9 months from the delivery date to file a written claim. Do not wait. File as soon as you discover damage, ideally within the first week. Some movers have shorter claim windows in their contracts (30 to 60 days), but the 9-month federal minimum overrides any shorter contractual deadline for interstate moves. For local (intrastate) moves, the deadline depends on your state's laws and the mover's contract terms.

What is the difference between Full Value Protection and Released Value?+

Released Value is the default (no extra cost) and pays just $0.60 per pound per item. A 50-pound TV worth $1,200 would pay out only $30. Full Value Protection costs extra (typically 1 to 2% of your declared shipment value) but requires the mover to repair, replace, or pay current market value for damaged items. You choose your coverage level before the move. Full Value Protection is worth the cost for moves with furniture, electronics, or anything valued above $5 per pound.

How long does the mover have to respond to my claim?+

For interstate moves, FMCSA regulations require the mover to acknowledge your claim in writing within 30 days. They then have 120 days from the claim date to either pay, deny, or make a settlement offer. If the mover does not respond within these timeframes, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA and pursue arbitration or legal action.

What if the mover denies my claim?+

If your claim is denied, you have several options. First, request arbitration through the mover's dispute resolution program (interstate movers are required to offer this). Arbitration is binding and typically costs $0 to $400. Second, file a complaint with the FMCSA at fmcsa.dot.gov. Third, file in small claims court (limits vary by state, typically $5,000 to $10,000). Fourth, if you paid by credit card, dispute the charge with your card issuer within 60 days of the statement date.

Should I sign the delivery receipt if items are damaged?+

Sign it, but write detailed exceptions on the receipt before signing. Note every visible damage item: 'dresser top scratched,' 'box 14 crushed,' 'lamp missing.' If there are too many issues, write 'subject to further inspection' on the receipt. Never sign a receipt that says 'all items received in good condition' if you have not inspected everything. The delivery receipt is a legal document and clean signatures make it harder to file claims later.

Can I file a claim for items that were lost, not just damaged?+

Yes. Missing items are covered under the same claim process as damaged items. Note all missing items on the delivery receipt at the time of delivery. Movers sometimes deliver shipments in multiple loads, so confirm with your mover whether a second delivery is expected. If items are truly missing after the final delivery, include them in your written claim with descriptions, photos from before the move, and estimated values.

How much do movers typically pay out on damage claims?+

Under Released Value protection ($0.60 per pound), average payouts are very low. A $2,000 sofa weighing 100 pounds pays $60. Under Full Value Protection, payouts are closer to actual replacement cost, but movers often offer repair first. Industry data shows the average claim is $1,200 to $2,500 in stated damages with an average settlement of $300 to $800 under Released Value and $800 to $2,000 under Full Value Protection. Movers settle about 75% of claims without arbitration.