Moving Claims: Damage, Loss and Late Movers
Updated: 3 days ago
Even a well-planned military move can end with a broken dresser, a missing box or a truck that shows up days late. As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I've seen plenty of families go through it. The rules changed in recent years, so here's what applies now.
This article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
On delivery day
Check items as they come off the truck, and note visible damage on the delivery paperwork.
Take photos of damaged items and boxes before you unpack further.
Keep the damaged items until the claim is settled. The mover may want to inspect them.
Essential items: If something you need right away is missing or broken, like a bed or a refrigerator, tell the mover within 7 days of delivery. They have 2 business days to respond.
Claims deadlines
Written notice of loss or damage to the mover: within 180 days of delivery.
Itemized claim in DPS: within 9 months of delivery, or 12 months for shipments picked up on or after May 15, 2026.
Mover confirms it received your claim: within 15 days.
Mover pays, denies or makes an offer: within 30 days for claims of $1,000 or less, or 60 days for claims over $1,000.
Transfer a disputed claim to the Military Claims Office: within 2 years of delivery.
File both the notice and the claim in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). File on time to keep your right to full replacement value. Late claims may only get depreciated value. Claims for nontemporary storage and some direct-procurement shipments go directly to the mover instead.
If the movers are late
If the mover misses the agreed pickup date, or misses the required delivery date after you have a home and are ready for delivery, you may be eligible for an inconvenience claim. That's a payment from the mover for reasonable costs like lodging and meals. It's not an automatic entitlement. To use it:
1. Tell the mover and your transportation office right away that you intend to file.
2. Keep every receipt.
3. Expect the mover to acknowledge within five government business days and reimburse within 30 days of your first contact.
The Military Claims Office doesn't handle inconvenience claims.
Plan for peak season
The Defense Department handles about 400,000 household goods shipments a year, and about 40% happen in peak season. If you can, book early, keep a few days of buffer between closing and delivery, and pack a first-week kit to carry with you.
Who to call
The Personal Property Activity call center is 833-MIL-MOVE (833-645-6683). Your local transportation office can also help.
In Northern Virginia
If your delivery is delayed, a short-term rental or extended-stay hotel near the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir or Quantico can bridge the gap. My hidden moving costs guide covers what's reimbursed and what isn't.
Sources: PPA, the claims process; Military OneSource, moving claims; DoD inconvenience claims fact sheet; GAO-20-295.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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