What to Do If Antiques Get Damaged During a Move

What should I do the moment I notice the damage?

Stop unpacking the item immediately. Unpacking further can worsen a crack or separate a loose joint beyond what a restorer can seamlessly fix. Leave the piece exactly where it sits, still in the packing material if possible, so the moving company's adjuster can see the original position and the condition of the wrapping.

Photograph everything before you touch anything else. Take clear shots from at least four angles, and include a close-up with a coin or a ruler next to the damage to establish scale. If fragments have broken off, gather every visible piece, no matter how small, and place them in a sealed bag labeled with the item name and the date. A restorer can often reattach a chip that would be impossible to recreate from scratch.

Do not reach for glue, tape, or any household adhesive. A rushed DIY repair alters the break surface and makes a professional restoration far more difficult and expensive. The same goes for wiping dust off a scratch with furniture polish, which can drive oils into raw wood and complicate a color match later.

How do I document the damage for an insurance claim?

Start documenting the moment you spot the damage, before anyone moves the piece or cleans up the packing debris. Good evidence often means your claim is paid without months of back-and-forth.

Take out your phone and capture the scene methodically. Open your copy of the bill of lading and the inventory sheet the crew filled out at pickup. You need the pre-move condition notes on those documents to compare against what you see now.

Photograph the damaged piece from multiple angles, including tight close-ups of cracks, chips or finish loss with a coin or ruler in the frame for scale.
Photograph the packing materials around the piece, crushed corner protectors, torn blankets, a punctured carton, before anything is disturbed.
If the moving truck is still at your property, photograph the interior of the truck, showing how the item was loaded and what was next to it.
Write a factual note right away with the date, time and exactly what you observe, for example: "Left rear leg split along the grain, roughly four inches, finish flaked off on the adjacent rail."
Locate the numbered inventory tag on the item and photograph it next to the corresponding line on the inventory sheet where the crew noted the piece's pre-move condition.

Keep all packing materials. Keep the damaged blankets, the crushed cardboard and the splintered crate components, they are physical evidence the adjuster will want to examine.

How do I file a claim with the moving company

Contact the mover in writing once your documentation is ready. Your bill of lading or contract states the exact deadline for filing, and for interstate moves in the US, federal regulations give you nine months from the date of delivery to submit a claim. Send your letter by email and certified mail. This gives you proof of delivery and a clear timeline. Include your shipment registration number, the date of the move, a list of the damaged pieces, your photographs, the signed inventory sheet with any damage notations made at delivery, and the written repair estimate from a qualified restorer.

The compensation you receive depends on the valuation option you selected before the move. Released value protection, which movers provide at no extra charge, covers items at 60 cents per pound per article. A 40-pound antique chair would yield $24 regardless of its actual worth. Full value protection costs more upfront but requires the mover to repair the piece or pay the current market value. If you declined additional coverage, your recovery is limited to the base rate, and the claims adjuster will calculate the settlement using the weight of the item, not its appraised value.

Expect the moving company to acknowledge your claim within 30 days and to deny or offer a settlement within 120 days. If the offer seems low, you can negotiate by providing a second repair estimate or an independent appraisal. Keep every email and letter, and note the date and name of every person you speak with. If the mover denies a valid claim or fails to respond within the legal timeframe, you can file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or take the matter to small claims court.

How do I find a qualified antique restorer?

Start with the directories of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) in the US or the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC) in Canada. Both organizations list members who have passed peer review and follow a code of ethics. A general furniture repair shop may do more harm than good on a piece with historical value. A conservator with formal training is the safer choice.

Ask the restorer for references from clients whose damage was similar to yours. Request before-and-after photos of at least three completed projects. A written condition report and a treatment proposal are standard practice. The report should describe the damage, the materials and methods the restorer plans to use and whether the repair will be reversible. Reversibility matters: future conservators need to undo today’s work without damaging the original piece.

Meet the restorer in person or by video call before you hand over the item. Look for someone who asks detailed questions about the piece’s history and shows more interest in preserving it than in making it look brand new. A qualified conservator will also explain what cannot be fixed and how the restoration might affect the antique’s market value.

What does the restoration process look like?

A qualified conservator begins with a detailed examination of the piece under proper lighting and magnification. They will write a condition report that maps every area of damage, notes the materials and construction methods used, and records the piece's state before any work begins. This report becomes part of the insurance documentation and also serves as a permanent record for you.

Based on the examination, the conservator proposes a written treatment plan. The plan explains what will be done, which materials and techniques will be used, and why each step is necessary. You will also receive a cost estimate that breaks down labor hours, materials, and any specialized equipment. Reputable restorers use reversible adhesives and finishes so that future conservators can undo the work without harming the original material.

All work happens in a controlled studio with stable humidity and temperature. Depending on the damage, the process can take from two weeks for a clean break in a wooden leg to several months for structural repairs on veneered case goods or inpainting on a painted surface. Your conservator should give you a realistic timeline and update you if anything changes during the work.

What if the piece cannot be fully restored?

A conservator will tell you honestly if full restoration is not possible. Some materials, like shattered porcelain or water-damaged veneer, reach a point where the original surface and structural integrity cannot be recovered. You are not left without options.

Then request a written statement of diminished value. This document estimates the piece’s current market worth against its pre-damage appraisal. It is key evidence for your insurance claim or any legal action. The statement should include clear photographs, a description of the irreversible loss, and the conservator’s credentials.

Your insurance payout is based on the policy you chose. Full value protection covers the cost of the item or the repair up to the declared value, while released value pays a fixed amount per pound regardless of the piece’s worth. A diminished value statement ensures you claim the actual loss rather than accepting a low standard settlement. If the moving company disputes the claim, the statement supports a demand letter from your attorney or a small claims filing.

FAQ

Does the moving company pay for the restoration?

It depends on the valuation coverage you selected before the move. Released value protection pays a minimal amount per pound, which rarely covers antique restoration. Full value protection requires the mover to repair the item, replace it or pay the current market value, but you must prove the piece's condition before the move.

Can I use my own insurance instead of the mover's coverage?

Yes. If you have a valuable articles policy or a homeowner's rider that covers antiques in transit, you can file a claim directly with your insurer. They will typically pay for restoration minus your deductible and may later seek reimbursement from the moving company.

How long does an insurance claim take?

A straightforward claim with complete documentation typically takes 30 to 90 days. Claims involving high-value antiques, disputes over pre-move condition or the need for multiple restoration estimates can take several months. The mover must acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days under federal regulations.

Should I repair the antique before the adjuster sees it?

No. Do not clean, repair or alter the damaged piece until the insurance adjuster has inspected it and given you written approval to proceed. Any unauthorized repair can void your claim. The only exception is taking emergency steps to prevent further damage, such as covering a broken surface from rain.