Military DIY Moves Theft Risk Exposed


Military DIY Moves Theft Risk Exposed

Secure Your Stuff: Essential Tips for Military DIY Moves

Personally Procured Moves (PPMs), often chosen by military service members for flexibility and control, come with unique risks. While offering benefits like better timing and direct handling of belongings, these do-it-yourself relocations place full responsibility on the individual, making proper planning and security paramount. A recent incident highlights the critical need for adequate insurance and robust theft prevention strategies.

The Hidden Dangers of DIY Moves: A Cautionary Tale

Lt. Col. Booth's Devastating Loss

Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Booth experienced a nightmare scenario during his July 2024 PPM to Seattle. His rented U-Haul truck, containing over $225,000 worth of household goods, including valuable firearms, camera equipment, and other personal items, was stolen from a hotel parking lot. Despite Booth's precautions, such as using an indestructible padlock and parking in well-lit areas, thieves bypassed his security measures in under a minute.

Booth, a fourth-generation military officer, was shocked by the brazen theft, especially after being warned by U-Haul employees about other recent truck thefts. He reported the incident to law enforcement, providing serial numbers for his stolen guns and using trackers on some items. However, police were unable to recover his property due to the dangerous nature of the areas where the items were tracked.

Navigating Insurance for Your Personally Procured Move (PPM)

The Costly Insurance Mistake

One of the most significant lessons from Booth's experience revolves around insurance. He had inadvertently reduced his personal property coverage before the move, resulting in his USAA policy paying out only $32,000 against his $225,000 loss. This critical error underscores how easily service members can find themselves underinsured during a PPM.

Expert Advice on Coverage

USAA spokesman Andrew Femath emphasizes that for PPMs, the government is not liable for loss or damage. He advises service members to proactively contact their insurance company before any move to discuss plans and confirm coverage. This ensures there are no gaps in personal property insurance. It's also vital to remember that rental truck company insurance typically covers only the equipment, not the contents. Therefore, separate personal property insurance is crucial.

Proactive Steps to Prevent Rental Truck Theft

To help other service members avoid similar losses, Lt. Col. Booth and U-Haul offer practical tips:

  • Call hotels ahead to inquire about secure, well-lit parking options with security cameras for rental trucks.
  • Avoid leaving trucks parked unattended in areas known for high crime rates.
  • Always remove keys, lock cab doors, and use secure padlocks on rear cargo doors. For trailers, secure locks on chains are also recommended.
  • Strategically park the truck or trailer close to a wall, garage, or solid barrier to prevent easy access to the cargo doors.
  • Consider removing the circuit breaker from the truck's cab to render it inoperable when left unattended.

Maximizing Your PPM: Beyond Security

Why Service Members Choose PPMs

Service members opt for PPMs for various reasons, including better control over timing, increased flexibility, and recent shortages in the DOD household goods shipment program capacity. While the government isn't liable for losses during a PPM, service members receive a payout based on what a commercial mover would charge, calculated by weight and distance.

Feature Government-Contracted Move Personally Procured Move (PPM)
Liability for Loss/Damage Government/contractor liable (with limitations) Service member is fully liable
Flexibility & Control Limited control over dates & movers High control over schedule, packing, route
Insurance Responsibility Handled by contractor/government Service member must secure adequate personal property insurance
Payout/Reimbursement Direct service, no upfront cost to member Reimbursement based on government cost estimate

Official Guidelines for a Smooth PPM

Rebecca Riley, a traffic management specialist at the Defense Department’s PCS Joint Task Force, provides essential advice for successful PPMs:

  • Know the Rules: Always make an appointment at your personal property office to understand specific service branch rules and requirements for PPMs.
  • Weigh Your Belongings: Expect to weigh your truck empty and loaded at a certified weigh station. Some services require multiple weigh-ins.
  • Keep All Receipts: Maintain meticulous records of all expenses incurred during your PPM for reimbursement purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Personally Procured Move (PPM)?
    A PPM (formerly a DITY move) allows military service members to move their own household goods and be reimbursed by the government based on what a commercial moving company would have charged.
  • Is my personal property insured by the rental truck company?
    No, most rental truck company insurance policies only cover the rental equipment itself (the truck/trailer), not the contents inside. You must secure separate personal property insurance.
  • What should I do if my rental truck is stolen?
    Immediately contact local law enforcement and file a police report. Then, notify your personal property insurance company and the rental truck company. Provide any available serial numbers for stolen items to the authorities.
  • How can I ensure my insurance covers my belongings during a DIY move?
    Before your move, contact your personal property insurance provider (e.g., USAA) to inform them of your moving plans and confirm your coverage amounts. Ensure there are no gaps and that your policy adequately covers the value of items being transported.

While PPMs offer significant advantages in terms of control and timing, the onus of security and insurance falls squarely on the service member. Thorough planning, proper insurance coverage, and diligent theft prevention are non-negotiable for a successful and stress-free do-it-yourself military move.

Military DIY Moves Theft Risk Exposed

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