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When Movers Damage or Lose Your Goods: Your Rights

Under the Carriage by Road Act, 2007, a carrier's liability for lost or damaged goods is capped unless you agree to pay a higher risk rate, so declare the value of your goods in writing. To go to court you must give the carrier written notice within 180 days of booking.

Declare the value in writing

When goods are sent by a common carrier, the sender signs a goods forwarding note that includes a declaration of the value of the goods, and is responsible for the details being correct. A low or missing value can limit what you can claim later. [1]

How much the carrier is liable for

A carrier's liability for loss or damage is limited to an amount set by rules, based on the value, freight and nature of the goods, unless you pay the carrier a higher risk rate, in which case the agreed terms apply. For delay, liability is limited to the freight charges. [1]

The 180-day notice

You cannot sue a carrier unless you first serve written notice of the loss or damage within 180 days of the date the goods were booked. Send it in writing as soon as you find damage, and keep a copy. [1]

Other ways to claim

  • Transit insurance: if you insured your goods, claim from the insurer. This does not stop you filing a complaint.
  • Consumer complaint: you can present your own case without a lawyer.
  • National Consumer Helpline: call 1915 to try to settle the complaint first.
[2]

What to ask your mover

  • Is your company registered as a carrier?
  • What is your liability if something breaks, and what does transit insurance cost?
  • Will the declared value be written on the forwarding note?
  • How do I report damage, and how long do you take to settle a claim?

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Questions

Is a mover liable for damaged goods in India?

Yes, but under the Carriage by Road Act, 2007 the liability is capped unless you paid a higher risk rate and agreed the terms.

How long do I have to claim against a mover?

To sue, you must serve written notice of the loss or damage within 180 days of booking.

Should I buy transit insurance when moving?

It lets you claim from the insurer, beyond the carrier's capped liability, and does not stop a consumer complaint.

Sources

  1. The Carriage by Road Act, 2007, India Code
  2. How to take legal action against fraud packers and movers, iPleaders

This guide is general information, not legal advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 23, 2026. Talk to a lawyer or the National Consumer Helpline about your own situation.

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