Claims: Please Contact Our Customer Service | Flatrate Moving

Coverage, Claims, and The FlatRate Standard

We want you to feel confident knowing your belongings are protected from start to finish. Below is a clear guide to how we prevent damage, the coverage options available, and what to expect if you ever need to file a claim.

The FlatRate Claims Process

1. How to File

2. Evaluation and Resolution

3. Appeals and Status

Two happy movers posing with two happy customers

The FlatRate Standard

Every move includes proactive steps to reduce risk, safeguard your items, and deliver real peace of mind.

Built-In Risk Prevention

Itemized inventory for every shipment with the option to add digital photo documentation. Detailed condition reports at pickup and delivery. Professional packing including shrink-wrap, blankets, and double-wall boxes. Custom crating for TVs, marble, glass, artwork, and sculptures. Trained, vetted crews using the right tools and materials. Advance coordination with building management for elevators, access windows, and parking.

When Issues Arise

Fair, transparent resolutions for repair, replacement, or settlement. Independent inspections by certified restorers when needed. Regular updates and clear communication until your claim is closed.

This combination of careful planning, specialized training, and hands-on accountability is what we call the FlatRate Standard.

The FlatRate Claims Process

We keep claims simple, transparent, and fair. Most are resolved within 21 business days, well inside the DOT’s 120-day requirement. Claims must be submitted within 30 days for local moves (intrastate), and within 90 days for interstate, long distance moves

storage room with boxes of documents

How to File

Submit your claim online or by email with photos and supporting documents. You have 90 days to file a claim. Extensions are available if needed.

You will receive confirmation right away. We will assign a claim number and representative.

Evaluation and Resolution

An independent restorer may inspect damage if needed. We repair, replace, or issue a settlement based on your chosen valuation.

  • Repairable items: In-house carpenters or certified vendors handle no-charge repairs
  • Not repairable: Replacement or cash settlement based on declared valuation
  • Partial losses: Scratches, dents, or missing parts are evaluated for repair or partial compensation

Most claims are finalized within 21 business days after all documentation is received.

people looking over document
woman on phone with movers behind her

Appeals and Status

You will receive regular status updates while your claim is in progress. If you disagree with a decision, FlatRate offers mediation or arbitration before any legal action. All settlements follow valuation rules: repair, replacement, or cash.

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Storage Coverage

Whether short-term or long-term, FlatRate keeps your items protected while in storage.

  • Minimum Liability: $0.60 per pound while in storage (included)
  • Extended Valuation Continuation: $3 per $1,000 declared value per month (FlatRate facilities only)
  • Third-party storage insurance may be purchased for added protection

Every shipment entering storage receives photo and condition reports at intake and verified inventory upon delivery from storage. Moving out of storage is considered a new move. You will reselect coverage for that leg.

 

Secure storage unit door closed and locked with a padlock for art protection

What Is Not Covered

Certain items and circumstances fall outside standard coverage:

  • Jewelry, cash, coins, stamps, or valuable papers
  • Firearms, ammunition, or contraband
  • Perishables, plants, or liquids
  • Damage to internal mechanical parts without visible external damage
  • Data loss, recalibration, or particleboard furniture
  • Fragile items (glass, china, bottles, statuary) not packed by FlatRate
  • Items inside boxes packed by the customer
  • Undamaged pieces in a set or pair when only one item is affected
truck on street

Building Protection

FlatRate Moving will not be responsible for any damages to walls and floors, unless customer purchases Building Protection Coverage for each location. Building Protection Coverage for walls and floors may be purchased for an additional fee of $125.00 per location.

This coverage provides protection for damages to walls and floors that may occur during the course of the move, with a maximum coverage limit of $2,500.00 per location.

All approved claims under this coverage are subject to a $250.00 deductible per location.

Austin movers

Questions About Coverage or Need to File a Claim?

Our Claims Team is here to help. Contact us directly with your move plan number and we will walk you through the process.
Call 877.695.2595

Coverage Options: Understanding Valuation

Released Value Protection (Basic Coverage)

This option is free and included with every move. FlatRate’s liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item’s actual value.

Example: If a 100-pound dresser valued at $1,000 is damaged, compensation equals 100 x $0.60 = $60.

This option keeps costs low but provides limited protection. Best for customers with standard household goods or existing homeowner’s insurance coverage.

smiling man

Full Value Protection (Valuation Coverage)

With this option, you assign a total declared value to your shipment, for example $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000. If anything is lost or damaged, FlatRate will repair, replace, or pay the current market value minus any deductible.

Example: If you declare your shipment value as $10,000 and it includes 10 chairs, each chair represents $1,000 of your total valuation. If one chair is damaged, your payout would be $1,000, even if that specific chair is worth $3,000, because coverage is based on your declared total, not individual item values.

To ensure full protection for valuables like artwork or electronics, list them individually on your High-Value Item form. Cost is $50 per $10,000 of declared shipment value. A $500 deductible applies per claim.

Items that are not specified in the high value item list will be valued at $1.25 per pound.

room of furniture

High-Value Item Coverage (Add-On)

If you have a few items that are significantly more valuable than the rest of your shipment, such as artwork, antiques, collectibles, designer furniture, or high-end electronics, you can add High-Value Item Coverage to your move. This coverage can be added to either of the main valuation options and allows you to declare certain pieces individually so they are covered for their specific declared value, rather than being averaged into your total shipment value.

Example: You list a painting valued at $5,000 separately. If damaged, payout is up to $5,000.

Every item above $2000 or more than $100 per pound should be declared.

person packing expensive items

Third-Party or Separate Insurance

For shipments valued above $100,000, you can purchase additional coverage from a licensed third-party insurer. FlatRate does not sell insurance directly but can recommend reputable providers. You may also check your homeowner’s policy, as some extend coverage to goods in transit or storage.

hanging art

Got questions? We've got answers

How do I file a claim with FlatRate Moving?

File a claim by emailing [email protected] or calling (212) 988-9292 Ext. 6. You have 90 days after your move to file. Include your move plan number, Bill of Lading, photos of damage, and proof of value, such as receipts. FlatRate's Claims Team will confirm receipt immediately, assign a claim number, and most claims are resolved within 21 business days after all documentation is received.

What is High-Value Item Coverage and when should I use it?

High-Value Item Coverage is an add-on that lets you declare individual items valued above $100 per pound for separate protection, rather than averaging them into your total shipment value. Use this for art, antiques, designer furniture, collectibles, or high-end electronics. For example, if you list a painting valued at $5,000 separately, FlatRate will pay up to $5,000 if it is damaged, rather than averaging its value across your entire shipment.

Are my items covered while in storage?

Yes. FlatRate coverage continues while your belongings are in FlatRate's secure, climate-controlled storage facilities. You have two options: Minimum Liability Coverage at $0.60 per pound (included), or Extended Valuation Continuation at $3 per $1,000 of declared value billed monthly. Every shipment entering storage receives a photo-verified condition report, sealed and labeled inventory, and controlled temperature with monitored access.
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