Moving day is stressful enough. It becomes even more stressful if you hire a company that refuses to unload your things until you pay them more money.
The industry calls it a "hostage load." I call it wrong. Now a new state law calls it illegal.
Championed by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, House Bill 2145 gives Arizonans legal protection against being forced to pay way more than the agreed upon price.
Protections include:
- Movers have to unload your belongings even if there is a dispute about additional payment.
- If they don’t, law enforcement officers now have authority to take possession of the truck and give you your things on the spot. The company will have to settle the rest in court.
- Movers must provide a written contract that discloses any and all fees
- The contract must include how much insurance will cover for lost and damaged items
Protect yourself by never signing a blank contract and make sure to have the company come out to see your belongings so you can get an accurate estimate.
