Licensed and Insured Movers in Los Angeles

There are so many things to consider when searching for a mover in Los Angeles. Availability, service offerings, and cost are just a few of them. But, even if your mover checks all the boxes, how do you know if they’ll follow through on their promises? It seems simple, but a major signal of a moving company’s reliability and legitimacy is its licensing and insurance. 

Making sure your movers are licensed and insured helps:

• Avoid “rogue” movers and scammers
• Ensure your movers abide by industry standards
• Ensure your movers are legally registered with your state and federal government
• Protect yourself from liability in the event of injury or damage to your property
• Shield yourself from financial responsibility if any items are lost or damaged during your mov

Our Credentials 

• USDOT 3194473

• MC 1323152

• CAL-T 191847

What Is a Licensed Mover?

Licensing is proof that a moving company has been granted permission by the government to do business within the state or country. In order to obtain and maintain their licensing, these businesses are required to meet certain standards of financial and safety fitness and follow all rules and regulations. Knowing this, it’s easy to understand why a lack of licensing is a major red flag: There’s no way to verify that your movers are ethical or reliable.

 

Required Licenses

• California In-state/Intrastate Movers:  

• • State Motor Carrier (MC) license
  • Household Goods Transportation (CPUC/CAL-T) permit — issued by the California Public Utilities Commission 

• California Long-Distance/Interstate Movers:

• All required interstate moving licenses and permits

• • USDOT number — issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to verify registration

 

“All long-distance household goods movers must be registered with FMCSA,” emphasizes the U.S. Moving Protection Organization.

 

What Makes a Moving Company Properly Insured?

Choosing a moving company with proper insurance coverage will shield you from financial responsibility in the event of any damaged or lost items during your move. Additionally, it protects you from liability if any accidents or property damage occur. Wheaton World Wide Moving adds, “Insurance signifies commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.”

 

Mover’s Liability Coverage

It is legally required for household goods carriers in California to maintain the following coverage (Bureau of Household Goods and Services):

• Liability (minimum protection):  
  • Bodily injury or death of one person – $250,000
  • Bodily injury or death of more than one person – $500,000
  • Damage or destruction of property other than the items being transported – $100,000
• OR Combined single limit – $600,000
• Cargo (minimum protection): $20,000 per shipment
• Workers’ Compensation: Lost wages and personal injury of company employees

 

Customer’s Valuation Coverage

Any movers transporting household goods over state lines are required by Federal Law to offer two coverage options for your belongings:

• Full Value Protection: “Under Full Value Protection, your mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment,” states the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The cost varies per mover but guarantees that if any items are lost or damaged, your mover must:

• • Repair the item
  • Replace the item
  • Make a cash settlement for the cost of repair or the current market replacement value

Released Value Protection: Offered at no extra cost, released value protection covers $0.60 per pound, per item. To choose this coverage, you can sign for the option on your contract.