Moving in Los Angeles is already stressful enough: traffic, parking, stairs, HOA rules, and elevators that seem to break only on moving day. The last thing you need is to worry about whether the moving company is actually playing fair.
I move people all over LA County, and I’ve seen what happens when folks don’t know their rights: surprise fees, held-hostage furniture, and "cash only" demands at the door. You actually have more protection than you might think—you just need to understand it and use it.
Let’s walk through your consumer rights when hiring movers in Los Angeles, step by step, in plain English. I’ll also explain how we handle these things at United Prime Van Lines, because if you decide to move with us, I want you to feel in control from the first quote to the final signature.
Before we get into the details, it helps to know which rules even apply—because LA is a bit of a maze.
In this guide, I’m focusing primarily on California consumer rights, as that covers most local LA moves.
In Los Angeles, you have the right to a written estimate before the move starts. Not a vague ballpark over the phone, and not a text message saying "It'll be around $800."
For California moves, the estimate must include:
The "Not To Exceed" Price: For intrastate moves, you have the right to a "Not To Exceed" (NTE) price. This means the mover cannot charge you more than that number for the services listed, unless you add more items or services on moving day and sign a Change of Service order.
My Advice: Don't sign a blank estimate "to save your spot." At United Prime Van Lines, we provide detailed written estimates so you aren't relying on memory.
Los Angeles movers are not allowed to play "oh, by the way" once your furniture is on the truck. You have a right to see all potential fees before the move starts.
Common Fees That Must Be Disclosed:
If a mover tries to surprise-add these at the end without disclosing them in writing beforehand, you have the right to challenge the bill.
A legitimate mover will always give you a Bill of Lading. This is your official contract.
You have the right to:
Red Flag: If you are handed a document with blank fields for pricing and told "just sign here so we can start," do not sign it.
This is the most misunderstood part of moving. Valuation is not insurance.
Option A: Basic Liability (Released Value)
Option B: Full Value Protection (FVP)
You have the right to know which level of protection you are signing up for. At United Prime Van Lines, we explain this clearly so you aren't shocked if an accident happens.
For local moves, you are typically charged by the hour. You have the right to:
This is the nightmare scenario: a mover loads your stuff, then demands double the price to unload it. This is illegal.
At United Prime Van Lines, the price matches the contract. We don't play games with people's lives.
In LA, many "moving companies" are actually brokers who sell your job to the lowest bidder.
You have the right to know:
At United Prime Van Lines, we are a carrier. Our crews, our trucks, our standards.
If something is damaged or missing, you have the right to file a claim.
Los Angeles has a reputation for chaos, but when it comes to hiring movers, you are not at the mercy of "whatever happens, happens."
You have rights to clear pricing, a proper contract, and professional handling. A good moving company will make those rights feel natural, not like something you have to fight for.
If you want your next move to feel like a well-planned project rather than a leap of faith, United Prime Van Lines is here to help you do it the right way—step by step, in writing, and always on your terms.
