Relocating to a new place is exciting, but it can also come with unexpected challenges—especially when damage occurs during the shifting process. As a service provider in the moving industry, Om Shakti Packers and Movers seen how stressful this situation can be for customers. And having experienced similar situations firsthand, we understand exactly how overwhelming it feels when something valuable gets scratched, broken, or misplaced during transit.
The good news? If handled properly, compensation or insurance claims can be smooth and stress-free. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the correct steps to take if you discover damages after shifting—and how to ensure your claim is approved quickly.
Step 1: Check your merchandise upon delivery
Once the delivery is completed, do not wait days or weeks to check your belongings.
Early reporting makes the damages most manageable.
Here's what you should do:
- Open boxes in front of movers if at all possible
- Check fragile items first: glassware, decor, electronics
- Furniture checking for bending, denting or scratch marks.
Compare items against the inventory list
Early reports are showing signs of damage upon shifting-not after.
Step 2: Document Everything Clearly
Evidence is what strongly supports your claim. Poor documentation usually leads to rejection or delays.
Make sure you:
- Take clear pictures from all angles.
- Record short videos regarding the condition.
- Keep the original bills, inventory lists, and insurance information.
- If the packaging was damaged (torn box, broken seal, wet packaging), document that too.
Step 3: Immediately Intimate Packers and Movers
Once damages are identified, contact the moving company within 24–72 hours, depending on their claim policy.
Exercise: Attempt the following:
- Photos/videos
- Tracking number or invoice
- Description of damage
- Item worth
Delayed reporting may invalidate insurance, hence, don’t wait to report.
Step 4: Understand Your Insurance Type
Generally speaking, there are two types of relocation insurance:
Insurance Against Transit
Covers only transit damages, including:
- Road accidents
- Fire
- Theft
- Weather Hazards
This, in essence, applies when goods are to be moved over a long distance.
All-Risk Insurance
It covers packaging, loading, moving, unloading, and unpacking.
This is a much safer and sometimes more complete alternative, especially for extremely valuable items or long-distance moving.
Step 5: Draft the Formal Claim
After notifying the insurance company, complete a claim form. This may involve:
- Photographic or video evidence
- Damage statement
- Invoice/receipt of purchase
- Bank Information
For costly cases, the insurers may require:
- Estimate of repairs
- Bill of replacement cost
Step 6: Permit inspection or evaluation - if necessary
Sometimes the insurance companies appoint a surveyor or assessor to:
Look upon the broken thing
- Review documentation
- Compensation value calculation
Cooperate with the assessment; it speeds things up.
Step 7: Receive Compensation or Have the Repair Serviced
Remuneration can be provided, once approved, through:
- ₹ Refund/settlement amount
- Cost of repairs/rehabilitation
- Value of replacement
- The timeline depends on the insurer, quality of documentation, and level of damage.
How to avoid claims of damage in the future.
Below are some best practices from the perspective of a provider.
Go with insurance-especially on long-distance moves.
– Use high-quality packing materials
– Label fragile items clearly
Avoid last-minute packing.
Let the professionals take care of loading/unloading.
Insurance may seem optional—but it becomes priceless when unexpected damage occurs.
Final Thoughts
Damage during relocation can be frustrating, but with the right approach, insurance claims can be resolved smoothly. As a packers and movers service provider in Panchkula, our goal is to ensure the moving experience is safe, transparent, and stress-free.
If any issue arises while shifting and/or after being shifted, remember:
– Test early
– Document everything
– Report immediately
Go follow the claim process
We’re always here to support you—not just during pickup and delivery, but until your belongings are safe, settled, and damage-free in your new home.