Has your moving company broken your sofa, lost boxes, or failed to deliver on what they promised in the quote? You're not alone, and many affected individuals are unaware of a free, fast, and binding way to get compensation: the Transport Arbitration Boards.
In this guide, we explain how to file a claim for moving damage step-by-step, which legal deadlines you cannot miss (there's a critical 7-day one that many overlook), how much you can claim, what documentation you need, and the entire legal framework updated to 2026, including Law 15/2009, which specifically regulates the moving contract.
What is the Transport Arbitration Board?
The Transport Arbitration Board (JAT) is a public body that replaces courts and tribunals in claims related to land transport contracts. That is: instead of filing a lawsuit (with a lawyer, solicitor, and costs), you can resolve the conflict at the JAT in a free, fast, and binding way.
There is an Arbitration Board in each Autonomous Community, in addition to Ceuta and Melilla. Its decision (arbitration award) has the same force as a final court judgment: res judicata.
Does it cover moving services?
Yes. Moving companies are legally classified as land freight transport, and the moving contract is specifically regulated by articles 70 to 76 of Law 15/2009, of November 11, on the land freight transport contract (LCTTM).
The JAT can resolve, among others, disputes regarding:
- Damage to furniture, appliances, or personal belongings during the transfer.
- Total or partial loss of packages or boxes.
- Unjustified delays in delivery.
- Breach of the agreed-upon quote (additional, unagreed charges).
- Improper assembly or disassembly of furniture when it was included in the contract.
How much can I claim? (Updated amount)
Following the modification introduced by Law 9/2013, the amounts are as follows:
- Up to €15,000: the JAT is automatically competent, unless this route has been expressly excluded in the contract before the service begins.
- More than €15,000: the JAT can only intervene if both parties agree to submit to its arbitration (express agreement).
Important: if the signed contract/quote contains a clause excluding the JAT, this route will not be available. Always check the fine print before hiring a moving company.
Deadlines for claiming moving damage (don't lose sight of them)
This is the part that invalidates the most claims: filing the claim out of time. Note:
- Apparent damage (banged furniture, visibly broken boxes): you must make a reservation on the delivery note or document at the very moment of receipt. If you sign the delivery note "conforme" (as accepted) without annotations, you lose a lot of probative force.
- Non-apparent damage (discovered when unpacking): deadline of 7 calendar days from delivery to communicate it in writing to the moving company (art. 60 LCTTM, applicable to moving by art. 71).
- Statute of limitations for action: 1 year from delivery to file the claim before the JAT (art. 79 LCTTM). After that year, you can no longer claim.
How to file your claim for moving damage step-by-step
1. Document the damage as soon as possible
Take photos and videos with visible dates of each damage. Keep the original packaging if the damage appeared when unpacking. Note the exact date you discovered the problem.
2. Gather documentation
You will need:
- Signed quote and/or moving contract.
- Service invoice.
- Delivery note or document (with your reservations if you made them).
- Photos and videos of the damage.
- Inventory of damaged items with their estimated replacement value.
3. Claim to the company in writing first
Before going to the JAT, send a formal claim to the moving company (by burofax or email with acknowledgment of receipt). Detail the damage, attach evidence, and request specific compensation. Give them a reasonable period (15 days) to respond.
4. File the claim with the Arbitration Board
If the company does not respond or rejects your claim, submit the written claim to the JAT. You can choose the JAT of the place of origin, place of destination, or place where the contract was signed.
You do not need a lawyer or solicitor. A simple written statement explaining the facts, evidence, and claimed amount is sufficient.
5. Hearing and award
The JAT will convene a single hearing (fast and informal). After the hearing, it will issue an arbitration award within approximately 6 months. This award has executive force: if the company does not pay voluntarily, you can request its enforcement in a court.
Advantages of the Arbitration Board versus going to court
- It's free: zero cost for fees or a solicitor.
- You don't need a lawyer. Any user can file the claim directly.
- It's fast: 3 to 6 months compared to 1-3 years for a civil trial.
- It's binding: the award has the same effects as a final judgment.
- You can choose territory: origin, destination, or place where the contract was signed.
- It allows representation if you cannot attend in person.
Updated legal framework 2026
These are the regulations governing moving claims in Spain, updated as of the date of this article:
- Law 16/1987, of July 30, on the Regulation of Land Transport (LOTT), articles 37 and 38, in its current wording after Law 9/2013, of July 4 (which raised the amount from €6,000 to €15,000).
- LOTT Regulation (ROTT), approved by Royal Decree 1211/1990, of September 28, articles 6 to 12, modified, among others, by Royal Decree 70/2019, of February 15.
- Law 15/2009, of November 11, on the land freight transport contract (LCTTM), articles 70 to 76 (specific regime for the moving contract) and articles 60, 73, and 79 (claim and prescription periods).
- Order FOM/3386/2010 and development regulations of the Autonomous Communities that have established their respective Arbitration Boards.
- Law 60/2003, of December 23, on Arbitration, as a supplementary procedural regime.
Official information and directory of Arbitration Boards by province: Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility (MITMS) portal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to claim against a moving company?
No. If you go through the Transport Arbitration Board, you do not need a lawyer or solicitor. There are no fees either. Only if you decide to go directly to a civil court will you need legal representation.
How long do I have to claim for damage discovered when unpacking?
7 calendar days from delivery to communicate it in writing to the moving company (non-apparent damage). If the damage was visible at the time of delivery, you must make a reservation on the delivery note when signing.
What if more than 7 days have passed?
You lose the legal presumption in your favor, but you can still claim within the general statute of limitations (1 year from delivery), although the company may argue that the damage occurred later and the burden of proof becomes more complicated.
What happens if I signed the delivery note "conforme" and then found damage?
Signing "conforme" does not prevent you from claiming for non-apparent damage (those not visible at delivery). But it does make it more difficult to claim for damage that was visible. That's why it's always better to check before signing and, if in doubt, write "subject to inspection" or detail the reservations.
Can I claim for moral damage or only material cost?
At the JAT, claims are primarily for the replacement or repair value of damaged goods. Compensation is also legally limited: Law 15/2009 establishes limits of liability (except for fraud or gross negligence by the carrier). For moral damages, you usually have to go through the judicial route.
What do I do if the moving company does not accept the award?
The arbitration award has executive force. If the company does not pay voluntarily, you can request its forced execution before the court of first instance in the place where the award was issued. This is a much simpler process than an ordinary trial.
Can I claim if the move was international?
For international moves originating or destined in Spain, the CMR Convention (Geneva Convention of 1956) usually applies. The deadlines and amounts are different. The JAT can intervene if agreed by the parties or if the conflict falls within its jurisdiction.
How to avoid having to claim: prevention before the move
The best claim is the one you don't have to make. Before hiring a moving company:
- Ask for a detailed written quote with itemized concepts (transport, packaging, assembly, insurance).
- Confirm that the company has a transport authorization (look it up in the MITMS registry by its CIF).
- Ask about their insurance coverage and if they have specific civil liability insurance for movers.
- Pack fragile items yourself with sturdy cardboard boxes and bubble wrap: if something breaks, you'll have stronger arguments to claim.
- Make a photographic inventory of valuable items before the move.
- Read the delivery note before signing and note any visible reservations.
Quick summary
- If your move has resulted in damage, you can claim for free at the Transport Arbitration Board of your Autonomous Community.
- Automatic amount: up to €15,000 (with express agreement, more).
- Key deadlines: at the moment for apparent damage, 7 days for non-apparent damage, 1 year for statute of limitations.
- No lawyer, no solicitor, no fees. Award in 3-6 months with the force of a judgment.
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Information updated to April 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for personalized legal advice. For complex cases or high amounts, consult a lawyer specialized in transport law.
