How to Verify a Moving Company's Legitimacy in Canada?

 

This complete guide teaches you how to thoroughly vet a moving company's legitimacy in Canada through license checks, online reviews, and more.

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time. As you plan your move, hiring a moving company in Canada is often a wise choice to help transport your belongings safely and efficiently. 

However, it's critical to verify a moving company’s legitimacy before entrusting them with your precious cargo and hard-earned money. 

This complete guide will teach you how to thoroughly vet potential moving companies through license checks, online reviews, insurance verification, and other background checks.

Step 1: Confirm they are Licensed and Insured

The first step is to check that the moving company is properly licensed and insured. All interprovincial moving companies in Canada must hold a license from the Canadian Association of Movers. 

You can verify a company's license by searching on CAM's website. This ensures they are legally registered for business.

Additionally, legitimate moving companies carry cargo and liability insurance. Ask to see proof of both policies and verify they are valid and sufficient to cover your belongings. Reputable movers will gladly provide this documentation.

Step 2: Research Online Reviews Extensively

Next, dive deeply into online reviews to understand other customers' experiences. 

Check multiple review sites like Google, Yelp, HomeStars, and the Better Business Bureau. 

Sort by low ratings and read the details carefully. Legitimate complaints about damage, delays, overcharges or rudeness provide insight into how they operate.

Also search the company name plus words like "scam", "complaint", or "review" to uncover concerning reports. 

Many scams have patterns of exploits you can identify this way. Dig until you’ve developed an evidence-based opinion.

Step 3: Interview Representatives Thoroughly

Once you’ve identified some potentials, interview company representatives thoroughly, either on the phone or ideally in person. 

Ask lots of specific questions about their processes, equipment, personnel and policies. Get a feel for their professionalism and transparency.

Inquire if they conduct background checks on movers, offer secured storage, and clearly outline costs. 

Clarify what is/isn’t covered by insurance. Reputable companies will answer openly without dodging or using pressure tactics.

Step 4: Investigate Rates and Get Quotes

As part of your background check, closely investigate rates and get binding quotes. 

Good indicators are fixed rates without fluctuations, affordable prices on par with industry averages, and quotes near estimates.

Compare prices from multiple movers to identify major discrepancies. Be wary if rates seem suspiciously low as corners may be cut. Read all fine print too and get any vague areas clarified upfront.

Step 5: Require and Check References

Furthermore, requiring and checking references lends insights into real customer experiences. 

Ask for recent references and actually call them. Inquire about professionalism, responsiveness, fees and if damages/issues were addressed fairly. This helps expose recurring complaints or shady practices.

If a company denies requests for references altogether, it may signal unwillingness to have previous clients contacted.

Step 6: Confirm DOT Numbers and Track Records

For interstate moves, ensure the company provides valid DOT license numbers proving they are sanctioned to operate across state lines.

You can then look up safety records using these DOT numbers on the FMCSA's SAFER database. 

Check details like insurance status, operating authority, safety certifications, inspections conducted, and any incidents. This offers transparency into track records.

Step 7: Research Owner Histories

Finally, researching company ownership histories can uncover disconcerting revelations. 

Search state business registries to find out if founders or directors have been involved in past bankruptcies, dissolved firms, or complaints.

You can also pay for background checks through sites like BeenVerified. Reports with concerning financial/legal histories should raise red flags about business ethics.

Protect Your Move by Completing All Checks

By thoroughly completing all seven background checks, you gain peace of mind hiring a legitimate moving company or alternatively expose fraudulent operations. 

Protect your upcoming move by verifying licenses, insurance, online reviews, quotes, references, DOT numbers and ownership histories beforehand.

This complete guide equips you to scrutinize potential movers through essential vetting tactics. Planning alleviates stresses later and ensures your precious belongings and hard-earned money are in good hands. Stay vigilant and don’t be afraid to keep searching until everything checks out. Safe travels!