Refund for Damage Done by Moving Company

[speak_2me85858]

CALIFORNIA

I recently hired an insured moving company in California to load my belongings into a portable storage container. I gave specific instructions to the laborers to wrap all of my furniture in moving blankets. They agreed and from what I saw at the time, they did. In fact, the owner was there at the beginning and heard my instructions. After they left, I opened the container to see that they DID NOT put ANY protective wrapping on my white desktop. It was left out in the open and there was damage on it in the form of a large black mark. It was in the center of the container so I could not get to it to cover it (although the damage was already done). I took pictures of it which clearly show the damage as well as the negligence.

I notified the owner and sent him my pictures for which it took a few follow up calls to get him to respond and send me a claim form. I see that they are only insured for .60 cents per pound which only gives me $25 for the year old $200 piece of furniture.

My question is this: I would like to ask for payment in full from the moving company as this was no accident: it was obvious and documented negligence with very clear pictures. I believe the owner is aware that they were in the wrong, whether or not he would like to admit it. Do I have the option of suing in small claims court? Could I contact the BBB to make a complaint and hopes that they will pay for the damage out of their pocket? The business is a member of the BBB. Should I write him a letter asking for the full amount? What should the next step be? If I go to small claims, does it have to be filed in the same city? I have moved from that city. Thank you for your assistance.

[jk]

I see that they are only insured for .60 cents per pound which only gives me $25 for the year old $200 piece of furniture.

you did agree to this witnessed by your contract, yes?

I would like to ask for payment in full from the moving company as this was no accident:

so you are saying they did this intentionally?


I

see that they are only insured for .60 cents per pound which only gives me $25 for the year old $200 piece of furniture

You did agree to this witnessed by your contract, yes?

[speak_2me85858]

I did agree to the insurance at .60 per pound. However, the agreement was that all furniture was to be padded. I feel it was pure negligence to ignore the padding on my desk. It was not a case of the pads falling off or anything, they did not properly pack it.

[jk]

so, what damage can you attribute to the lack of padding? The mark could have been put there when they stood on the desk to remove your chandelier.

what caused the black mark? When did it happen? Would it have made any difference if it had a pad on it?

. It was left out in the open and there was damage on it in the form of a large black mark.

and that black mark somehow equates to a totalled piece of furniture? How about a little elbow grease and some Murphy's soap.

You did say black mark, not a scratch with a black mark over it or any other type of damage other than a black mark.

[Bubba Jimmy]

Take them to small claims court, try to get them to pay to have the desk top repaired by a furniture doctor for maybe $75. That's about all you're looking at here, and if you like, bad mouth them to everyone you know for doing a lousy job. Or just take the $25. You're not going to get a new desk out of the deal no matter what you do.

As far as agreeing to .60 cents, that is governed by ICC rules for interstate moves. Most companies do not hold to this if they break a $400 eight ounce Hummel figurine. Most large movers such as United, Atlas, North American, Mayflower, etc. cover their damages pretty well.