If you’re planning on moving across the country, you should keep a few things in mind when getting estimates from professional movers. Read Movers.com’s guide on binding and non-binding estimates and learn about what to watch out for!
Moving expenses are a huge thing you’ll have to consider for your relocation, and the type of estimate you get from the movers you hire will affect the bill you pay. That’s why it’s really important to be on the same page as your movers. If you’re not sure what to look for, Movers.com is happy to educate you with their guide on the types of estimates companies may offer you!
As Movers.com explains, quotes that are provided to customers by professional movers may fall into one of three categories: binding, binding not-to-exceed, or non-binding. These are typically determined during an in-home assessment conducted prior to the move and are based on the estimated total weight of the shipment and the costs of any other moving services required.
For binding estimates, Movers.com says that moving companies must follow certain regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you’re given a binding estimate, you’ll know the price of your move in advance. It’s definitely the safest option when it comes to not being overcharged, but do take note: even if the total cost of the move is less than what was quoted, you won’t receive any discounts or refunds. You pay the exact price you were given - no more, no less.
Furthermore, Movers.com notes that companies have the right to refuse service and create a revised binding estimate to account for additional items or add-on services not included in the original quote. So you might end up paying more anyway, depending on how complicated things get.
Conversely, non-binding estimates are approximate charges that are subject to change. Because they are more flexible, they can be provided over the phone without an in-home assessment. However, this can leave you open to scams, as fraudulent companies may intentionally provide deceptively low prices that will increase unexpectedly on the day of the move.
That being said, non-binding estimates are still recommended if you have a light shipment or are moving on short notice. And hey, if you end up working with an honest company, you may pay less than what was quoted. So they’re not all that bad.
Finally, in binding not-to-exceed estimates, you won’t pay more than the quoted price, but the service provider will lower the bill in the event that they have overestimated the costs. While uncommon, there are very few disadvantages to these agreements, making them the most favorable choice. You get the assurance that your move won’t exceed a certain price and a possible discount if everything ends up going smoothly, so definitely go for this one if you have the choice!
To determine the type of estimate you’ll receive and avoid scams, Movers.com encourages you to make detailed inquiries about moving companies before proceeding with your move. You should always consider calling them up for an in-home assessment and drilling them with questions to make sure you know what they’re all about!
If you happen to be in Coral Springs, you can also find reputable movers through Movers.com, which only includes licensed and insured businesses in its exclusive directory. Getting a pre-screened company right off the bat will save you a lot of time, so definitely check them out if you’re planning to relocate!
