Summary:
You’ve got a move coming up, and you need help. But scrolling through pages of moving companies on Long Island can feel like playing roulette—some look great online, others have one-star horror stories, and most of them sound exactly the same.
Here’s the truth: not every company that owns a truck and advertises on Google is actually qualified to move your stuff. Some aren’t properly licensed. Others skip insurance to keep costs low. And plenty will tell you what you want to hear, right up until something goes wrong.
This guide breaks down the three things that actually matter when you’re choosing a moving company: licensing, insurance, and reviews. Let’s start with the one that protects you legally.
Why Licensing Matters When Hiring Movers on Long Island
Licensing isn’t just paperwork. It’s proof that a moving company has met New York State’s requirements to legally operate and handle your belongings across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and beyond.
In New York, the Department of Transportation regulates household goods movers. That means any legitimate moving company operating on Long Island needs to be registered with the NYSDOT. Without that registration, they’re not legally allowed to move your stuff—and if something goes wrong, you have very little recourse.
Interstate movers also need a USDOT number. If you’re leaving Long Island for another state, make sure the company has both. You can verify these numbers online through the NYSDOT website or by contacting their office directly. It takes five minutes, and it’s the fastest way to weed out companies that aren’t operating above board.
How to Verify a Moving Company License in New York
Verifying a mover’s license is easier than most people think, but hardly anyone actually does it. That’s a mistake, especially when you’re trying to find the best moving company on Long Island.
Start by asking the company for their NYSDOT certificate number. A legitimate mover will have it listed on their website or will give it to you without hesitation. If they dodge the question or make excuses, that’s your first red flag.
Once you have the number, head to the NYSDOT website and search their database. You can also contact the state directly if you prefer to speak with someone. The state keeps records of every licensed mover, including their registration status and any complaints filed against them.
For interstate moves, you’ll also want to check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Enter the company’s USDOT number and look for their safety rating and compliance history. Under “Safety Rating Data,” confirm they’re authorized for household goods. If that designation isn’t there, they’re not legally allowed to move residential belongings across state lines.
This step takes a few minutes, but it can save you from hiring a company that’s either unlicensed or has a history of violations. And if a mover pressures you to book before you’ve had time to verify their credentials, walk away. Reliable movers in Suffolk County and Nassau County won’t rush you through this.
What Happens When You Hire an Unlicensed Mover
Hiring an unlicensed mover might seem like a way to save money, especially if their quote is lower than everyone else’s. But that discount comes with serious risks that can cost you far more in the long run.
First, unlicensed movers aren’t held to the same standards as registered companies. They don’t have to follow state regulations on pricing, conduct, or claims handling. If they damage your belongings or lose something during a move from Huntington to Babylon, you have almost no legal protection. Filing a complaint with the state won’t help because the company isn’t in their system to begin with.
Second, unlicensed movers often don’t carry proper insurance. That means if one of their workers gets injured on your property in Nassau County, you could be held liable. If they damage your building’s elevator or scratch a hallway wall, your landlord or condo board might come after you for the repairs. These aren’t hypothetical scenarios—they happen more often than you’d think.
Third, there’s no accountability. Licensed movers can lose their certificates if they violate state rules or rack up too many complaints. That threat keeps most companies in line. Unlicensed movers have nothing to lose, which is why some of them disappear after a bad move or refuse to respond to damage claims.
Choosing an unlicensed company to save a hundred bucks isn’t worth the risk. You’re not just paying for labor—you’re paying for legal protection, accountability, and peace of mind. If a mover can’t prove they’re licensed, they shouldn’t be on your shortlist.
Understanding Moving Company Insurance Requirements
Licensing proves a company is legal. Insurance proves they’re protected—and so are you.
New York requires moving companies to carry multiple types of insurance: general liability, cargo insurance, and workers’ compensation. Each one covers a different risk, and all three are mandatory. If a mover doesn’t have them, they’re either cutting corners or operating illegally.
General liability protects against property damage. Cargo insurance covers your belongings during the move. Workers’ compensation protects you if a mover gets hurt on the job. Without these policies in place, you’re exposed to financial liability that could cost you thousands of dollars.
Why Your Building Requires a Certificate of Insurance
If you’re moving into or out of a condo, co-op, or apartment building on Long Island, your property manager will likely ask for a Certificate of Insurance—commonly called a COI. This document proves that your moving company carries the required insurance coverage.
A COI typically lists five types of coverage: general liability, workers’ compensation, automotive liability, cargo insurance, and umbrella coverage. Buildings require this paperwork because moves are high-risk events. Elevators get damaged. Walls get scratched. Floors get scuffed. And if a mover gets injured in a common area, the building doesn’t want to be held responsible.
Most residential buildings in New York require at least $1 million in general liability coverage. Larger or luxury buildings may require up to $10 million. The COI names the building as an additional insured party, which means the mover’s insurance will cover any damage or injury claims that happen during your move.
Here’s the part people don’t realize: if your mover can’t provide a COI, your building might not let them in. That can delay your entire move, sometimes by days or weeks. And if your lease requires you to move out by a certain date, that delay can cost you money in overlap rent or storage fees.
A professional moving company will have no problem providing a COI. We’ll ask for your building’s requirements, send the document to your property manager, and handle the whole process without you lifting a finger. If a mover tells you they don’t do COIs or tries to charge you extra for one, that’s a red flag. It usually means they’re either underinsured or not insured at all.
How to Confirm Your Mover Has Proper Insurance Coverage
Don’t just take a mover’s word for it when they say they’re insured. Ask for proof, especially when you’re comparing options to find the best moving company on Long Island.
A legitimate moving company should be able to send you copies of their insurance policies or at least provide you with their policy numbers and the name of their insurance carrier. You can then contact the insurance company directly to verify the coverage is active and up to date.
If you’re moving locally within Long Island—say from Smithtown to Patchogue or from Garden City to Massapequa—the mover needs to show proof of registration with the NYSDOT, which requires them to maintain liability, cargo, and workers’ compensation insurance at all times. The state monitors this, but it’s still worth double-checking before you sign a contract.
For interstate moves, movers must file federal insurance forms—Form E for liability and Form H for cargo insurance—with the USDOT. These forms must be filed in the exact name that appears on the company’s operating authority, and the insurer must be authorized to do business in New York.
If a moving company can’t produce proof of insurance, or if they get defensive when you ask, move on. There are plenty of reliable movers in Suffolk County and Nassau County who carry proper coverage and won’t hesitate to show you the paperwork.
One more thing: be cautious of companies that offer suspiciously low rates. Maintaining proper insurance is expensive, and companies that skip it can afford to undercut their competitors. But that savings isn’t worth the risk. If something goes wrong—and it often does—you’ll be the one paying for it.
Making the Right Choice for Your Long Island Move
Choosing a moving company doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on the three things that matter most: licensing, insurance, and reviews. Verify the mover is registered with the NYSDOT. Confirm they carry proper insurance and can provide a COI if your building requires one. And read reviews on multiple platforms to see how they treat customers when things don’t go perfectly.
The best moving company on Long Island isn’t the cheapest or the one with the flashiest website. It’s the one that shows up on time, handles your belongings with care, communicates clearly, and takes responsibility if something goes wrong. Those companies exist, and they’re not hard to find once you know what to look for.
If you’re planning a move and want to work with a team that checks all those boxes, reach out to us at Dunbar Moving. We understand what it takes to earn your trust, and we’re ready to prove it.
