Suing a Moving Company for Lost or Damaged Belongings
Moving disputes are common, but they come with a wrinkle most people don't expect: moving companies often limit their liability through the fine print of your contract, which directly affects how much you can actually recover.
Check your liability coverage first
Most moving contracts include a valuation coverage clause, which sets how much the mover is liable for per item, often based on weight rather than actual value — commonly a small amount per pound (for example, around 60 cents per pound is a common federal minimum standard for interstate moves) unless you purchased additional "full value protection" coverage.
This matters a lot: if you didn't purchase full value protection, your claim may be capped far below what your belongings were actually worth — which is important to know before setting your claim amount.
Interstate vs. local moves
- Interstate moves are regulated federally (through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), which sets specific rules around valuation coverage and claims processes.
- Local (in-state) moves are typically governed by state law instead, which may have different rules and consumer protections.
Knowing which applies to your situation changes both your rights and the process for filing a claim.
Start with the company's own claims process
Most movers require you to file a claim directly with them first, often within a set window (sometimes as short as 9 months for interstate moves). Skipping this step can actually hurt your small claims case, since courts may expect to see that you followed the required claims process before suing.
Evidence that strengthens your case
- The moving inventory list — signed at pickup, ideally noting the condition of items
- Photos of damaged items, and if possible, photos from before the move showing their condition
- The claim you filed with the company, and their response (or lack of one)
- Repair or replacement estimates for damaged or lost items
What if the company denies your claim or lowballs you?
If the company's response is unsatisfying — a denial, or an offer far below the actual value — that's when small claims court becomes the next step, assuming your claim fits within your state's dollar limit and the moving contract doesn't require arbitration instead (check the contract's dispute resolution clause).
A quick pre-filing checklist
- [ ] Confirm whether you purchased full value protection or only basic liability coverage
- [ ] File the claim directly with the moving company first, if required
- [ ] Gather your inventory list, photos, and the company's response
- [ ] Check whether the move was interstate or local, since this affects which rules apply
This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. Moving company liability rules vary by move type and state — review your specific contract and check FMCSA resources for interstate moves.