Solicited quotes from several major moving Companies to move all of my belongings from Concord Ohio to Micco Florida. Based on the presentation and guarantees, I decided to contract Berger Transfer/ Allied Van Lines for all packaging and moving.

Although I didn’t give much thought to it at the time, the Berger representative really pushed the sale of the additional insurance coverage. Laurel Howes, the “Relocation Consultant” stressed how I would only be covered for 60 cents per pound per article in basic coverage during my move. She noted that since I had a significant amount of home entertainment equipment and home computing equipment, I should definitely procure the full value coverage at $379.00 for $35, 000 of replacement value coverage.

The packagers showed-up at the last minute of their time window. They seemed knowledgeable and although they took longer than expected, they were able to pack just about everything that I intended. I was told by the Relocation Consultant that I would receive all packaging materials that I paid for whether they were used or not. This was not so. The packers removed all residual packaging materials when they left.

Next, The Movers: The movers also showed-up at the last second, but still within their window. I thought it odd that one of the movers asked to bum a pack of smokes from me, but complied. During the presentation by the Relocation Consultant, I was shown all of the precautions that Allied takes to protect your belongings. These measures included covering your carpeting with runners, covering banisters and hand rails on steps, boxing mattresses and plastic wrapping your furniture. Well the carpet was never covered and the banister was only protected after I specifically requested so. My mattresses were placed directly on the front lawn without any protection. Even worse, a solid oak entertainment system was found lying on its side in my concrete driveway without anything to protect the wood surfaces from damage. This was also identified to the driver. I called and e-mailed the Relocation Consultant regarding these and additional issues. An e-mail response was received, merely stating that she was sorry that I was having a bad experience.

When the movers arrived in Florida, it was the same driver but different laborers. As they were unpacking, I began to notice quite a bit of damage to my belongings that I had not anticipated. Large smoked glass shelves from my Plasma TV center were severely scratched. Very expensive Snell loudspeakers were scratched and nicked. A computer chair was broken at the base and unusable. Lamp shades were crushed. A hutch was significantly marred. My Trek Hybrid bicycle was completely disassembled including harnessing. Even a mop bucket was utterly destroyed. I began identifying these issues to the driver, who was less than interested about my concerns. I then called Berger Allied notifying them of some of the items that were damaged. I also ensured to photograph all damaged items which was forwarded to the Relocation Consultant.

A week later, I received a claim form in the mail. Of course, the instructions with the claim tell you not to discard any damaged item until a Berger representative has a chance to evaluate the items. Too Late!! Don’t you think this little bit of information is a touch important? Had this information been provided to me when I agreed to pay for the additional insurance coverage, I would have retained many of the destroyed items. However, new items were procured out of necessity. As with any insurance claim, photographs had already been provided. Well now Berger Allied is denying my claim!!! They sure were quick to take my money for the coverage, but try to make a claim after the move!

The entire ordeal sure contradicts what they tell you when you are considering using Berger Allied for a move! Quoting their website: “With Allied at your side, you can feel safe that your possessions have the best protection in the industry. Our Extra Care Protection covers the cost of any household item that is damaged in your move. We also offer basic liability coverage standard with any and all moves. It's your move - you chose your level of coverage.”

To further quote their website, it states:

“We can help you prepare an inventory with our Allied High Value Inventory Form for your belongings valued over $100 per pound. Present it to us prior to packing, and Allied will provide you ECP protection for the full value of the item. This, of course, is subject to the declared value of the entire shipment. “
What Berger Allied fails to mention is that they want your money for the extra coverage, but they will never approve any claim you submit. To further discourage you, we will make the red tape associated with any claim so boggling that soon you will give up all hope for a satisfactory resolution!

The bottom line is simple. Berger Allied paints a nice picture, but they do not deliver! Consider yourself warned!!!