Note: this calculator provides a general, informational estimate only — not legal advice and not a guarantee of any outcome. Use it as a starting point, and confirm anything that matters against your own records and moving contract.
What You'll Need to Use It
- A list of what was damaged, lost, or delayed, and its approximate value.
- Your moving contract or agreement, if you have it, including any liability terms.
- Photos of the damage, if you have them.
- Any correspondence with the moving company about the issue.
A Note on Moving Company Liability Limits
Many moving contracts limit the mover's liability to a set amount per pound of goods, rather than the item's actual value, unless you purchased additional coverage. That limit can reduce what you recover directly from the mover, but it doesn't automatically prevent a Small Claims Court claim for the shortfall — read your contract carefully, and see moving company disputes for a fuller discussion of how these claims typically play out.
Evidence That Strengthens a Moving Damage Claim
Original receipts or appraisals for damaged or lost items, photos taken before and after the move, the signed moving contract, and any written complaints you made to the mover are the strongest evidence in these disputes. File a complaint with the moving company in writing as soon as possible — many contracts set a short window for reporting damage.
What to Do With the Result
With a clear estimate in hand, a written demand letter to the moving company is usually the next step — see the demand letter builder. If the company doesn't respond adequately, the Start a Claim guide walks through filing a Plaintiff's Claim.
Official sources
- ontario.ca: Suing Someone in Small Claims Court — the official overview, including the current monetary limit.
- Guide to Small Claims Court Process — the official step-by-step process guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes — it's provided as a free informational tool, with no account or payment required.
Does a moving company's liability limit affect what I can claim?
It can. Many moving contracts include a liability limit based on weight rather than actual value, which can reduce what you recover from the mover directly, though it doesn't necessarily prevent a Small Claims Court claim for the difference.
What if I didn't take out moving insurance?
You can still pursue a claim without separate insurance, though the contract's default liability terms will likely apply. Review your moving agreement to understand what it says about liability for loss or damage.
How do I prove what my belongings were worth?
Original receipts, photos, and appraisals are strongest. Where you don't have those, a reasonable replacement-cost estimate, supported by comparable listings, can help support a claim.