Binding vs Non-Binding Moving Estimates – What’s The Difference?

Apart from choosing where you’ll be moving to, getting an estimate is one of the first and most important steps in the moving process. Getting the right estimate is important because it will provide a foundation for the price you’ll pay your moving company and the services to be expected.

In short, a binding moving estimate means you are to pay the exact amount given on the estimate, regardless of whether the price of the services provided goes above or below the total cost. A non-binding estimate is a rough estimate price of your move that your mover will give you based on the services and distance of the move.

A non-binding estimate is a price range based on your belongings’ total weight. The term non-binding means that if your movers give you a non-binding estimate and the total price ends up being higher than the estimate, you will still have to pay the original amount given in the forecast plus ten percent at the time of delivery.

It’s important to consider that this scenario only happens if the total weight of your belongings exceeds what was considered at the time of writing the estimate.

There are three important aspects to a non-binding estimate, and it’s important to have an in-depth understanding of all three before moving forward with a non-binding estimate.

• The Estimate Must Be Accurate: The moving company is responsible for providing you with a reasonable estimate calculated from the weight of the items and the distance of the move.
• The Estimate Must Come In Writing: A non-binding estimate must come in writing and state that it is a non-binding estimate.

Any Charges Will Fall Under the Estimate: It is the responsibility of the moving company to explain all charges on the move will be under the non-binding estimate.

When considering a non-binding estimate for your move, there are a few things to remember to help you not get scammed or end up paying more than anticipated.

• Moving Company Scams: Non-binding estimates are common in moving scams because the moving company can force you to pay more than you agreed to.
• The Weight of Your Items: If you know the total weight of your items, it’s important to double-check to make sure it’s the right number. If it ends up being even slightly greater, you may be obligated to pay more than stated in your estimate.
• Rogue Movers: Even worse than charging extra, rogue movers will get ahold of your items, and force you to pay extra money to get them back. This is why doing background research on the reputations of moving companies that you’re considering hiring is so important.

A binding estimate is where you and the moving company come to terms on a fixed price based on the weight of your items that need to be moved to the new location. If you choose a binding estimate, you are obligated to pay the exact amount stated in the estimate, regardless of any outside factors. You or the movers will not be able to change the price of the move.

In the event your belongings weigh more than stated in the estimate, you will still pay the cost given in the estimate. It’s important to consider that the total weight won’t affect the price, but you won’t be allowed to take advantage of this by adding additional items.

As a general rule, the cost is final with a binding estimate, and it is your mover’s responsibility to follow all rules of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) when choosing an estimate.

When deciding to move forward with a moving company under a binding estimate, there are several important factors to keep in mind.

• The Moving Company Can Refuse Service: In the event the moving company sees you violate the estimate, they are allowed to refuse service. An example of this would be if the moving company noticed additional items not a part of the agreement.
• The Estimate Needs to be Written: The estimate needs to come in writing, outline the conditions of the move and service, and needs to specifically state that the estimate is binding. This acts as proof for yourself and the moving company of what is to be expected and what needs to be paid.
• Additional Services Need to be Paid Separately: Come moving day, if any additional services are required, the total cost of whatever is needed will come on a separate bill. This is because those services will be outside of the binding estimate and neither you or the moving company is allowed to change the price of the binding estimate.

Understanding the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate can be challenging, but it’s one of the most important things to understand when moving. It will help protect you and your family from getting scammed or overcharged by a moving company.

We always recommend doing extensive research when deciding which moving company you’re going to hire. We hope this article provided helpful insights and made your move a bit easier!

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• Best Interstate Movers
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• Best National Moving Companies

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