--- title: FAQ: Moving Valuation and Damage Claims | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/valuation-and-claims/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/) - FAQ: Valuation and claims # Questions about valuation coverage and damage claims On an interstate move you have 9 months from delivery to file a written damage claim, and the carrier must acknowledge it within 30 days. Valuation coverage is the protection you pick before the move, so the choice belongs on the paperwork you sign at the start. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Valuation is the amount a mover is responsible for if something is lost or damaged, and it is not the same thing as insurance. The answers below cover the choice you make before the truck is loaded and the steps that follow if a claim is ever needed. ## Choosing coverage ### What is valuation coverage? Valuation coverage sets how much a mover owes you if something is lost or damaged in transit. On interstate household goods moves you choose a level in writing before the move, and the level you choose is printed on your paperwork. ### What is released value protection? Released value protection is the basic level of liability, calculated per pound per article, so the payout follows the weight of the damaged item and not what you paid for it. Many households choose a higher level for furniture, electronics and art. ### What is full value protection? Full value protection makes the mover responsible for repair, replacement or the current market value of a lost or damaged article. It may include a deductible, and your estimator can explain the options for your shipment. ### What is a valuation deductible? A deductible is the part of a loss you carry yourself before full value protection pays the rest. The definition and an example are in the [valuation deductible entry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/valuation-deductible/). ## Filing a claim ### How long do I have to file a moving damage claim? On an interstate move you have 9 months from the date of delivery to file a written claim with the carrier. Put the date of delivery, the item list and the amount requested in the first letter. ### How fast does the carrier have to respond? The carrier must acknowledge a claim within 30 days of receiving it, then pay, decline or make an offer within 120 days. If it needs more time, it sends a progress notice every 60 days. ### What should I keep for a claim? Keep the signed inventory, the bill of lading, photographs of the item and of the damage, and any repair estimate. The [bill of lading guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/) shows where each document comes from. ## Where the record starts ### Why does the inventory matter if something is damaged? O'Brien's prepares an itemized inventory and condition report before packing, and that record is the baseline a claim is measured against. Read it before you sign and note anything that looks different on delivery day. ### Who do I call with a question about coverage? Call the Sparks office at 775-359-6683, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and ask for the estimator who visited your home. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR Part 370, Principles and Practices for the Investigation and Voluntary Disposition of Loss and Damage Claims](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-370) - [eCFR, 49 CFR Part 375, Transportation of Household Goods](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Valuation coverage: released value vs full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/valuation-coverage/) - [How to file a moving damage claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) - [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/) More questions ## Other question pages - [### FAQ: Estimates and pricing](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/estimates-and-pricing/) - [### FAQ: Packing and boxes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/packing-and-boxes/) - [### FAQ: Storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/storage/) - [### FAQ: Long-distance moves and Bekins](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/long-distance-and-bekins/) - [### FAQ: Moves inside Nevada and to California](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/nevada-and-california-moves/) - [### FAQ: Military moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/military-moves/) - [### FAQ: Commercial and FF&E](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/commercial-and-ffe/) - [### FAQ: Pianos, hot tubs and specialty items](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/specialty-items/) - [### FAQ: Scheduling, seasons and winter moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/scheduling-and-winter/) - [### FAQ: International moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/international/) - [### FAQ: Senior moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/senior-moves/) - [### FAQ: Moving to Reno](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/moving-to-reno/) - [### FAQ: Licenses and insurance](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/licenses-and-insurance/) - [### FAQ: Payment and paperwork](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/payment-and-paperwork/) - [### FAQ: Moving at Lake Tahoe and Truckee](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/lake-tahoe-and-truckee/) ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) D Debbie G. October 17, 2025 Both movers were courteous, efficient and very carful with my furniture. Also, talking with Janet over the phone was a pleasure. L Laurie I. September 28, 2025 The two employees showed up on time and were very polite and ready to work. Our quote was 8 hours and they finished in 5 hours. Office staff checked in prior to move and confirmed all details and check in after move to make sure everything was taken care of. Would use this company again for sure! ### Owner's reply Laurie, Thank you for the awesome review! We are glad to hear everything went smoothly, and you were satisfied with the service. We want to also thank you for your business we appreciate you! E Edward G. September 14, 2025 James and the crew were terrific. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070