12 Questions to Ask Any Chicago Mover Before You Sign (And What Good Answers Sound Like)

Asking the right questions before hiring a Chicago mover is the single best way to protect yourself from scams, hidden fees, and damaged belongings. Moving fraud cases have risen sharply since 2024, with victims losing an average of $2,800 per incident, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) complaint data. Every legitimate Chicago moving company should answer the following 12 questions clearly, in writing, and without hesitation.

Use this guide as a screening tool. If a mover fumbles, dodges, or refuses to answer any of these questions, walk away.

Why Does Asking the Right Questions Matter When Hiring a Chicago Mover?

Chicago’s moving market is large, competitive, and unevenly regulated. Hundreds of legitimate companies operate alongside fly-by-night brokers and unlicensed crews who disappear after collecting deposits. Asking standardized questions exposes the difference quickly. The questions below cover four areas: licensing and credentials, pricing and estimates, insurance and liability, and service operations.

Licensing and Credentials Questions

1. Are You Licensed with the U.S. DOT and FMCSA?

What a good answer sounds like: “Yes. We can provide our U.S. DOT number, and you can verify our active operating authority on the FMCSA website at fmcsa.dot.gov.” Every interstate mover must hold a valid USDOT number issued by the FMCSA. Red flag: the company avoids giving the number, gives one that returns no results, or claims licensing is not required.

2. Do You Hold a Valid Illinois Commerce Commission MC License?

What a good answer sounds like: “Yes. We hold an active Illinois MC license registered with the Illinois Commerce Commission for intrastate moves, and we can provide the number on request.” Local Illinois moves require state-level licensing in addition to federal registration. Red flag: the mover only mentions federal authority and cannot provide a state MC number.

3. Are You a Carrier, a Broker, or Both?

What a good answer sounds like: “We are a carrier. We own our trucks, employ our crews, and handle every move ourselves.” Brokers sell your move to another company, which can cause accountability gaps. Brokers are not automatically bad, but you must know who is actually moving your belongings. Red flag: evasive answers or refusal to identify the actual carrier.

Pricing and Estimate Questions

4. Do You Offer Binding Estimates?

What a good answer sounds like: “Yes. We provide binding estimates after an in-home or video walkthrough. The price you sign is the price you pay.” Non-binding estimates can grow 20 to 40 percent on moving day. Red flag: phone-only quotes with no inventory walkthrough.

5. How Much Deposit Do You Require?

What a good answer sounds like: “We collect a small deposit of 10 to 20 percent to reserve your date. Final payment is due upon delivery, and we accept credit cards.” Red flag: requests for 50 percent or more upfront, or cash-only or wire-transfer-only payment terms.

6. What Additional Fees or Surcharges Might Apply?

What a good answer sounds like: “Possible surcharges include long carry, stair fees, shuttle service, parking permits, fuel, and specialty item handling. All potential charges are listed in your written estimate.” Red flag: vague pricing or refusal to itemize potential add-ons in writing.

Insurance and Liability Questions

7. What Valuation Coverage Do You Offer?

What a good answer sounds like: “We provide released-value protection at no charge, which covers 60 cents per pound per item on interstate moves. Full-value protection is available for an added cost and reimburses the actual replacement value of damaged goods.” Red flag: the mover dismisses the question or claims to self-insure without documentation.

8. Can You Provide a Certificate of Insurance?

What a good answer sounds like: “Yes. We can issue a Certificate of Insurance to your building management within 24 to 48 hours of request.” Most Chicago apartment and condo buildings require a COI before move-in. Red flag: excuses, delays, or claims that a COI is not necessary.

Service and Operations Questions

9. Will My Belongings Be Moved in Your Own Marked Trucks?

What a good answer sounds like: “Yes. Our trucks display our company name, logo, and USDOT number.” Red flag: unmarked rental trucks suggest the mover lacks proper licensing or insurance.

10. How Long Have You Been in Business at This Location?

What a good answer sounds like: “We have operated from the same office for many years. You can visit us in person and check our BBB profile and online reviews.” Red flag: companies that frequently change names or operate only from a P.O. box.

11. Will You Provide a Written Contract and Bill of Lading?

What a good answer sounds like: “Yes. You will receive a written contract before the move and a Bill of Lading on moving day. We also provide the federally required Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet for interstate moves.” Red flag: blank contracts, missing inventory sheets, or pressure to sign incomplete paperwork.

12. What Is Your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?

What a good answer sounds like: “We allow rescheduling with reasonable advance notice without penalty. Cancellation policies are clearly stated in your contract.” Red flag: no written cancellation terms or non-refundable deposits with vague conditions.

Quick-Reference Red Flag Table

How to Verify a Chicago Mover’s Credentials

Verifying credentials takes less than ten minutes:

• Search the company’s USDOT number at fmcsa.dot.gov to confirm active operating authority and review complaint history
• Verify Illinois MC license at the Illinois Commerce Commission website
• Check Better Business Bureau accreditation, rating, and complaint resolution at bbb.org
• Cross-reference Google, Yelp, and Angi reviews. Look for consistent patterns across platforms, not isolated extremes
• Confirm the physical address exists on Google Maps Street View

Get a Binding Quote from a Mover Who Passes Every Question

Every question on this list has a clear, verifiable answer when you work with a licensed and established company. As experienced Chicago movers with offices in Bensenville and Lisle, Advanced Moving and Storage has been answering these questions for over 35 years. We hold U.S. DOT No. 872553, Illinois MC1035, and BBB A+ accreditation, and we provide binding estimates, full Certificates of Insurance, and written contracts on every move.

Call (630) 216-8637 or request a free estimate online to start with a mover who passes every question.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Chicago Mover

How do I check if a Chicago moving company is licensed?

Search the company’s USDOT number at fmcsa.dot.gov for federal licensing and check the Illinois Commerce Commission website for state MC license verification. Both sites list operating status and complaint history.

Is it normal for movers to ask for a deposit?

Yes. Most legitimate Chicago movers request a 10 to 20 percent deposit to reserve your date. Demands for 50 percent or more upfront, especially in cash, are major red flags.

What is the difference between a moving carrier and a broker?

A carrier owns the trucks and performs the move with its own crew. A broker arranges the move and sells it to a third-party carrier. Carriers offer more direct accountability than brokers.

Do I need full-value protection for a Chicago move?

Released-value protection covers only 60 cents per pound, which is rarely enough for valuable items. Full-value protection reimburses the actual replacement value of damaged goods and is recommended for moves involving electronics, antiques, or fragile furniture.

What should a moving contract include?

A moving contract should include your binding estimate, complete inventory, pickup and delivery dates, valuation coverage selection, all potential surcharges, payment terms, and the mover’s licensing information.

Should I tip my Chicago movers?

Tipping is customary for good service. A standard tip is $20 to $30 per mover for local moves or 5 to 10 percent of the total cost for long-distance moves.

Chicago Mover Screening Summary

The 12 questions in this guide separate licensed, established Chicago movers from rogue operators in under fifteen minutes of conversation. Confirm USDOT and Illinois MC licensing, demand a binding written estimate, verify insurance and valuation coverage, and walk away from anyone who pressures you for large cash deposits or refuses to put answers in writing. The right questions cost nothing to ask and can save thousands.

This guide was prepared by the team at Advanced Moving and Storage, a family-owned moving company based in Bensenville, Illinois, serving the Chicago metropolitan area for over 35 years. Licensed under U.S. DOT No. 872553 and Illinois MC1035, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.