5 Signs A Moving Company Is Legit

When hiring a moving company, you want to avoid scams and ensure your belongings are in safe hands. Here are 5 quick ways to check if a moving company is legit:

1. Check Licenses: Verify the company’s USDOT number (for interstate moves) and state licenses. Missing or expired licenses are a red flag.
2. Confirm Insurance: Ask for proof of insurance, including liability and cargo coverage. No insurance? Walk away.
3. Review Price Quotes: Legit companies provide detailed, written estimates - not vague verbal quotes or cash-only deals.
4. Verify Business Details: Look for a physical address, branded trucks, and uniformed staff. Avoid companies with no office or unprofessional practices.
5. Read Reviews: Check customer reviews for feedback on punctuality, care in handling items, and communication.

Use these steps to protect yourself and ensure a smooth moving experience. For added peace of mind, platforms like MOD24 pre-screen movers for licenses, insurance, and reviews.

Using a Moving Company 101: Essential Rights & ...

1. Check License and Permits

Make sure the moving company has the proper federal and state licenses. Ask to see their credentials and confirm that the name on the license matches the company you’re considering.

MOD24 only lists movers with up-to-date licenses and permits.

Also, check that the company has sufficient insurance coverage for your move.

2. Verify Insurance Coverage

Insurance is your safety net during a move. It protects against financial losses from damaged or lost items and covers liability if a mover gets injured on your property.

Request a certificate of insurance from the moving company. Check the policy details, including the policy number, coverage limits, effective dates, exclusions, and deductibles. If the company hesitates to provide this information, consider it a warning sign.

MOD24 includes only movers with proper insurance, ensuring both your belongings and the moving crew are covered.

3. Review Price Quotes and Contracts

Once you've verified licensing and insurance, the next step is to carefully review written estimates and contracts.

Reputable movers will provide detailed written estimates - not just verbal quotes. These estimates should clearly outline the services included and provide a full breakdown of costs.

For example, MOD24 offers transparent, itemized rates for services like packing, storage, car shipping, and guaranteed pickup and delivery windows, all from licensed and insured movers.

Be cautious of these red flags:

• Lack of clear pricing details or a proper cost breakdown
• No guaranteed pickup or delivery windows included

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4. Confirm Business Details

It's important to verify a mover's presence and professionalism beyond just checking licenses and insurance.

Physical Location
Make sure the mover has a physical address. A trustworthy company will typically have an office or warehouse you can visit during normal business hours.

Branded Equipment and Uniformed Staff
Take note of trucks with the company logo and employees in uniforms. These are clear signs of an established and reliable operation.

Professional Communication
Ask routine questions about their services, policies, or schedules. A professional mover will respond promptly and provide clear, detailed answers.

Red Flags to Watch For

• No office or warehouse address you can confirm
• Moving vehicles without company branding
• Staff without uniforms or proper identification
• Unprofessional or inconsistent business practices

MOD24 only lists movers with verified business details, ensuring you're working with legitimate companies.

Once you've confirmed these details, move on to reading customer reviews to complete your research.

5. Read Customer Reviews

After confirming the business details, take time to read customer reviews. These can give you a better idea of how the company performs in real-life situations.

Look for feedback on key aspects like:

• Prompt arrival and timely job completion
• Careful handling of furniture and personal items
• Clear and effective communication
• Skill in assembling and disassembling furniture

For example, one customer praised XYZ Movers for arriving on time, handling items with care, and quickly assembling furniture - all while ensuring everything stayed in perfect condition.

On MOD24, movers have an impressive 4.6/5 average rating from 370 verified reviews, showing a strong track record of happy customers.

Quick Reference Guide

Use this guide to confirm the legitimacy of a moving company by checking five key areas.

Legitimacy Indicator	Key Checks	Warning Signs	How to Verify
License & Permits	- USDOT number - State licenses - MC number (for interstate moves)	- Missing or invalid numbers - Refusal to provide documentation - Expired licenses	1. Search the USDOT number on the FMCSA website 2. Verify state licensing through local transportation authorities 3. Request physical copies of licenses
Insurance Coverage	- General liability - Workers' compensation - Cargo insurance	- No insurance certificates - Insufficient coverage - Vague or unclear terms	1. Ask for up-to-date insurance certificates 2. Confirm details with the insurance provider 3. Review coverage amounts carefully
Price Quotes	- Written estimates - Binding vs. non-binding terms - Additional fees	- Cash-only offers - Large deposits (over 20%) - Quotes that seem unusually low	1. Collect at least 3 written estimates 2. Examine all fees and terms 3. Compare itemized costs between companies
Business Details	- Physical address - Years in operation - Proper company registration	- Only provides a P.O. box - No local presence - Recently established company	1. Visit their office in person 2. Check their profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 3. Verify their business license and registration
Customer Reviews	- Recent and detailed feedback - Company responses to complaints - Photos from customers	- No reviews available - Only perfect 5-star ratings - Generic or overly vague responses	1. Read verified reviews on multiple platforms 2. Look for consistent feedback trends 3. Pay attention to detailed, specific reviews

MOD24 conducts these checks ahead of time, giving you peace of mind when selecting a mover. Use this guide to double-check your top options before making a final choice.

Conclusion

Checking a mover's license, insurance, pricing details, business credentials, and customer reviews can simplify what might seem like a daunting task. Trustworthy moving companies will openly share their credentials, offer detailed estimates, and communicate clearly. Use the Quick Reference Guide above to apply these five steps and choose a mover you can trust.