In general, Sav-a-lot is legally liable for loss or damage that occurs during the transportation of your shipment and all related services identified on the bill of lading. 

In addition, Sav-a-lot may, but is not required to, offer to sell you separate third-party liability insurance. All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the household goods they transport. However, there are two different levels of liability that apply to interstate moves Full (Replacement) Value Protection and Waiver of Full (Replacement) Value Protection – Released Value. It is important you understand the charges that apply and the amount of protection provided by each level. Full (Replacement)Value Protection This is the most comprehensive option available to protect your household goods, but it will increase the cost of the customer’s move. The initial cost estimate of charges that the customer receive from Sav-a-lot must include this level of protection. A customer’s shipment will be transported at this level of liability unless you waive Full Value Protection.

Under Sav-a-lot’s Full Value Protection level of liability, subject to the allowable exceptions in their mover’s tariff, if any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in their custody, Sav-a-lot will, at its option, either

1.  repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by Sav-a-lot, or pay the customer for the cost of such repairs; or
2. replace the article with an article of like, kind and quality, or pay the customer for the cost of such a replacement.

The exact cost for the shipment, including Full Value Protection, may vary by move and may be further subject to various deductible levels that may reduce your cost. The minimum level for determining the Full Value Protection of your shipment is your rights and responsibility, which is the cost of $6.00 per pound times the weight of your shipment. Sav-a-lot may have a higher minimum value or you may declare a higher value for your shipment (at an additional cost). Sav-a-lot is permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents.

An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (for example, jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques, oriental rugs and computer software). Ask your mover for a complete explanation of this limitation before your move. It is the customers responsibility to study this provision carefully and to make the necessary declaration. Waiver of Full (Replacement) Value Protection (Released Value of 60 cents per pound per article) Released Value is minimal protection; however, it is the most economical protection available as there is no charge to the customer. Under this option, Sav-a-lot assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per article. For example, if a 10 pound stereo component valued at $1,000 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $6.00 (10 pounds x $.60). 

Third Party Insurance if customer purchase separate third party cargo liability insurance from, or through Sav-a-lot,  required to issue a policy or other written record of the purchase and to provide the customer with a copy of the policy or other document at the time of purchase. If the Sav-a-lot fails to comply with this requirement, they will be liable for any claim for loss or damage attributed to its negligence. Shipments transported under Sav-a-lot’s  bill of lading are subject to a dispute over loss or damage claims. However, disputes with third party insurance companies might not be subject to arbitration in the event of disputed loss and damage claims as those companies are not within the jurisdiction of the FMCSA. Third party insurance companies are subject to the regulations of the States in which they are licensed.

Reducing your Mover’s Normal Liability:  The following are some actions that may limit or reduce your mover’s liability for loss or damage to your household goods:

1. Your acts or omissions cause the loss or damage to occur. For example, improper packing of containers you pack yourself do not provide sufficient protection or you include perishable, dangerous, or hazardous materials in your shipment without your mover’s knowledge. Federal law forbids you to ship hazardous materials in your household goods boxes or luggage without informing the mover.
2. You fail to disclose to the mover items that were already damaged or items that are considered press wool.  These items are not designed to be move from place to place, due to wear and tear.
3. You chose the Waiver of Full Value Protection – Released Value level of liability (60 cents per pound per article) but ship household goods valued at more than 60 cents per pound per article.
4. You declare a value for your shipment which is less than the actual value of the articles in your shipment.
5. You fail to notify your mover in writing of articles valued at more than $100 per pound. (If you do notify your mover, you will be entitled to full recovery up to the declared value of the article or articles, not to exceed the declared value of the entire shipment.
   

Loss and Damage Claims Movers customarily take every precaution to make sure that while your shipment is in their possession, no items are lost, damaged or destroyed. However, despite the precautions taken, articles are sometimes lost or destroyed during the move. You have the right to file a claim with your mover to be compensated for loss or damage.

You have 30 days from the date of delivery (or in the event of loss for the entire shipment, from the date your shipment should have been delivered) to file your claim. The claim must be submitted in writing to your mover or to your mover’s third party company for claim processing. After you submit your claim, Sav-a-lot has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of it. Sav-a-lot then has 120 days to provide you with a disposition. Sav-a-lot might be entitled to 60-day extensions if the claim cannot be processed or disposed of within 120 days. Delay claims are processed when you have contracted with Sav-a-lot for guaranteed service for pickup and delivery. Sav-a-lot has outline on the bill of lading any penalty or Per Diem entitlements when there is a pickup delay and/or delivery delay.