How to Know Your Packers and Movers are Verified and Licensed

Discover key tips to check if your packers and movers are verified and licensed for a stress-free relocation. Learn how to check credentials like licenses, certifications, insurance, and reputation of movers and packers before making an informed decision…

Are you moving to a new city? If so, you might be excited about your new home and the city. Let’s face the truth. Your move can also be stressful, especially if you do not have good planning and the best packers and movers to handle the shifting process. I know the thought of settling in a new city and having a new home can bring joy. However, the process of packing household items and transferring them to the new home can soon turn into a logistical nightmare. How will you make this transition easy and less stressful? Undoubtedly, hiring professional packers and movers is the best thing you can do to make your move easy and hassle-free. There are many packers and movers companies in India to choose from. However, choosing a trustworthy and responsible one can also be a big challenge.

If you indeed wish to have a smooth relocation experience, you must consider hiring one of the packers and movers companies in your current city that is licensed and registered. This is one of the most important steps to make a move hassle-free and less stressful. You must know that an unlicensed or fraudulent moving company can not only delay the process but also damage your valuable household items. This is why you should take your time to verify the credentials of the packers and movers you have hired for your move.

I know you are excited to know the tips on how to know if your packers and movers are verified and licensed. Well, your wait is over now. In this blog post, I will share some helpful tips on how you can check the credentials of your movers and packers so that you can make an informed decision. Whether you are planning a local move or moving to a different city or state, you need to understand the methods to verify the legitimacy of movers and packers. If you know your movers are licensed and registered, you can enjoy a tension-free relocation process for sure.

Why is It Essential to Hire Verified and Licensed Packers and Movers?

You want to hire packers and movers on your move to make the process streamlined and smooth without any issues, right? If so, you must consider hiring a mover that is not only affordable but also verified, licensed, and registered. It is essential because only a legitimate moving company can ensure your move is less stressful. There are many reasons why you should go only with vetted and trustworthy packers and movers in India.

Protection from Fraudulent Activities

I am feeling sad to say that there are, unfortunately, several unregistered or fraudulent relocation companies. These companies often lure innocent customers by offering them a low price estimate. Once they take your belongings, they may unexpectedly inflate the prices. That’s not all. They may put your items at risk or even disappear with your goods. However, this is not the case with a licensed and registered moving company. A verified, legitimate moving company works under the legal framework and follows industry standards. Thus, there are a few chances of fraudulent circumstances if you hire one of the verified and licensed movers and packers in your city.

Safety and Protection of Your Goods

One of the main perks of hiring legitimate and licensed packers and movers is that they offer insurance coverage for your essential goods. This means that if your goods are damaged or lost, unfortunately, in transit, you will get compensation for that loss. On the flip side, unlicensed and unregistered moving companies do not give such guarantees. This puts you and your belongings at risk.

Legal Accountability

Fully vetted and licensed moving companies are legally constrained by industry norms and regulations. This means that if something goes wrong during your move, you have legal help and you can demand compensation. Apart from that, these legal companies are members of legitimate industry associations that set the best policies and quality standards for the services. If you employ a licensed and legitimate moving company on your move, you know that they are responsible for their actions and will work according to legal guidelines.

Quality of Services

Verified and licensed movers are by and large better ready to offer high-quality relocation services. They employ a trained workforce, modern tools and equipment, and GPS-enabled adequate vehicles for the safe transportation of goods. These trustworthy companies have systems to ensure proper packing, safe handling, and timely delivery of your household belongings. Their expertise will give you an efficient and tension-free moving experience for sure.

Types of Licenses and Certifications to Check

In India, packers and movers companies need different types of licenses and certifications to legally execute their operations. If you understand these licenses and certifications, you can better check their credentials. Here are a few important licenses and certifications that you should look for when hiring movers and packers in India.

GST Registration

Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration is an essential document (certification) for any business in India. Needless to say, packers and movers business also comes under this registration. A legit and verified moving company must be GST registered if its annual turnover is more than a specified limit. This registration ensures that the company is operating its business under a legal framework designed by the Government of India and will have to pay taxes. The best thing is that you can easily check the GST registration of packers and movers by entering the GST number on the official GST portal of India.

ISO Certification

International Organization for Standardization or ISO certification is another essential certification that you should look for when hiring packers and movers for your move. It ensures that the moving company strictly follows international quality standards in their operations. Professional packers and movers with ISO certifications follow standardized processes and ensure safe and timely delivery of your goods. However, ISO certification is not mandatory for moving companies, it is a good sign of the credibility of a moving company and customer satisfaction.

Transporter’s License

If packers and movers operate their business across the country and use road transport, they must have a valid transporter’s license. This specific license is issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and allows the companies to operate their businesses legally in the transportation sector. Furthermore, it ensures that the moving company strictly follows the essential security protocols specified for interstate goods transportation. When hiring packers and movers, you can ask them to provide a copy of their transporter’ license. You can also check the license and gather information about their vehicle fleet on their website.

IBA Certification

Indian Bank Association (IBA) provides certifications to packers and movers companies that meet specific industry norms and standards. This specific certification is a matter of reputation for most legitimate moving companies for their reliability and professionalism. If your mover claims to be an IBA-approved moving company, you should check the same on the official IBA website.

Other State-Level Certifications

In many states of India, packers and movers need to obtain special licenses and certifications to operate their business in the state. For example, the Maharashtra Motor Transport Workers Act or the Delhi Motor Transport Workers Union requires moving companies to be registered with the relevant transport or labor unions. These certifications can vary based on your location and the services you need.

How to Verify Credentials of Packers and Movers

Once you know what licenses and certifications you should look for when hiring movers and packers, your next step should be verifying them. Here are a few practical tips that will help you know if packers and movers are licensed and verified.

Check Online Listing and Directory

There are many online directories and portals in India that provide a list of verified and licensed packers and movers. Moving Solutions, Urban Company, JustDial, and Sulekha are some of the popular Indian portals where you can find a list of available moving companies in your city. Each portal has its own parameters to verify the company and hence the list may vary from one portal/directory to another. These portals will allow you to find nearby moving companies, look for their contact details, read reviews, and check their customer ratings. The best thing is that packers and movers have to furnish their legal documents and certifications to be listed on these legitimate portals.

If you are looking for one of the best portals for finding an authentic list of top-rated movers and packers, Moving Solutions can be the best choice. The best part is that it is India’s leading dedicated packers and movers referencing portal. On the other hand, websites like JustDial and Sulekha are multi-niche portals. Moving Solutions strictly verifies the credentials of movers beforehand and allows customers to compare the rates and book the right service provider. In general, checking online directories and portals is an essential step to finding a legitimate and reliable moving company.

Visit the Official Website

By and large, a professional moving company processes a well-maintained website where they present their services, licenses, certifications, and customers’ testimonials. Here you should understand that a fraudulent moving company would never like to invest a handsome amount of money on a website. Of course, they may have a website but the look and feel of the website will tell the story. The best thing that you should do is go to the official website of the movers and packers. Check there their GST registration, ISO certification, IBA certification, and other certifications if any. Most prestigious relocation companies clearly present their credentials on their websites.

Request Directly to Show the Documents

When meeting with packers and movers, do not hesitate at all. Ask them directly to give you copies of their licenses and certifications. Here is a trick. If a company hesitates to give or show you the licenses and certifications, it is a red flag. A legitimate company will never hesitate. They will happily provide you with the information you request. For example, you can ask movers to provide you with their GST registration and transporter license, and IBA certification (if they claim), and cross-check the same. If you take these necessary steps, you can know if your movers and packers are vetted and licensed.

Visit Their Office

This is another important step that you should complete if possible. If you visit the office of your chosen movers and packers, you can meet their team and check their credentials personally in better ways. If the company does not have a physical address (office), this is another big sign of a fraudulent mover. A legitimate moving service provider must have a physical office and knowledgeable and professional staff members. When meeting or interviewing with movers at their offices, you can check their original licenses and certifications.

Verify the Reputation of the Company

Online reviews, customer ratings, customer testimonials, and word-of-mouth are valuable tools that can significantly help you verify the reputation of packers and movers. All you need to do is check out tools through trusted platforms and honest social media forums. Apart from that, you can ask your friends, relatives, colleagues, and neighbors for recommendations. However, you also need to ensure that these folks have already used relocation services earlier. The personal experience of a known person can help you better understand the trustworthiness and professionalism of movers and packers.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring Movers and Packers

In spite of taking the best precautions, there can be still some red flags that indicate packers and movers are not properly licensed and verified. So, keep an eye on the following warning signs when considering hiring packers and movers for your move.

Lack of Documentation

Many moving companies fail to show essential licenses and certifications. This is one of the biggest red flags, you must know. If your mover hesitates to show you documentation or refuses to give you any proof of their legitimacy, it is better to look for other options. Remember that a legitimate moving company will always be happy to show you talk about their legitimacy, certifications, licenses, and past customers as well.

Suspiciously Low Quotes

If a mover gives you an estimate that seems to be the cheapest in the market, you might feel that you are getting a good deal. But, feeling good is always good. In reality, it can be a trap. Dishonest or unlicensed movers and packers often lure innocent customers with unrealistic low quotes. Once they grab the business, they add hidden fees later. So, make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the total cost. Also, do not forget to compare the quotes from other companies so that you can grab a fair deal and hire the services at a reasonable price.

No Physical Address or Office

This is another big sign of a fraudulent or dishonest moving company. This is why you should visit the office of the mover if possible. If a moving company only works online and does not have any credentials like certifications and licenses, this can be a big sign of scams or fraud. So, beware of such companies and be super cautious when hiring a company that does not have a physical address or office.

Inadequate Vehicles or Equipment

A well-established relocation company should have adequate, specially designed goods carriers to transport goods. They should also have the latest tools and equipment to pack goods and handle loading and unloading work. If a mover does not have adequate vehicles, packing supplies, and essential tools and equipment—this can be a sign that the company is not fully ready to work professionally.

Unprofessional Behavior

When you interact with movers and packers, pay attention to their professional behaviors. If the staff are hesitant to answer your questions in a professional and systematic way, it may be the company is not properly trained or regulated. Keep in mind that a trustworthy moving company has a well-trained team, showcases professionalism in their behaviors, and offers excellent customer service.

How to Check the Company’s Reputation Through Reviews and Testimonials

An effective way to assess the reliability and professionalism of a packers and movers company is to check their reputation. In the digital age, reviews and testimonials are effective tools to understand the experiences of past customers. Here are some ways you can check the reputation of a company:

Use Online Review Platforms

You know well that Google Reviews, Justdial, Sulekha, Mouthshut, TrustPilot, and SiteJabber are some popular sites that provide plenty of reviews and ratings for moving companies and other businesses as well. Moving Solutions, Packersandmover.com, Shiftmycarbike.com, and Abroadmovers.com are some niche portals where you can find reviews and ratings, particularly for packers and movers or transport companies.

These platforms present detailed feedback related to timeliness, professionalism, quality of packing, and luggage handling. When browsing these platforms, look for consistency in reviewing patterns. If a company is getting positive reviews and good ratings across multiple platforms, it is more likely that they are trustworthy. However, be cautious. If a company does not have even a single negative review, this can again be fishy. Such reviews can be manipulated.

When reading reviews and checking ratings, focus on those reviews that are written in detail. For example, a good review may give you an understanding of the booking process, packing quality, timely delivery, and safe transportation. Also, check how the company responds to those reviews.

Get Recommendations from Friends and Relatives

Word-of-mouth recommendations are always beneficial in getting something good. You can use this special social tool to find and verify the reputation of movers and packers. What you need to do is prepare a list of friends, neighbors, relatives, and colleagues who have earlier used professional relocation services.

Check Social Media and Forum

Legitimate moving companies often have their profiles on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The presence of moving companies on different social media platforms may exhibit different traits like operation methods, customer interaction, and quality of services. It would be a wise decision to check these platforms to understand and check the credibility of potential packers and movers. In addition, you can also check relocation-related forums and discussion groups where consumers share their experiences with moving companies. Reddit, Quora, and Facebook groups are excellent forums where you can check consumers’ thoughts and comments.

Look for Verified Badges on Online Platforms

Many online platforms like Facebook, Google My Business, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube provide verified badges to those businesses that go through an extended verification process. These badges indicate that companies have been thoroughly vetted and have completed industry standard norms. However, you also need to know that not every verified badge guarantees 100% reliability. Actually, it is another layer of guarantee that the company is legitimate and trustworthy.

Look for Red Flags in Reviews

It is a wise decision to check online reviews and ratings of packers and movers to make an informed decision. Of course, positive reviews help in trusting movers. However, you should also keep an eye on negative or fake reviews. Beware of those companies that have exaggerated positive reviews and no negative feedback. If a company has all positive reviews, it means something is fishy—it might be paid or fake reviews. It is understandable that most companies have a few common complaints. But, if a company has mostly negative reviews and lots of unsolved complaints, you need to be wary of such companies.

The Role of Insurance in Relocation: Why It Matters & How to Verify It

Insurance is an essential part of relocation. The reason is obvious. It protects your goods from potential damage or loss during transportation. A verified and licensed packers and movers company always gives insurance coverage for your goods. This is why it is an important factor to ensure a tension-free moving experience. If you are not aware of the role of insurance in moving and how to verify it, do not worry. Here is the method to verify insurance and understand its role in your move.

Why Insurance is Important

No matter what level of preparation you have done for your move. No matter how careful your movers are, accidents or unforeseen circumstances can happen during the move. For example, your goods may get damaged in transit, or the truck may break down, resulting in unnecessary delay. However, if you have insurance coverage, you can ensure that your goods are secured. If, unfortunately, any damage occurs, you can claim for compensation. This also provides you with peace of mind; you will not have to lift a financial burden if something goes wrong in transit. In some cases, Indian packers and movers offer different types of coverage, such as:

• Transit Insurance: This covers loss or damage that usually happens during the transportation of your goods.
• Comprehensive Insurance: This covers damage to goods during both packing and transportation.
• Warehouse Insurance: This covers loss or damage to goods stored in movers’ warehouses before or after the move.

Verifying Insurance Coverage

Before you hire packers and movers, you must ask about the type of insurance coverage they provide. Ask them to provide you with the documents of the insurance policy offered. If possible, take your time to verify the policy with the insurance company. Make sure the insurance document clearly exhibits what types of damage are being covered and what the limits of the coverage are. You can ask the movers to provide the insurance policy number and the contact details of the insurance provider. This will help you verify it directly with the insurance provider. Additionally, make sure that the insurance covers the total value of your belongings. Especially if you are moving valuable and fragile items.

Check the Insurance License

Only those moving companies can offer insurance coverage that have the necessary licenses to act as insurance providers. So, it is essential to check the insurance license, too. Take your time to verify the credentials and make sure that the company is authorized to offer insurance. A moving company can also provide a licensed third-party insurance provider. However, things should be clear beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes with packers and movers. If you take care of these things well, this will help you ensure that you are covered by a legitimate insurance policy.

What If You Encounter a Dispute with Packers and Movers

Despite your best efforts to verify the credentials and legitimacy of packers and movers, disputes or issues may arise during or after the move. What will you do, then? Remember that you must know how to resolve these issues in an effective and fair way. If you encounter a dispute with your packers and movers, you can take the following steps.

Review the Contract

To resolve a dispute in a fair way it is always better to go through the contract. It’s the contract that you signed with your packers and movers. A legitimate and well-established moving company will give you a formal agreement. The agreement usually outlines the services, cost estimate, and terms and conditions. If any problem occurs, this contract will be really helpful because it serves as the basis for resolving the issue. If the company does not provide a contract or refuses to follow terms and conditions, it is a big red flag. In this case, you may need to seek legal assistance.

Contact the Moving Company Directly

Call the moving company directly without any hesitation and share with them the issues you are facing. A legitimate and professional company will always be ready to resolve your issues or complaints. Whether your goods are damaged or lost, delivery is delayed, or you get poor services—it is best to resolve the issue with direct communication. If the moving company is not ready to cooperate or make amends, you have the choice to escalate the matter.

Leverage Consumer Protection Services

Thankfully, you have legal protections as consumers in India. If you are movers are not responsive or cooperative, you can register a complaint with consumer protection bodies such as the Consumer Forum or the National Consumer Helpline. These organizations can act as mediators for disputes and provide legal assistance if necessary. Plus, you can file a complaint with the transport authorities if the issue is related to transport services. If your issue is related to coverage, you can register a complaint with the insurance company or the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).

Legal Remedies

If your dispute with packers and movers does not get resolution with communication or consumer protection agencies, you have the last option, legal action. Consult a lawyer who specializes in consumer law to explore your options. Do not hesitate to register an FIR at the Police Station if you have severe issues like fraud or theft. You can learn more via our other blog: How to Resolve Disputes or Take Legal Actions Against Packers and Movers.

Final Checklist Before Hiring Packers and Movers

If you want to hire a particular packers and movers company for your move, make sure that you have taken all the essential steps. Here is a detailed checklist to help you.

• License and Certification: Verify that the moving company has essential licenses and certifications, such as GST registration, ISO certification, and transporter’s license.
• Insurance Coverage: Ensure that your chosen mover offers insurance coverage for the goods you want to shift. Also, verify the insurance policy.
• Reputation Check: Go through Google, TrustPilot, SiteJabber, Facebook Recommendations, and Moutshut.com. Read reviews and check ratings to have an understanding of movers’ reputation. Also, collect recommendations from your loved ones, like friends, relatives, colleagues, and neighbors. Exploring social media platforms and online forums will also help you check the reputation of movers.
• Experience and Expertise: You should hire a moving company whose track record proves that it has handled many moves like yours.
• Pricing Transparency: Make sure that pricing is clear and there is no hidden cost included. Plus, get everything in writing.
• Terms and Conditions: Read the contract carefully and ensure that there are no hidden fees or clauses that can create problems later.
• Professionalism: Pay attention to how the moving company communicates with you, from the initial inquiry to the final move.

If you follow these steps, you can ensure you hire verified and licensed packers and movers for your move. Needless to say, a legitimate and licensed company will make your move smooth without any difficulties.

Final Thoughts

Hiring packers and movers during a move is one of the most common practices during a move. If you, too, are thinking of hiring professional moving services for your upcoming move, you need to ensure that your packers and movers company is licensed and insured. Of course, the process of verifying movers and packers can take your time but the reward will be great. Planning a move with a licensed and insured moving company ensures that your goods will be handled with care and are insured against damage or loss in transit. It also assures that if something goes wrong like fraud or scams, you have legal protection. As a result, you will have a tension-free moving experience and get your goods delivered to your destination safely without unnecessary delays.

So, leverage the tips and suggestions highlighted in this blog post and take your time to verify the credentials of packers and movers that you want to employ on your move. If you do not have enough time to verify the movers, count on Moving Solutions. Moving Solutions is India’s leading packers and movers referencing portal where you can find a pre-verified list of top-notch companies, whether you want to hire packers and movers in Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, or anywhere else.