BREATHE EASIER WITH OUR MOVING PROTECTION PLANS

Protect Your Move With Valuation Coverage

When you work with Wheaton, you’ll be working with a team that is dedicated to ensuring the safe arrival of your belongings. However, that doesn’t mean you should forgo extra protection. 

Accidents can happen. By making careful decisions about your protection plan, you can mitigate these risks. And as you consider your costs, you may also want to review Wheaton’s tariff.

Limited & Full Replacement Protection Options 

Accidents can occur despite taking every precaution. It’s important to understand Wheaton’s liability and how our valuation and protection plans can safeguard your belongings.

What is Limited Liability Protection?

The standard coverage for your belongings is 60 cents per pound item. Claims settlements are based on the weight of the damaged item. Boxes you pack yourself have different liability coverage than those packed by your carrier. Your Wheaton agent will provide detailed information to help you make the best coverage decision. 

You can find detailed descriptions of our coverage options and pricing on our transit valuation protection form. 

Wheaton employee packing.

What is Full Replacement Value Protection (FRVP)?

For a higher level of compensation, you might consider choosing FRVP. It’s a great way to protect your belongings in the event that there’s any damage to your items. Keep in mind that this isn’t insurance—instead, we place a dollar amount on your belongings, which is determined by the value you declare for them. You choose your deductible level. 

How Does It Work? 

FRVP policies are based on a release value of $6 per pound. In other words, if you decide to buy FRVP on your shipment and it gets weighed at 10,000 pounds, the default value for your belongings will be set at $60,000. 

If you want to increase that value, you can. But keep in mind that you must decide your valuation coverage and the level of your deductible before any of your belongings make it onto the moving van. 

Your local agent can provide you with a quote for the cost of your chosen valuation level, and that cost is added to the total cost of your shipment. You will need to provide payment for your shipment prior to delivery.

Wheaton employee packing.

Items of Extraordinary Value

If you’re moving items that are valued at more than $100 per pound or have great financial value—such as sterling silver, china, or special collectibles—it’s important to complete our Items of Extraordinary Value form. This form indicates the condition of your valuables prior to your move, and both you and the driver will sign off on it. That way, should the unexpected happen and something becomes damaged, your belongings of extraordinary value are still protected.

You can opt to have a deductible assigned to items of extraordinary value in the event that they require replacement or repair once determined by our assessment. Your agent can also help answer any questions you have regarding the value you’ll want to assign to a specific item.

Some examples of items of extraordinary value include:

  • Currency
  • Fur or fur garments
  • Coins
  • Antiques
  • Jewelry
  • Oriental rugs or tapestries
  • Precious metals
  • Rare collectible items
  • Precious or semiprecious stones or gems
  • Objects of art
  • China sets
  • Computer software programs
  • Crystal
  • Manuscripts and other rare documents
  • Figurines

Document Inventory Upon Delivery 

You must document any missing items or damage to your belongings at the time of delivery. This is accomplished by taking inventory as soon as your items are unloaded from the truck. This should be completed with the Wheaton crew present. Taking inventory upon delivery is not only a good idea, it’s required to ensure your items are covered properly. 

Ready to Protect Your Move?  

We know that valuation and protection options can seem complicated. We’re happy to help answer any questions you may have! If you’d like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Have a claim to file? Get the process started online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Valuation protection is a plan that compensates you if your belongings are lost or damaged during a move. It is crucial because it provides financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring you’re not left out of pocket due to unforeseen incidents. 

Liability replacement refers to the legal obligation of the movers to compensate you for items that are lost or damaged due to their negligence or errors. This type of coverage is usually limited and based on predetermined rates per pound. In contrast, valuation protection is an optional service that provides broader coverage, allowing you to receive full or partial value for the lost or damaged items, regardless of the movers’ fault. 

To file a claim for damaged or lost items, you can easily file online. Wheaton will assist you throughout the claims process to ensure a swift and fair resolution.

You will need to finalize your protection plan before your move begins. Adjustments to the plan once your move has started are not feasible. 

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