Moving is one of life’s most stressful experiences—emotionally, physically, and financially. Whether you’re packing up your family home, transitioning between apartments, or relocating across the country for work or military duty, the last thing you want is added chaos. Unfortunately, hiring the wrong moving company can turn a major life transition into a full-blown disaster.
From damaged furniture and delayed deliveries to hidden fees, outright scams, and uninsured mishaps, there’s a lot that can go wrong if you don’t vet your movers thoroughly. In the worst-case scenarios, customers have been left with lost items, stolen valuables, or no-shows on moving day—with little to no recourse when the company turns out to be unlicensed or improperly insured.
But here’s the good news: choosing a licensed and insured mover doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With just a little know-how and a checklist of the right questions to ask, you can move forward confidently, knowing your belongings—and your budget—are in safe hands.
What Does It Mean to Be “Licensed and Insured”?
Licensing Basics
For Intrastate Moves in California
If you’re moving within California (say, from Acton to Santa Clarita), your mover must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). Every licensed mover in the state receives an MTR number (Motor Carrier Permit), which you can and should verify on the BHGS website.
This license confirms that the mover has met the state’s strict requirements for insurance, pricing transparency, dispute resolution, and consumer protection. Unlicensed movers are not only breaking the law—they’re putting your entire move at risk.
For Interstate Moves
If your move crosses state lines—such as relocating from California to Nevada or Arizona—the mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
These companies are issued two key identifiers:
- USDOT Number: Tracks the mover’s safety record, insurance, and operational history.
- MC Number (Motor Carrier): Authorizes them to perform for-hire interstate transport.
You can easily check both numbers using the FMCSA’s online database to confirm legitimacy and review complaint history. If a company won’t provide these numbers up front, walk away.
Insurance Coverage 101
Basic Coverage (Released Value Protection)
By federal law, all licensed movers must provide Released Value Protection, which is automatically included in the cost of your move. However, this coverage is minimal—just $0.60 per pound per item. That means if your 25-pound flat screen TV is damaged, you’d only receive $15. Ouch.
Full Value Protection (FVP)
Many reputable movers offer Full Value Protection, either as part of their service or for an additional fee. Under this plan, the mover is responsible for either:
- Repairing the item
- Replacing it with a comparable item
- Paying you the replacement value
This level of protection provides far greater peace of mind, especially if you're transporting high-value items like electronics, antiques, or custom furniture.
Essential Questions to Ask Every Moving Company
Are You Licensed to Operate in My State (or Across State Lines)?
This is the first and most important question to ask—and one that immediately separates the pros from the pretenders.
- If you’re moving within California, your mover needs a valid BHGS license (also known as an MTR number) from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.
- If you’re moving across state lines, your mover must have a USDOT number and an MC number, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Don’t just take their word for it—ask to see these numbers in writing. Then take 60 seconds to verify them:
- For California moves: https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov
- For interstate moves: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
If a company hesitates to provide this information, it’s a major red flag.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we proudly display our credentials:
- BHGS (MTR) #: MTR0191677
- DOT #: 2722770
- MC #: 988657
We’re licensed, insured, and fully authorized for both in-state and out-of-state moves.
What Kind of Insurance Do You Carry?
Every moving company is required to carry basic liability insurance, but not all policies are created equal. When you ask about insurance, pay close attention to two things:
- What kind of coverage do you offer? (Released value vs. full value protection)
- Can you show me proof of your current policy?
A professional mover should be able to clearly explain your coverage options, and provide you with a certificate of insurance or declaration page upon request.
Don’t forget to ask:
- “What happens if an item is lost or damaged?”
- “What’s your claims process, and how long does it usually take?”
If they fumble those questions—or brush them off—you’re not dealing with someone who’s ready to protect your property.
Can You Provide Proof of Your Credentials?
A legitimate moving company should have no problem backing up their claims with hard evidence. When you’re vetting movers, always request documentation upfront, including:
- State or federal licenses (BHGS/MTR, DOT, MC numbers)
- Certificate of insurance
- Industry affiliations or accreditations, such as with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA)
- References or customer reviews
This isn’t overkill—it’s due diligence. A reputable company will gladly provide these credentials, because transparency is part of their professional commitment.
If a mover gives you the runaround, avoids specifics, or says things like “You don’t need to worry about that,” it’s time to cross them off your list. No documentation means no accountability.
How Do You Protect My Belongings During the Move?
Beyond licensing and insurance, one of the best ways to evaluate a mover’s professionalism is to ask how they physically handle your items. Their answer should go well beyond “we’re careful.”
Ask specific questions like:
- What kind of packing materials do you use for furniture, glassware, and electronics?
- Do you offer custom crating for delicate or high-value items?
- What’s your procedure for loading and securing items in the truck?
- How do you handle large or heavy-duty equipment, like pianos, safes, or vehicles?
These details give you insight into their level of training, preparedness, and commitment to quality. If they mention using moving blankets, shrink wrap, tie-downs, dollies, ramps, or climate-controlled storage, that’s a good sign you’re talking to a company that takes its work seriously.
Do You Offer Written Estimates and Contracts?
This question may seem obvious, but it’s one of the most critical steps in protecting yourself from pricing scams or surprise fees. A reputable mover should provide you with a detailed, written estimate—not just a rough number over the phone.
Look for the following in your estimate and contract:
- Binding or Not-to-Exceed Pricing: This ensures the final bill won’t jump without explanation.
- Itemized Charges: Every fee (labor, travel, fuel, packing, storage, etc.) should be listed.
- Pick-up and Delivery Dates: Timelines should be clearly stated.
- Terms and Conditions: This includes how cancellations, delays, or damage claims are handled.
- Inventory Lists: For larger or long-distance moves, a documented inventory is essential.
Avoid any mover who hesitates to put things in writing or pushes for a large deposit upfront without paperwork. These are red flags.
Choose with Confidence, Move Without Regret
When it comes to hiring a moving company, you shouldn’t have to rely on luck, gut feelings, or guesswork. With the right questions in hand and a clear understanding of what licensing and insurance really mean, you can confidently sort through your options and choose a mover that’s worthy of your trust.
A legitimate, credentialed mover won’t just get your belongings from Point A to Point B—they’ll safeguard your property, your schedule, and your peace of mind. They’ll operate with professionalism, transparency, and care. And most importantly, they’ll show up with a plan—not excuses.
So before you book based on price alone, ask yourself: is the lowest bid really worth the risk? When it comes to your home, your memories, and your peace of mind, it pays to prioritize credentials over cost.
At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we don’t just meet the industry standard—we exceed it. As a veteran-owned, fully licensed and insured company with FBI and Homeland Security clearances, we handle every move with the discipline, respect, and attention to detail you deserve.
Let Us Move You with Honor, Pride, Integrity & Dignity
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📦 Licensed, Insured, and Credentialed | Veteran-Owned | Military Discounts Available
📍 Serving Acton, Santa Clarita, Lancaster, and Greater Southern California 📞 Call Now: (818) 337-9495
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