Filing a Moving Damage Claim in Georgia: The 90-Day Rule and Who Can Help

By James Brazil

James Brazil lives in Mérida, Mexico. He founded Swift Agent Sites and studied Classics at the University of Mississippi.

Published 12 November 2026 · Updated 12 November 2026

If a mover damages or loses your belongings on a move within Georgia, the Attorney General's consumer office says to file a written claim with the mover within 90 days. The mover then has 90 days to settle it. For interstate moves, federal rules give you nine months to file.

What should you do on delivery day?

The best claims start before the crew leaves. Georgia's Attorney General recommends checking your goods against the inventory and noting damage before you sign anything.

• Walk through as items come off the truck. Look for crushed boxes, scratches and broken legs.
• Write damage on the inventory or bill of lading next to the item number. Be specific, like "dresser, deep gouge top left."
• Don't sign "received in good condition" if you haven't checked. Add a note like "subject to inspection" if you can't open everything.
• Take photos and video with timestamps, including the box and packing.
• Keep the damaged item and its packing until the mover has had a chance to inspect.

How do you file the claim?

Send a written claim to the mover within 90 days of delivery. Email plus certified mail gives you proof of both the date and the content. Include:

• Your name, address, phone and the bill of lading number.
• A list of each item lost or damaged, with a short description.
• The amount you're claiming for each item and how you got that number, such as a receipt, a repair estimate or a replacement price.
• Photos and copies of the inventory with your damage notes.
• Your valuation choice from the bill of lading.

The mover has 90 days to resolve the claim by paying, repairing, replacing or denying it.

How much can you recover?

That depends on the valuation you picked. Under Georgia's household goods rules:

• Released value pays 60 cents per pound per article. A 40-pound lamp that breaks gets $24, no matter what it cost.
• Full value protection pays to repair or replace the item, up to the value you declared, minus any deductible.

If the mover never got your written valuation choice, Georgia rules treat it as full value protection with no deductible. Check your paperwork before you accept a released-value offer.

When can the state step in?

The AG's office says the Georgia Department of Public Safety can help with disputes involving certified in-state movers. There are two exceptions:

• If the move started and ended within the same city's limits, DPS doesn't handle it. The AG points to magistrate court, which handles small claims.
• If the move crossed state lines, it falls under federal rules.

For deceptive practices, like bait-and-switch pricing or refusing to deliver unless you pay far more, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600 or 800-869-1123. It enforces the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act.

How do interstate claims work?

Interstate moves follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules:

• You have nine months from delivery to file a written claim.
• The mover must acknowledge it within 30 days.
• The mover must pay, deny or make a firm offer within 120 days.
• Interstate movers have to offer an arbitration program for disputes.

Check the mover's USDOT number on the FMCSA site before you book, and save its contact details.

How do you value a damaged item?

Mover claims often stall over price. Make your number easy to check:

• Repairs. Get a written estimate from a furniture repair shop or electronics technician.
• Replacement. Find a current listing for the same or a similar item and note its condition.
• Older items. Expect the mover to factor in age and wear unless you bought full value protection.
• Receipts. Original receipts, credit card statements or photos of the item in your home all help.

If a repair is cheaper than replacement, the mover will usually choose the repair. That's normal under most valuation terms.

What if the mover won't pay?

Keep the tone factual. A short follow-up letter that restates your claim and the deadlines usually helps. If that fails:

• File a complaint with DPS for certified in-state moves.
• File a complaint with the Attorney General's consumer office.
• Consider magistrate court for smaller amounts. Many people handle these without a lawyer.

FAQ

How long do I have to file a moving damage claim in Georgia?

For a move within Georgia, the Attorney General advises filing a written claim with the mover within 90 days. Interstate moves allow nine months.

How long does a Georgia mover have to resolve my claim?

90 days after receiving your written claim, for in-state moves.

Can DPS help with a moving dispute?

Yes, for certified in-state movers, unless the move was entirely within one city's limits or crossed state lines.

What if I signed the delivery receipt without noting damage?

You can still file a claim, but it's harder to prove. Send photos and file in writing as soon as you find the damage.

Does homeowners or renters insurance cover moving damage?

Sometimes, depending on the policy and the cause of the damage. Read your policy and ask your agent before the move. Some policies limit coverage for belongings in transit.

Next step

Before moving day, read the valuation section on your bill of lading and decide what protection you want. If your move is tied to a home sale or purchase, talk with a licensed local agent about building a buffer into your schedule.

Sources: Georgia Attorney General Consumer Protection Division, moving companies; Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 570-38-3; FMCSA, protect your move.

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