Claims

Claim Filing Instructions:


If you’re here due to damage during your move- we sincerely regret that your move was not without incident.


Military Moves– please contact your carrier or visit militaryonesource.mil


All others or for property damage- please see the Claims Procedure for COD Moves flier and complete the Property Damage Form and/ or the Statement of Claim (Word Doc) and return to us via email:  Claims@stewartms.com or mail at


Stewart Moving and Storage – Claims Department

670 Lane Ave North
Jacksonville, FL 32254


Please keep a copy for your records as well.


By carefully following the below claims procedures, you can assist us in the timely settlement of your claim. A claim may be returned or denied if the following procedures are not followed.


1)      Please keep in your possession any articles that are being claimed in your loss for inspection of said property if needed. If damaged items were placed in a container, please try to keep the container, leaving the items in the container for inspection. If damaged item poses a potential hazard, such as broken glass or mold, then you may dispose of them but take a picture prior to doing so.


2)      Identify the articles claimed by inventory number if possible. List the articles and describe the damage.


3)      Complete the columns labeled Estimated Weight; Original Cost; Date Acquired; and most importantly, the amount you are claiming (and/or an estimated cost to repair the item). You are not required to get an actual repair estimate, however, providing one would expedite the claims process.


4)      If you are missing a container, box, or carton, try to itemize the contents and give all information regarding the weight, date and original purchase cost for each item individually, if possible.


5)      If your claim includes missing or possible irreplaceable articles worth $400 or more, please provide a full bill of sale, canceled check, or evidence of a similar nature to verify the value of the item.


6)       Please send a copy of your Bill of Lading with your claim form or keep copies of it and the inventory so the inspector can see them if necessary. The availability of the shipping documents are essential in settling your claim.


7)      In order to provide the best possible service and process your claim in a timely and efficient manner, please submit your claim as soon as possible. Deadlines for filing a claim varies, aiming for within a month of your move is always advised.


8)      Please attach additional sheets if you need more space than this form allows, and please make sure the claims form is signed prior to submitting.


9)      Please provide an email address somewhere on the claim form if at all possible. Due to the necessity to document all communications, and to ensure that there are no misunderstandings, company policy requires that any and all communication between the Stewart Moving & Storage claims department and the claimant be in writing. The most efficient and preferred method is via email. Providing us with an accurate email address will significantly expedite any communication should we need to update you on your claim or have further questions.


Full Replacement Value Protection Information


When you move, there are two levels of coverage available through your mover: Full Replacement Value Protection, and then there is the option to Waive Full Valuation Protection in which you still have some protection but not much. Let us explain:


I’d like to think of the valuation you get when you sign the Waiver of Full Value Protection (released value protection) as a 1 star hotel. It’s there, we have it, it’s your benefit, but is it really the best option? Sure, you don’t have to pay extra, but is it worth having bed bugs or back pain of a bad mattress? If it were me, I would rather spend a little more for full value protection as if it was a five star hotel because you ENSURE you won’t get bed bugs and get all the benefits that come along with it. In realty, you get what you pay for.


Full (Replacement) Value Protection: is the highest level protection available in the industry. With Full Value Protection, if any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in our custody, we will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to its pre-move condition, or pay you for the cost of such repairs; or 2) replace the article with an article of like, kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of such a replacement. If the item is part of a set or pair, and we can’t replace the item to match, we will replace the entire set or pair.


Waiver of Full Valuation Protection: is the base level of coverage without your upgrade to the Full Valuation Protection. While it is included in your quote at no additional cost, if you select this coverage the maximum reimbursement is limited to sixty cents per pound per article. If an item is damaged or destroyed entirely, the regulations that govern our industry prevent us from reimbursing any sum in excess of sixty cents per pound. To me, only having basic coverage is risky. For instance, if the most expensive thing in your household happens to weigh only two pounds and arrives broken, the maximum we are allowed to compensate is $1.20!!! Is it really worth not paying a bit extra so YOU ensure your valuables are covered, just in case?


At the end of the (moving) day, if your items are damaged, it is your right to be compensated for those damages. All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of all the household goods they transport. However, your selection of valuation could very well be the difference between being compensated $6 for a broken lamp or having it repaired, but ultimately it is up to you.


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