Licensing and Insurance
Most regulated states require that a piano mover carries an aggregate of five or ten thousand dollars worth of cargo insurance. Your piano is actually usually insured for somewhere between fifty cents and one dollar per pound. This is not great news if your expensive Yamaha grand is dropped from a third-story window.
You can buy extra insurance either from your insurance company or from the piano mover for additional protection. The cost typically runs from as little as five cents to more than a dollar per $100 of declared value. The cost depends on full replacement value, depreciation consideration, and deductibles. Sometimes a homeowner insurance policy may provide the necessary coverage.
Make sure that your piano mover carries personal liability and worker's compensation insurance to protect you against property damage and personal injury lawsuits.
Integrity
The piano moving company should have integrity and respect for the customer high on its priorities list. Camel Piano Moving Company issues a Mission Statement declaring the value of its customers and their pianos.
Prices
Some piano movers charge by the job. Others charge by time and mileage and are willing to give only a rough estimate of the total charge. It's definitely worth getting several estimates for a piano moving job because prices often vary enormously, even among equally reputable movers in the same locality. However, be sure you are dealing with a skilled piano mover; the lowest estimate is not necessarily the best choice. Also, when comparing estimates, be sure you factor in insurance charges, as some movers include generous insurance coverage in their base price, whereas others include only the state-mandated coverage and charge extra for additional coverage.
The price of a moving job will depend on the type and size of piano and the complexity of the job, because the larger pianos and more complex jobs require more workers. A first-floor-to-first-floor move of a small vertical or small grand usually requires only two people. Moving a full-size vertical or a smaller grand piano up or down stairs requires three, and moving a large grand may need more than three.
Damage
Before the piano is moved, both you and the piano mover should inspect it carefully and note any pre-existing damage, such as scratches, dents, and loose veneer. After piano moving to the destination, inspect it again and note any new damage. Most damage to pianos in local moves is quite small and is repaired or touched up by the piano mover or by a technician or refinisher hired by the mover. Only in rare cases, or with some large interstate movers, will you need to file an insurance claim, but if you do, the piano mover is required to furnish you with the claim forms and process them for you (unless you obtained your insurance coverage independently).
|
