Heed hints when hiring a mover

Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Heed hints when hiring a mover 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

With the start of May, some people may be considering a move to a new home.

May is known nationwide as National Moving Month, the busiest time of the year for people finding new residences.

There are many reputable moving companies to assist consumers as they relocate, but unfortunately, some unlicensed movers or outright scammers take advantage of this busy season to fleece unsuspecting consumers.

Typical complaints cite missing or damaged items, additional payment or fees required after the initial price quote, late arrival times or deliveries, and items either stolen or held “hostage” by the mover.

To prevent consumers from falling victim to unscrupulous movers, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas, in conjunction with the Southwest Movers Association and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, offers the following helpful tips for consumers in Texas as they consider hiring a moving company:

Verify licensing information . State regulations vary, but all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA assigns a unique motor carrier number that can be verified online at the site http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move. All movers in Texas must also be licensed by both the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and the United States Department of Transportation. State licensing and complaint history can be verified by visiting www.dmv.state.tx.us.

Also, note that moving companies are required by law to display their license numbers on the trucks themselves and on all advertising, including websites. Be cautious if a mover does not display this information openly.

Research the company . Visit BBBHouston.org to find reputable moving businesses and to review the complaint history of a company. If you have a negative experience with a moving company, you also should file a complaint with the BBB in addition to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

If the mover threatens to hold your items “hostage” or to take your items if you do not provide additional payments, call the police as well.

Make sure the mover has insurance . Movers in Texas are required to have insurance; however, you may want to consider getting full value protection (insurance), which may add to the cost up front, but could save in headaches after the move.

Be sure you understand what the insurance covers, and whether items will be repaired or replaced, or if you will be offered a cash settlement that you can use to repair or replace the item on your own.

Obtain at least three written in-home estimates . Not all price quotes online or over the phone are legitimate (or binding), and crooks are not likely to send an estimator to your home in advance.

All estimates must be given in writing and should either indicate a guaranteed flat price or a stated maximum price for the move. Remember that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic, lowball offer, which may cost you more in the end.

Get everything in writing . Never accept a verbal agreement. Before the move begins, make sure you obtain a written and signed copy of the contract. Read the contract carefully before signing to ensure you understand everything.

Also, after the move is completed, request a final, signed contract showing the total final price and an itemized list of all charges.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.