Removal Boss goes to Jail

Here we go again.

 I know it’s common place but I didn’t expect to find so much evidence in the news.

This moving company boss offered “in-transit” insurance cover without having an underwriter. So there was no insurance cover. It’s like putting a bet on without a horse.

Selling insurance is a big profit earner in the moving trade. If the mover doesn’t have too many damages.

However if customers are constantly making claims, then the insurance company will increase the annual premium so the cost becomes unaffordable for the mover.

So the mover then decides to play the insurance game. Taking full risk for thousands of dollars worth of personal effects that are under his care.

A mover only has to have 10 average size houselots to accumulate a million dollars worth of personal effects. That’s allot of risk.

This chap was found out. I wonder how many other movers play the insurance game?

 To check that your mover has an insurance policy underwriting your removal ask to see it. If they can’t provide a copy then there’s something wrong.

Check the expiry date and make sure the policy’s current. Also check the excess.

Most moving companies choose to offer an excess of $500.00 but suppose their underwriting policy has a $5000.00 excess. In effect they are taking a $4500.00 risk on each removal.

This is okay if you have a contract and the mover is accredited. But if you’re expecting an insurance company to arrive and settle your claim think again. You’ll more than likely be negotiating a settlement with the removalist.

Conversely, international “marine-transit” policies are individual. In this case request a copy of the original policy and get the claims agents details at destination. It’s your right to know.

How to Spot a Dodgy Removalist

Read this article from the Edinburgh News about a dodgy removalist.

 The moving company arrived in an unmarked van, loaded this women’s effects and were never to be seen again. The police couldn’t track him down and nor could she. Imagine how she must have felt.

 I really can’t emphasize how important it is to use an accredited removalist.  Within the industry there are many stories like this one. Sadly it’s a common occurrence.

The industry attracts scumbags.

Essentially moving furniture is a labouring job. Anyone with a strong back and a bit of gumption can become a removal man. Packing, lifting, and lugging furniture isn’t everyones cup of tea so the industry is often desperate to employ labour. Especially during peak periods, such as Christmas and during the holiday season.

 Often the labour is hired from a recruitment agency. The recruiters don’t screen or train the staff so it remains a good avenue for a potential thief to get into the removals robbery game. He could be in and out within a day, and onto the next moving company, a new job and another victim. Indeed it’s a career.

Some of these guys have a get out of jail free card one minute, and are standing inside the bedroom of a 5 million dollar home the next. Can you imagine what’s going on inside their head?

Theft is an industry wide problem that requires urgent attention.

Removalists should be qualified and accredited just like a cabinet maker, butcher or chef is. It would be to everyones benefit.  Why someone within the industry hasn’t done anything about it I don’t know.

 The insurance companies simply increase the insurance premiums each year, so they’re not worried. The movers pass it on to the consumers so they’re not concerned, and the consumers pay.

 Industry training and dodgy removals men are less of an issue with the international moving crews. These guys have reached a level of skill which requires at least 3 years training. By which time they are making a good living and don’t need to steal.

 Experienced removal crews are the key to a good move.

 You can spot a good crew easily. They’re neat tidy cleancut and knowledgable. They don’t wear runners or sneakers, preferring polished thick leather boots, and thick socks. Their truck is clean, nicely signwritten and the pads are all neatly folded and secure. They sweep the floor of the truck before they commence loading. Are polite courteous and professional. Strangely they often have a cut lunch, and a drink bottle. They’re organised.

These guys are rare but they do exist.

 If you’re moving keep an eye out in your area by taking note of all the moving vans you see.

Is the truck clean? Are the guys in uniform? Is the van signwritten? Do they have the right equipment?

When moving internationally check the “accredited organisations” I have listed here.

The companies that are members have met stringent preformance standards which often includes the payment of a bond.  The bond is held by the organisation as a safety net for customer claims.

It’s up to you to do your homework. Be perceptive and rigorous.

If you want my advice, don’t select the cheapest quote select the best removalist.