When it comes to stressful life events, moving homes sits close to the top of the list. The best thing you can do to make your move as stress-free as possible is to hire trustworthy professionals. The risks of hiring rogue movers in California are high, so that’s why you need to do your research and look for reliable moving companies Orange County. If you want to avoid any unforeseen setbacks, you need to make sure you hire experienced movers that are properly licensed and insured.
There are a lot of things you have to do when moving. First, you must plan and organize your move, then you have to make a detailed inventory list of all your belongings. Also, moving comes with a lot of emotional strain. Certainly, you want to avoid any additional stressors. Read through our article and find out what are the risks that come with hiring a rogue moving company.
What are the risks of hiring rogue movers in California?
There are scam artists everywhere, and the moving industry isn’t any different. Sadly, there are fake moving companies that will try to take advantage of their clients. Whether you are moving for the first time, or you are experienced, knowing what the risks of hiring rogue movers in California are, will help you avoid a disaster.
Additional costs and hidden fees
Foremost, additional costs and hidden fees are one of many potential risks. When you hire a professional moving company, they will give you an exact cost of their service, or at least a close estimate. The moving company you choose should provide you with a moving quote that is fair and accurate. They must include details on the type of shipping and moving services you’ll receive. So, if you are moving to Texas, for instance, real professionals will give you the estimate and some moving advice if you need it. They will know how to take you to Texas in no time and they will not make you spend a fortune on relocation. And if you, unfortunately, book a rogue moving company you will get hidden fees and unexpected charges. And, who knows where your possessions might end up. So, when booking a company, make sure you read the whole contract before you sign it.
Also, if their prices are too good to be true, they are probably trying to scam you. Local movers base their prices on hourly rates, and they base interstate moves prices on the weight of your belongings. So, when you are looking for long distance movers Orange County CA, make sure you know the exact estimate of your relocation in advance.
Lost or damaged belongings
If you end up booking a scam moving company, some of your belongings might end up lost or damaged. Sure, a broken plate isn’t much, but we are certain you want to keep your furniture and valuables damage-free. If a moving company packs your belongings, they will cover any breakages. Therefore, it’s a good idea to let them pack your items. Also, don’t leave any of your valuable and irreplaceable possessions with movers unless you have a policy that covers them. Of course, if you own something that is extremely valuable, like original artwork or extravagant jewelry, consider booking special transport for those items.
Uninsured employees
Rogue moving companies rarely have insurance. So, if you end up hiring a company that is working with uninsured employees, they could hold you responsible if they end up injured. Every legitimate moving company has license and insurance numbers. Therefore, look for movers Lake Forest that have insurance. And if the moving company doesn’t want to show you their insurance numbers, you can know for sure they aren’t the one.
Be wary of these red flags when booking a moving company
Trusting complete strangers with all of your belongings isn’t easy to do. There are plenty of deceptive moving companies. But, no need to worry, here are signs you can look out for so that you can distinguish between a phony and a real moving company.
- There is no address, website, or online presence. Nowadays, if the moving company doesn’t have an online presence, they aren’t reliable. Save yourself the trouble and avoid unknown moving companies. A legitimate business will always have a website where you can see exactly what services they offer.
- They don’t offer valuation coverage. Moving companies must provide their clients with valuation coverage to ensure their items will be protected. Even though this valuation coverage is not the same as moving insurance, it makes the moving company responsible for at least a part of your shipment. The FMCSA requires interstate moving companies to present two types of liability insurance: Released Value and Full Value Protection.
- Their moving reviews are critical, or they don’t exist. Sure, one or two critical reviews are understandable, but if they only have negative reviews or they don’t have any at all, it’s a sign to continue looking. Also, check if there are any complaints against the company. To see if there are any complaints you can look up the US DOT number online. The number shows that the company meets the requirements of the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- They don’t offer the bill of lading. Basically, a bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier to acknowledge the receipt of goods for shipment. The document has to be signed by you, the client, and the head of the moving crew. So, if the moving company isn’t offering one, you can know for sure they are rogue movers.
Stay safe and hire a reputable moving company
Booking a good moving company will save you time and money. When you have experienced and reliable professionals on your side, the entire process of moving homes is going to be a lot less stressful. So, when you are looking for a moving company make sure they offer the bill of lading, insurance and license numbers, and a cost estimate.
Now you know what are the risks of hiring rogue movers in California, so do your research and stay safe!