--- title: How to File a Moving Claim: Steps and Deadlines url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/ 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 guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to file a moving damage claim # How to file a moving claim File a claim in writing with your mover within 9 months of delivery; the mover must acknowledge it within 30 days and give you a decision within 120 days. Start by noting every missing or damaged item on the inventory at delivery, because that record decides most claims. 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/) ## How to file a moving claim - Check the delivery against the inventory As items are unloaded, compare them with the inventory and write any missing or damaged item on the inventory form. - Photograph the damage Take clear photos of damaged items and packaging before anything is repaired or discarded. - Keep the evidence Hold on to damaged items, the bill of lading, the inventory and the estimate. - Write the claim Describe each item, the problem and the amount you are claiming, and attach copies of your documents. - Send it within 9 months of delivery Deliver the claim in writing to your mover or its third-party insurer and keep proof that you sent it. - Track the deadlines Expect an acknowledgment within 30 days and a decision within 120 days, and ask about arbitration if you cannot agree. Most moves finish without a claim, but items do get chipped, scuffed or misplaced. A calm process, started on the day of delivery, gives you a strong chance of a fair outcome. The steps below follow federal rules for interstate household goods moves. ## At delivery: build the record Federal rules give you the chance to observe that the same articles are being delivered and to see their condition, and to write down any missing articles and the condition of any damaged ones. Check each item against the inventory as it comes off the truck. If you find new damage, mark it on the inventory, point it out to the crew and ask that the mover's copy be marked too. Do not sign the mover's copy until it is accurate. Take photos of damage before moving the item. ## Within 9 months: send the written claim You have 9 months from the date of delivery, or from the date the shipment should have been delivered if the whole shipment was lost, to submit your claim. It must be in writing, addressed to the mover or its third-party insurer. Include your name and shipment number, the items, a description of the loss or damage, the amount you are claiming and copies of the inventory, bill of lading, photos and any repair estimates. ## What the mover must do next Once your claim is in, the mover has 30 days to acknowledge it in writing and tell you what extra documents it needs. It then has 120 days to pay, decline or make a firm settlement offer in writing. If it cannot finish in that time, it must tell you in writing, and it may take extensions of 60 days. ## If you cannot agree FMCSA cannot settle a claim for you. Your options are arbitration and a lawsuit. A mover is required to offer an arbitration program, and if you request arbitration on a claim of 10,000 dollars or less, the mover must agree and the decision is binding. Above that amount the mover decides whether to agree. You may also go to court instead. ## What affects the amount The valuation level on your bill of lading sets how much the mover owes, as described in the [valuation guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/valuation-released-vs-full-value/). Declared high-value articles, packing you did yourself and hazardous items you did not disclose can all change the result. For storage in transit, a separate 9-month period begins after the date the mover converts the goods to permanent storage. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR Part 370, claims](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-370) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.503 and 375.609](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### 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/) - [The moving inventory and high-value items form](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-inventory/) - [FAQ: Valuation and claims](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/valuation-and-claims/) Moving guides ## Read next - [The moving inventory and high-value items form](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-inventory/) - [Pickup and delivery spreads on long-distance moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/delivery-spread-explained/) - [What is storage in transit?](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-is-storage-in-transit/) - [What movers will not move (hazardous items)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) - [Are moving expenses tax deductible? (IRS)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-expenses-and-taxes/) - [The 8-week moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-checklist/) - [Long-distance moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-checklist/) - [Office relocation checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/office-moving-checklist/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Does a tip or a signature on delivery end my claim? No. Sign the inventory only after your notes about damage are on it. The 9-month window to file still applies. ### Can I claim for something I packed myself? Yes, but the result can depend on how well the item was packed. Ask the mover how it treats customer-packed boxes. ### Who do I send the claim to? The mover named on your bill of lading, or its third-party insurer. Ask for the contact in writing. ## 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) T Tommy B. August 21, 2026 Great local business. Very family oriented with highly knowledgeable staff with remarkable employees going the extra mile. If you need a moving service for any reason, go here. ### Owner's reply Thanks Tommy appreciate you giving us a review. R Robert B. June 22, 2026 The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job. J Janet M. May 16, 2026 I was so impressed with the way the crew handled and packed each piece of furniture for short term storage. They were polite and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a move. ### Owner's reply Janet we are so glad to hear that your move was a great success and we sincerely appreciate you providing us with this wonderful review. We will continue to provide you with the best service as we move forward. ## 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