When you’re ready to move to a new home, remember to review your homeowners insurance. It protects your valuables and gives you peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know about this coverage during your move.
Understand Insurance Offered by the Moving Company
Your moving company may offer two types of insurance for your belongings as they transport them to your new home.
Types of mover coverage
- Released Value - Covers the moving company’s liability up to 60 cents per pound per item. Often free, you must specifically select this insurance to avoid being charged the Full Value Protection.
- Full Value Protection - Covers repair, replacement or cash settlement of damaged or broken items. Coverage is limited to $100 per pound per item unless you document the item as an extraordinary valuable, and the cost varies by mover.
Common exclusions
Generally, moving companies do not insure certain items or situations.
- Open boxes or boxes you pack yourself.
- Hazardous materials, including paint or propane tanks.
- Certain furniture materials, such as pressed wood or particle board.
- Electronics wiring or inner workings.
- Musical instruments.
Because your homeowners insurance policy may cover your belongings during a move, review your existing coverage to avoid purchasing duplicate insurance you don’t need. Clarify what damage is covered by your current policy, such as vandalism, theft, damage, breakage, or loss.
Learn more about optional mover coverage at Moving Insurance.
Update your Possessions List
If you have to file a homeowners insurance claim, you may need to prove via photos or a purchase receipt that you actually own the item. Use your move as an opportunity to update your possessions list and the value of your belongings, removing items you no longer own and adding items you buy for your home.
Insure Valuables
The jewelry, art, or collectibles you own may be covered by a rider on your homeowners insurance policy, and those same valuables might not be covered while in transit during a move. Verify coverage before you move and add applicable riders or specialized policies such as Household Goods Movers Insurance to protect high-value items.
Purchase Insurance for your New Home
Begin a new homeowners insurance policy on your new home on closing day to avoid coverage gaps. Your agent will need details about the size of your new home, additional structures, construction materials, installed alarms, the neighborhood, and your mortgage.
If your move involves storage, long-distance transport, or other complexities, consider additional options like Housemoving Insurance. If you are unsure which coverage fits your situation, talk to your agent.
Cancel your Old Policy
Cancel the insurance policy on your old house when you no longer have ownership of the home. Cancel too early, and you could be liable for any structural damages or vandalism that occur after you move out and before the new owners take possession.
Moving to a new home can be exciting. Review your homeowners insurance policy during your move to ensure your belongings are adequately covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my homeowners insurance cover belongings while they are being moved?
Often it does, but coverage, limits, and covered perils vary by policy, so check your policy details or contact your insurer before the move.
What is the difference between Released Value and Full Value Protection?
Released Value limits the mover’s liability based on weight and is typically cheaper, while Full Value Protection offers repair, replacement, or cash settlement but may cost more and have per-item limits.
Should I buy mover insurance if I already have homeowners insurance?
Not always—compare both policies to avoid duplicate coverage and consider additional coverage or riders for high-value items that may be excluded during transit.
When should I start insurance on my new home?
Start a new homeowners policy on closing day to prevent coverage gaps between homes.