Before you saddle up for your next big move, make sure you choose the real deal and move with one of the best moving companies in Austin. Start by verifying if the movers are licensed and insured. This simple step in your research can save you a whole lot of heartaches in the end. Choosing a mover that is licensed and insured will help you avoid moving scams and give you peace of mind. This guide will walk you through the process of verification, ensuring your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
The best moving companies in Austin are registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Why is a local license or registration so important? Would you take a ride with an Uber driver if he didn’t have a driver’s license or insurance? Not if you valued your life, right? Why expect anything less for your belongings? Moving companies in Texas are regulated by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). The best moving companies in Austin will have a TXDMV license number. Long distance movers should have a USDOT number, which is a unique license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation. These license numbers should be listed clearly on their website.
If you’re making a move out of state, make sure your mover’s DOT number is valid by searching in this USDOT database.
For local moves within Texas, follow the steps below to verify a moving company’s license in Texas for local moves :
Simple Steps to Verify a Local Moving Company’s License in Texas:
1. Visit the TxDMV.org website. Scroll down to “Motor Carrier Resources”. Click on “Carrier License Search”.
2. You’ll be directed to the ‘Truck Stop’ section: Here, you can search for licensed Texas movers. Find the moving company’s TxDMV number or USDOT number listed at the bottom of their website or on their vehicles. If you don’t clearly see one, make sure to call and ask for this number before you make any kind of payment or reservation. If the movers don’t want to give you license information they are probably hiding something. This is a red flag!
3. Enter the company’s name or USDOT number or TXDMV number. The moving company’s name will appear and the status should be marked “Active”. This means they are up to date with their registration and there are no outstanding issues. Click on the certificate number to learn more.
4. Review the provided information. Make sure the name and address of the company matches the website and the name provided over the phone or on the website. Check the complaint history BEFORE entering into a moving services contract. As one of the best moving companies in Austin, NorthStar Moving’s registration shows it is authorized for operation. Be sure to look in the insurance tab if their insurance registration is up to date.
Your movers should help you understand Insurance Coverage.
By law, all licensed moving companies include basic valuation in the cost of a move. Valuation protection for goods, which is not full-coverage insurance, is based on how much an item weighs. In Texas basic valuation is $.60 per pound per item. For example, with basic valuation a one-pound bag of sugar and a one-pound bag of diamonds are valued exactly the same. If an item is worth more to you than $.60 per pound, you may want to purchase additional moving insurance. Learn more about what kind of coverage you’ll need on your moving day in this video.
A good moving company wants to hear all the details of your move.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you get everything in writing, including the full company name, physical address, license numbers and telephone number of the mover. Be wary if the moving company does not have a physical address, license or insurance information or gives suspiciously low estimates. Even if the mover provides all of this information, take the time to review what their clients are saying about them on reputable websites like Yelp and the BBB. While these review sites don’t replace official license and insurance verification, they can provide insights into the company’s reliability and reputation. Find out how long the moving company has been in business. Years of excellence are proof that clients keep coming back for more.
How to choose among the best moving companies in Austin?
In summary, when choosing a mover in Austin, start by making sure they are licensed and insured. Use official websites like the US Department of Transportation or the TxDMV to verify their information. Ask the moving company questions and make sure they listen to your concerns. Lastly, find out what previous clients are saying about them on trustworthy review sites. You can also learn more about your rights as a consumer on the TXDMV pamphlet: Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move in Texas. When you take the time to verify a moving company beforehand you will save yourself money, time and stress in the moving process.