Difference between non-bingind moving estimate and Binding Moving estimate.

Binding and non-binding moving estimates

Since we received a couple of e-mails about binding moving estimates and non-binding moving estimates, we are going to explain the types of moving estimates in more details.

So as we mentioned, most moving companies provide these two types of moving estimates when they are determining how much the whole moving process will cost.

What is a Binding Moving Estimate

A binding estimate is the bid provided from your moving company after they do a survey of your belongings that are going to be moved. After they take a detailed look at you items that you want to be moved and the distance you want them to be moved, your moving company will calculate a binding moving estimate. The binding estimate is provided on an estimate sheet and once you have signed that, you are obligated to pay exactly the price specified in that binding moving estimate. Even if the shipment weight is more or less that the estimated amount that has been calculated before, you have to pay only for what you signed in the binding moving estimate or no more than 10% more. But if you add more items on your moving list or require additional services from your moving company, then that moving company has the right to revise the original binding estimate that you have signed and to raise your final bill. So keep that in mind.

What is a Non Binding Moving Estimate

The other type moving estimates are the non-binding moving estimates. The non-binding moving estimate carries no guarantees that you will have to pay only the price that has been written on that estimate. Sometimes the price that you will have to pay is higher than the price written on the non-binding moving estimate.
The non-binding moving estimate is based on an initial survey on your items by your moving company and the final cost is determined after the shipment is weighed and certified.  It is basically an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s survey of the items to be moved, with the final cost determined after the shipment is weighed.
Because the non-binding moving estimate is based on the actual weight of the shipment and not the estimated weight, the price is usually lower than a binding moving estimate.
All non-binding estimates must be written and must accurately and in details describe the shipment and all the services included by your mover.
If you have signed a non-binding moving estimate, your mover cannot require you to pay more than the price quoted in the estimate plus 10 percent (110% of the estimated amount).

For additional information read our article for “How to estimate moving costs”.

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