Valuation and Liability for Your Melbourne, Florida Move
IMPORTANT: Upon paying your deposit and hiring BMM/AYSPM for your move, you agree to ALL terms and conditions outlined in this document.
At BMM/AYSPM, we believe in complete transparency regarding valuation options. Our experienced Moving Consultants are dedicated professionals who take the time to patiently explain all your valuation choices before your move—please ask if you have any questions. We ensure our customers understand the normal risks involved, what is and isn't covered, and how situations would be resolved in case of a claim.
This comprehensive guide contains all relevant information about your valuation, ensuring there are absolutely no surprises. At BMM/AYSPM, we want our customers to be fully informed and knowledgeable.
Why Valuation Matters
BMM/AYSPM is known for proactive planning to help prevent problems before they occur. We provide highly-trained moving teams equipped with advanced protective materials and modern, safe moving equipment to minimize the possibility of loss or damage to your belongings.
We maintain an excellent track record with low damage claims. However, despite careful pre-move planning and the utmost caution from our movers, accidents can sometimes happen during the moving process. The valuation option you select determines how issues will be resolved if something is lost or damaged.
What is Valuation?
Valuation is NOT insurance. BMM/AYSPM does NOT sell insurance and does NOT offer any insurance products for purchase. We are not an insurance company or licensed insurance agent (this applies to all moving companies), which means we cannot sell you "insurance."
If you want moving insurance coverage, you can purchase it through any insurance carrier that offers this type of coverage. This would be separate from our standard option and would need to be arranged directly between you and the insurance provider.
But Isn't BMM/AYSPM Insured?
Yes, BMM/AYSPM carries all necessary insurance required to legally operate in Florida as a moving carrier. However, expecting formal insurance claims for every situation is a common misconception. Our insurance policies cover unlikely, catastrophic events. Your valuation coverage determines what BMM/AYSPM can reimburse and under what circumstances.
BMM/AYSPM follows Florida state law and offers only one valuation coverage option as required. As mandated by Florida state law, we only offer Limited Liability Protection at $0.60 per pound per article. This is the standard coverage included in your moving services—no other valuation options are available besides repairs.
Important Note: Our liability is limited to $0.60 per pound only for total loss caused by damage that we directly caused. This applies only when BMM/AYSPM is proven to be at fault for the loss or damage.
Each customer receives the standard Limited Liability Protection as required by Florida state law. Your belongings do NOT receive any additional coverage beyond this standard protection. Your valuation coverage establishes BMM/AYSPM's maximum liability for loss or damage to your goods while in our custody, but only when we are proven to be at fault. Our liability level is limited to $0.60 per pound per article for total loss caused by our actions. Although we are fully insured, only your selected valuation option applies to loss or damage of your property.
On your scheduled service day, the Team Leader will conduct a pre-move walkthrough to compare the original inventory on your estimate. They will present you with the Moving Contract, where you'll provide a signature acknowledging and agreeing to the Limited Liability Protection coverage.
Florida State Law Valuation Coverage
Limited Liability Protection (Required by Florida State Law - Included in Service)
This is the only coverage option available as required by Florida state law, included in your estimate at no additional charge. This option is NOT an insurance policy. Your property is covered at $0.60 per pound per article, but ONLY for TOTAL LOSS (not partial damage), with a maximum coverage of $100 total. Coverage excludes partially damaged items. Reimbursement is ONLY provided for items that CANNOT BE REPAIRED. There is no deductible for Limited Value Protection.
IMPORTANT: You must accept this coverage or procure your own insurance. Any reimbursed items become BMM/AYSPM property, or you waive rights to repair/reimbursement previously offered.
What Happens If Something is Lost or Damaged?
Example:
- Coverage: Limited Liability Protection
- Totally Lost Item: Dresser (cannot be repaired)
- Dresser Price (New): $1,000.00
- Estimated Weight: 100 lbs.
- Settlement Coverage: $60.00 (100 lbs. × $0.60) - only for total loss if we caused it
- Maximum total coverage across all claims: $100
CRITICAL CLAIM REQUIREMENT: ALL damage claims must be reported on-site before move completion, while our movers are still on site, or claims cannot be accepted or honored. We are not liable for damages for any item no longer in our possession.
No claim resolution will be honored until all moving service charges are paid in full. NO REPAIRS OR ITEMS WILL BE FIXED UNTIL WE ARE PAID IN FULL. Damage to belongings does not justify withholding payment.
Important Working Order Disclaimer: BMM/AYSPM will NOT be liable for the working order of any hot tub, piano, electronic equipment, appliances, or clocks, or any items with a motor or rotor, or has inside working parts. These items are moved as mechanical condition unknown, and we assume no responsibility for their operational functionality after transport, regardless of the cause.
Payment Terms and Service Conditions
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- $100 non-refundable deposit required to secure your moving date, applied to final invoice
- Full payment due upon arrival at drop-off location BEFORE unloading begins
- Moves without a truck will be required to be paid upfront for the 1st 2 hours
- BMM/AYSPM is authorized to charge the credit card on file for all services rendered unless alternative payment arrangements have been made and agreed upon
- If payment is withheld, ALL discounts are immediately revoked and the truck will NOT be unloaded until payment is received, OR everything will be placed in our in-house storage
- Client will be charged storage fees until items are delivered
- Payment required upfront before property is returned
- Time billing starts when movers arrive and stops once the job is completed
ADDITIONAL FEES:
- $350 overtime fee for jobs lasting 12+ hours (unless noted on estimate)
- 4-5% credit card transaction fee
- $500 processing fee for unpaid balances and per chargeback
- $100 long haul fee for sites 500+ feet from vehicle parking
- 5% late fee accrues immediately after due date on unpaid balances
- All discounts/offers/specials are void without immediate payment in full upon request
CANCELLATION POLICY:
- Deposit is non-refundable and applied as cancellation fee
- Same-day cancellation results in minimum service charge
UNSUCCESSFUL MOVES: You agree to pay the greater of minimum charge OR actual time spent attempting to move items that are too heavy, large, impossible, unusual, or out of ordinary, plus all associated fees. Site preparation and measurements are your responsibility, not the movers'.
COMPANY RIGHTS UNDER FLORIDA LAW: BMM/AYSPM reserves the right to complete other scheduled jobs if your move exceeds estimated time, modify rules/rates/policies at our discretion, and add personnel for safety reasons (you pay associated travel fees and additional hourly rates for extra movers required).
Under Florida State Law, we have the legal right to:
- Hold your property as collateral for unpaid services
- Place movers/mechanics liens on real property
- Pursue wage garnishment through court orders
- Charge storage fees for retained property
- Sell property at public auction after proper notice period
- Report non-payment to credit agencies
- Pursue criminal charges for theft of services
- Recover attorney fees and court costs from clients
- Charge interest on unpaid balances at maximum legal rate
- Terminate services immediately for non-payment or breach of contract
We operate under Florida Department of Agriculture Consumer Services regulations and have full legal authority to enforce payment terms through all available legal remedies.
OWNERSHIP AND NON-PAYMENT: BMM/AYSPM retains ownership of ALL transported items until full payment is received. We reserve the right to immediately reclaim all items, garnish wages, and place liens on your property for non-payment. Items held for non-payment are stored at our facility at $75 per 5x10 unit per day, or $250/day if left on truck, until balance is paid. After 30 days, items may be auctioned off to reimburse us for unpaid invoices. Non-payment is considered theft and you may be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law.
OFF-PAVEMENT SERVICES: We do not prefer off-pavement moves and will park elsewhere, walking belongings to destination when necessary. Off-pavement services are at your risk. You agree to pay all towing fees and waiting time if towing is required.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: We do not accept and will dispute any chargebacks or late payments. Chargebacks/payment refusals are considered theft, voiding all discounts/specials and incurring fees listed above. You waive court action, agree to in-house settlement only, and pay all legal and non-legal fees and collection costs.
Alternative Insurance Options
Since BMM/AYSPM only offers the state-required Limited Liability Protection, customers who desire additional coverage can purchase moving insurance through any insurance carrier that offers this type of coverage. This would be a separate insurance policy that you would need to arrange and purchase directly from an insurance company, independent of our moving services.
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY: You are fully responsible for reimbursing BMM/AYSPM at full market value for any damage to our property during the move.
APPLIANCE SERVICES: We provide appliance hookup services at your expense with NO liability for functioning of appliances after hookup.
We can refer www.movinginsurance.com—we have no opinion on, or affiliation with this company, we just know they exist.
Important: Limited Coverage with Significant Restrictions
The Limited Liability Protection required by Florida state law does NOT mean you're fully covered. There are numerous situations where coverage has limitations and exclusions. It's crucial to understand all limitations and exclusions before your move, as coverage only applies to total loss caused by damage that we directly caused.
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS TO COVERAGE
The following limitations apply to BMM/AYSPM's liability under the Florida state-required Limited Liability Protection:
ITEMS NOT COVERED FOR ANY DAMAGE: BMM/AYSPM is NOT LIABLE for damage to electronics, antiques, particle board items, glass/china/crystal/ceramic items, tiles, concrete, fragile items, pre-damaged items, appliances (due to thin material construction), hot tubs, spas, pool tables, pianos, metal safes, items exceeding 50 pounds, items not packed by BMM/AYSPM, personal documents, personal paperwork, jewelry, tools, music equipment, clocks, plants, pictures, plastic/cloth items, leather items, sports/hobby equipment, fans, art, any appliance/machine with hookups/fixtures, ALL walls/floors/ceilings/doors of any material, stucco, and fiberglass, anything made of laminate/vinyl/ceramic/wood/metal.
PROPERTY DAMAGE EXCLUSION: We are NOT liable for damage to interior or exterior fixtures, or ANY scratches/dents/marks on interior or exterior surfaces under ANY circumstances.
A. Restricted Items - Customer Must Transport These Items
BMM/AYSPM is NOT liable and will NOT pack, move, transport, or store:
- Jewelry, watches, gemstones, precious stones, gold, silver, or platinum articles
- Firearms and ammunition
- Furs
- Prescription medication
- Cash, coins, currency, credit cards, checkbooks, debit cards
- Important documents (passports, birth certificates, social security cards, bank documents, wills, medical records)
- Family heirlooms and items of sentimental value
- Personal photographs and pictures
- Laptops, tablets, data storage devices
- High-value collections (trading cards, comic books, vinyl records)
Customers MUST secure these items outside their home during service and transport them personally.
B. Prohibited Items That Cannot Be Transported
Government regulations and safety policies prevent us from transporting:
- Live plants or animals
- Aerosols, bleach, batteries, fertilizer
- Fire extinguishers, paints, varnishes, solvents
- Household cleaning agents, pool chemicals
- Gasoline, kerosene, matches, lighter fluid
- Fireworks, liquor, pressurized materials
- Propane tanks, oxygen tanks, any gas bottles
- Any hazardous or combustible materials
Lawn equipment with gasoline/oil can be transported only if completely drained beforehand.
C. Customer-Packed Boxes (PBO)
BMM/AYSPM is not liable for contents of boxes packed by customers unless there is clear external damage to the container proven to be caused by our mishandling. External damage must be noted on the Moving Contract at delivery time.
D. Box Sealing Requirements
All boxes must be completely sealed. Open-top boxes will not be moved and will be left for customer transport. We are not liable for contents of open-top boxes, regardless of valuation option.
E. Lampshades
We do not guarantee lampshade safety during transport due to their fragile nature. Customers are advised to transport lampshades personally. If we move lampshades at customer request, they must be boxed, but we cannot accept liability.
F. Standing Floor Lamps
Due to inherent weakness where poles attach to bases, we cannot guarantee standing floor lamp safety. Customers should transport these personally or accept liability release.
G. Table Lamps
Table lamps must be packed in boxes prior to our arrival. If unpacked lamps are encountered and we have available boxes, we may pack them at published charges. Otherwise, customers must transport them personally.
H. Clothing and Personal Items
We are not liable for wrinkled, soiled, or creased clothing, ties, linens, drapes, rugs, or for scuffed, creased, or misshapen shoes or purses caused by normal handling and transport.
I. Furniture Contents Must Be Empty
All furniture with drawers or compartments (dressers, desks, filing cabinets, nightstands, cabinets, entertainment centers, bookshelves) MUST BE COMPLETELY EMPTY before our arrival. Moving loaded furniture risks damage and malfunction.
If furniture arrives with contents, customers have four options:
- Empty contents themselves
- Remove loaded drawers (furniture moved without drawers)
- Pay for packing services
- Leave furniture behind
We are not liable for contents left in furniture.
J. Electronics, Mechanical Devices, Hot Tubs, Pianos, and Clocks - No Working Order Liability
IMPORTANT: BMM/AYSPM will NOT be liable for the working order of any hot tub, piano, electronic equipment, appliances, or clocks after your move, regardless of the cause.
All electronic and mechanical devices are moved as mechanical condition unknown (MCU), including:
- TVs, audio/visual equipment
- Computers, gaming systems
- Exercise equipment
- Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers)
- Medical devices
- Hot tubs and spas
- Pianos (all types)
- Grandfather clocks and all timepieces
We assume no liability whatsoever for working order, operational functionality, mechanical or electrical issues after transport. This applies even if the equipment worked perfectly before the move. We are not responsible for any costs related to repair, recalibration, tuning, or restoration of working order for these items.
K. Particle Board Furniture
We cannot guarantee structural integrity of particle board furniture. Manufacturers recommend these items not be moved once assembled. We'll transport them carefully but cannot offer Full Value Protection—only Limited Value Protection applies.
L. Flat Screen TVs, Modern Televisions/Monitors, and Microwaves
Microwaves, monitors, and all flat screen, curved, LED, LCD, OLED, QLED, or plasma TVs MUST be packed in original packaging or TV boxes. IF ANY TV/MONITOR OR MICROWAVE IS NOT IN A BOX AND PACKED BY US WE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE. These items are moved as mechanical condition unknown. We're not liable for operational issues unless external damage is visible and proven caused by our mishandling. Please take these items in your personal auto if not in a box made for the items itself. We will not be liable for any damage otherwise.
M. Lawn Equipment and BBQ Grills
All gasoline, oil, and flammable liquids must be drained before service day. Propane tanks must be removed from grills. Failure to comply results in items being left behind.
N. Memory Foam Mattresses
Due to manufacturer warnings about foam shifting during moves, we're not responsible for internal damage to memory foam mattresses from normal moving processes.
O. Hot Tubs and Spas
Customer must drain water and disconnect power before our arrival. We will not perform electrical work. Hot tubs are moved as mechanical condition unknown, with only Limited Value Protection available (Full Value Protection not offered). We will not be liable for the working order of your hot tub/spa under any circumstances.
P. Glass, Granite, Marble, Stone & Particle Board Surfaces
Due to fragility and natural variations, these materials are not covered unless professionally crated by a third party. Moving uncrated stone/glass surfaces (additional cost for crating and must be planned prior to your move date) releases us from liability.
Q. Mirrored Furniture
We accept no liability for mirrored furniture unless professionally crated by a third party due to multiple stress points susceptible to cracking.
R. Assembly/Disassembly Restrictions
Customers or third parties must handle assembly/disassembly of:
- Baby cribs, bunk beds
- Trampolines, exercise equipment
- Play structures, swing sets
- Sleep Number beds
- Exercise Equipment
S. Utility Connections
Customers or licensed professionals must handle all water, gas, and electrical disconnections/connections. We do not perform utility work.
T. Electronic Equipment Setup
Customers are responsible for disconnecting and connecting all cables, wires, and cords for electronic equipment. Unless specified in your estimate that we're packing these items, customers must pack them into boxes.
U. Treadmill Restrictions
We will NOT move Peloton treadmills—customers must hire specialized movers. For other brands, customers must disconnect display controls and handrail arms. Treadmills are moved as mechanical condition unknown.
V. Safe Restrictions
We move safes up to 250 lbs. on first floors only. Heavier safes or those requiring stair access need specialized third-party movers. All safes must be empty and unmounted.
We assume no responsibility for damage to any safe, or damage the safe can cause to interior and exteriors of the location it is being moved to and from.
W. Piano Restrictions
We will not move pianos up or down stairs—specialized piano movers required. All pianos need professional tuning after moves (customer expense).
X. Instrument and Equipment Calibration
Pianos, grandfather clocks, and lab equipment require professional tuning/recalibration after moves (customer expense).
Y. Sleep Number Beds
Customers or third parties must handle disconnection/connection. We're not liable for mechanical condition.
We're not liable for damage caused by third-party service providers hired by customers.
Z. Live Plants
We do not accept liability for live plants. Transport in personal vehicles only.
AA. Aquariums/Fish Tanks
Must be empty of water and creatures. Transport in personal vehicles recommended due to fragile nature.
BB. Pairs and Sets
If one item from a pair or set is damaged, we're only liable for the specific damaged item, not the entire set.
CC. Pre-existing Damage
We're not liable for items already broken or damaged at pickup. We reserve the right to photograph and document pre-existing damage on the bill of lading.
DD. Inclement Weather
During unsafe weather conditions, we may reschedule without liability. If conditions are manageable, customers choose:
- Continue work (releasing us from weather-related damage liability)
- Pause work until conditions improve (customer continues paying for team time)
EE. Mattress Bags Required
All mattresses and box springs must be bagged before transport. We can provide bags for purchase or customers may supply their own. Unbagged mattresses are not covered.
FF. Packed Bags - Soft Goods Only
Customer-packed bags must contain only soft goods (linens, towels, pillows, blankets). No glass, kitchenware, or hard items. We're not liable for customer-packed bags.
GG. Hardware Issues
We're not liable for stripped hardware or holes discovered during furniture assembly/disassembly. Such issues may require leaving furniture assembled or partially assembled.
HH. Front-Load Washer Shipping Bolts
Customers must provide shipping bolts for front-load washers (manufacturer requirement). We can supply bolts at additional cost with advance notice. Customer installation required, or liability waiver if we install.
II. Release of Liability Situations
When high-risk moves are requested (tight staircases, difficult access), customers must sign release waivers acknowledging risks and accepting responsibility for potential damage. WE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY TYPE OF DAMAGES UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.
JJ. Contract Loading/Unloading Services
When providing labor-only services for customer vehicles, trailers, or rental trucks:
- We're only liable for external damage proven caused by our mishandling during loading
- Not liable for damage discovered after transportation
- Customer responsible for securing items and providing protective equipment
- Only Limited Value Protection available ($0.60 per pound)
KK. Storage Services
For storage trailer or truck storage:
- We're liable for loading/unloading negligence only
- Not liable for damage while stored
- Maximum liability: $0.60 per pound
- Full Value Protection not available for storage
LL. Pet Safety
We do not move pets. Secure pets away from work areas for their safety. We assume no responsibility for pet safety during moves.
MM. Child Safety
For children's safety, we recommend they stay with family/friends during moves. If present, children must be under direct customer supervision away from work areas, staircases, and trucks. We assume no responsibility for child safety.
NN. Storage Facility Information
Our storage facility at [Florida Address] is not fireproof, and we do not maintain a watchman. Failure to provide watchman service does not constitute negligence.
OO. Property Damage Release
Customers release BMM/AYSPM from liability for incidental damage to real property (floors, walls, ceilings, driveways, landscaping, entryway poles, doors and walls). Federal guidelines support that customers should take reasonable precautions to protect their property during moves.
PP. Transportation Issues
We're not liable for delays from highway obstructions, mechanical breakdowns, or other transportation issues except in cases of negligence.
QQ. Storage in Transit Delays
We're not liable for loss, damage, or delays when property is held in transit at customer request, except in cases of negligence.
RR. Quarantine Situations
Property may be discharged into quarantine at customer risk and expense. Quarantine expenses are customer responsibility. We're not liable for quarantine-related losses except in cases of negligence.
SS. Equipment Rental Liability
Customers assume liability for property damage and personal injury related to rental equipment during rental periods and must indemnify BMM/AYSPM against such liability.
TT. Acts of God
We're not liable for loss or damage from unforeseeable events including:
- Natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, earthquakes)
- Extreme weather conditions
- Power outages
- Strikes, riots, civil disturbances
- Acts of war or terrorism
- Government actions
- Climate-related issues (mold, mildew, warping)
- Infestations
UU. Transportation Flexibility
We're not bound to specific schedules, vehicles, or routes but will transport with reasonable dispatch. We may forward property by any carrier or route as needed between origin and destination.
VV. Water Transportation
If any portion of transport involves water carriage, federal maritime laws apply, limiting liability for water-related incidents including fire, explosion, or navigation accidents unless caused by our design or neglect.