Virginia Law

A. Move performed by commercial mover.

1. If a displaced individual or family desires to have a move performed by a commercial mover, the assigned relocation agent will obtain bids or estimates from two reputable moving companies. VDOT may pay the cost of obtaining bids or estimates, if approved by the district manager. VDOT will retain the right to reject any and all bids. The agent will also assure that all bids or estimates received are based upon the same move specifications and personal property inventory. The maximum payment will be the amount of the lowest acceptable bid or estimate. Since the displaced individual or family has the right to engage the services of any company, VDOT will pay the amount of receipted bills, but not to exceed the amount of the approved low bid or estimate.

2. If the actual cost of the move exceeds the estimated amount, the excess amount may be paid, if sufficient documentation is presented with the claim and the district recommends payment.

3. The displacee may present an unpaid mover's bill, along with the moving cost claim form, to VDOT for direct payment to the mover.

B. Self-move. An actual cost move may be carried out by the displacee in a self-move for actual, reasonable, and necessary costs expended. The relocation staff should work with the displacee to determine an amount necessary to move the personal property. The displacee may be reimbursed for time spent in moving. The hourly rate of the displacee's time should be reasonable and should not exceed the rates paid to skilled packers and movers of local moving firms. Receipts or other evidence of expenses are necessary for reimbursement. Displacees may not move themselves based on the cost of a commercial move.

C. Reimbursable costs include:

1. Transportation of personal property not to exceed 50 miles.

2. Transportation of persons up to 50 miles, at a mileage rate determined by VDOT, or actual reasonable cost. Special transportation, such as an ambulance for infirm displacees, may also be approved.

3. Packing, crating, unpacking and uncrating of the personal property.

4. Disconnecting, dismantling, removing, reassembling and reinstalling relocated household appliances and other personal property.

5. Storage of the personal property for a period not to exceed 12 months, unless the district office determines that a longer period is necessary. Storage costs cannot be paid if the storage site is a part of the acquired property or other property owned, leased or controlled by the displacee.

6. Insurance for the replacement value of the property in connection with the move and necessary storage.

7. The replacement value of property lost, stolen or damaged in the process of moving (through no fault or negligence of the displaced person, or an agent or employee of the displaced person) when insurance covering such loss, theft or damage is not reasonably available.

D. The following costs are ineligible for reimbursement as residential move expenses:

1. The cost of moving any structure or other real property improvement in which the displaced person reserved ownership;

2. Interest on a loan to cover moving expenses;

3. Personal injury;

4. Expenses for searching for a replacement dwelling;

5. Additional expenses of living in a new location; and

6. Refundable security and utility deposits.