The answer is yes, but it depends on your contract, whether the insurance applies or how the loss happened.
We will discuss the issue in detail in the article and resolve all your doubts regarding lost items.
What is the law for lost items in Australia?
Under ACL, which is Australian consumer law, it says that the services must be delivered with utmost care and diligence and within given deadlines.
If you lost the item due to the negligence of the movers, you will get compensation.
According to state consumer pages and the ACCC, you can ask for repair, replacement or compensation when movers fall short of service standards.
The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) says that the movers are responsible for keeping the furniture intact in transit.
The mover will be liable for any damage to the furniture, and the outcome for the consumer depends on the negligence of the mover and your insurance choices. It is the carrier’s negligence vs transit insurance.
In conclusion, we can say that if the carriers fail to take care of your goods, and the item goes missing, they will be responsible.
If the loss happens due to reasons out of their control, like unpredictable circumstances or poor owner packaging, liability will be limited to your insurance choices and contract with the carrier.
Initiative by Big Stuff Movers to minimize risk
Our team is professional and highly trained to take care of goods. We use protective wrapping and structure loading for complete safety of your items.
We offer comprehensive insurance options to protect the goods throughout the transit. You can check the insurance options on your website.
We believe in prevention, and insurance is the safety net for the goods.
For local and interstate transit, we suggest our client use professional packing to minimize the risk of damage or loss.
When did Movers take responsibility for the loss?
Movers take responsibility when:
- Lost goods in their custody: For example, when the item is lost or damaged between pickup and delivery, and enough care was not taken.
- Protocol is not followed: For example, an unsecured truck is used, or there is poor inventory control, like mixing up or missing items.
- Goods mishandled: Improper packaging by the movers can cause damage or loss of items they packed.
When are movers not responsible?
The common case is removal contracts that limit the liability for:
- The owner packed items. The movers cannot check the inner padding.
- Damage before pickup or inherent vice. In case your item is too fragile to sustain normal transport conditions.
- Out-of-control circumstances like natural calamity and a particular liability cap unless extra cover is bought. Notes by AFRA explain typical insurance/valuation approaches.
This is the reason why Big Stuff Movers provides professional packaging and insurance alternatives. This helps you with full damage coverage and minimized damage or loss risk.
What can you do if your items are missing?
- Check your inventory, like photos, labels, room lists, etc. With strong inventory, you can resolve the issue faster.
- Inform the carriers immediately and give him the package numbers, room notes, and pictures of your goods or items.
- Review your contract and insurance policy for claim options. It is all about mover’s liability vs full transit cover. You can study AFRA and state consumer pages to understand how the covers work.
- If you don’t get repair, replacement or compensation, escalate under ACL through your state consumer agency.
If you are looking for some serious guidance right now on documentation and next steps, then reach out to our team via Contact Us.
How Big Stuff Movers Adds Extra Protection
- We add clear labelling and count-in, count-out procedures to track packages.
- Our trained team and care protocols safeguard even fragile items.
- Alternative packing services to minimize owner-packed risk.
- Comprehensive insurance options in line with your goods’ size and values. For more details you can check our FAQ and service pages.
The Final Words
Is your carrier held responsible for damage and lost items?
Yes, if it happens due to the negligence of the movers.
Also, you can find solutions under the ACL.
But contracts and insurance are important factors to consider before making any claim, especially for owner-packed boxes or unpredictable circumstances.
To avoid any damage or loss, pick professional movers with the right insurance.