Legal
There are many different rules and regulations for the moving industry designed to protect you and your family as you move across the country. We want to make sure you understand all of the legal information that applies to you, including:
During your upcoming move, you will have many rights and responsibilities to keep in mind. Fortunately, several important documents from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the American Trucking Associations (ATA) are available to help you understand those rights and responsibilities.
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The FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
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The FMCSA’s Ready to Move?
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Our parent company Wheaton’s Carrier Liability Brochure
The FMCSA’s website, which can be viewed here, may also help you prepare.
While rare, accidents can occur when moving. If an accident happens during your relocation and it results in the loss or damage of one of your items, Arpin can incur a measure of liability—which is why it’s important for you to understand how our valuation and protection plans can help keep your belongings safe.
When you start planning a long distance move, it’s natural to look for “moving insurance.” In reality, interstate movers are not allowed to sell insurance. That’s because movers are considered carriers under federal law, and carriers cannot act as insurance providers for the shipments they transport. Moving insurance requires different licensing, oversight, and consumer protections.
Instead, movers offer valuation coverage, which defines their level of responsibility for your belongings while they are in their care. Understanding these options helps you make an informed decision about how you want your items protected.
Released value protection, also called liability coverage, covers the mover’s legal responsibility for your belongings while they’re in their care—it is not liability insurance. This is the most basic level of coverage and is included at no extra charge. It provides protection based on weight, not the actual value of your items.
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Coverage is set at 60 cents per pound per item
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If an item is lost or damaged, reimbursement is based on its weight
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For example, a 10-pound item would be covered up to $6.00, regardless of its original cost
Released value coverage is a simple, budget-conscious option, but it may not reflect the full value of many household items.
For many customers, full value protection offers greater peace of mind. This option holds the mover responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged items, subject to the terms of your agreement.
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Items are repaired, replaced, or settled for their current market value
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Coverage is based on the declared value of your shipment
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Deductible options may be available to help manage cost
This option provides a higher level of responsibility compared to basic coverage. If something is lost or damaged, the mover is required to take steps to make it right through repair, replacement, or cash settlement based on the item’s value, as outlined in your agreement.
Accidents can occur despite taking every precaution. Choosing valuation protection is an important part of planning your long distance move, and having clear options makes that decision easier. Arpin offers valuation protection options to meet different needs, whether you’re looking for a basic level of protection or something more comprehensive.
Before your move begins, you’ll have the opportunity to review each option, understand how it works, and select the level of coverage that feels right for your situation. With clear explanations and everything outlined in writing, you can move forward knowing exactly what to expect. You can find detailed descriptions of our coverage options and pricing on our transit valuation protection form.
On January 1, 2008, Arpin's parent company Wheaton's Commercial Relocation Tariff (WVL-100) went into effect for all household goods moves. This tariff serves as a reference for the rates and charges Arpin uses to calculate the total cost of your move for the services provided.
You can also start getting prepared for your move by checking out the FMCSA's Ready to Move guide and Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document. And if you have any questions about your move or any of this legal information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.