What Homeowners Insurance Does and Does Not Cover When Moving

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Many people assume their homeowners insurance will fully protect their belongings during a move, but the reality is more complicated. Understanding exactly what your policy covers—and what it doesn’t—can save you from costly surprises and help you plan a safer, smoother relocation.


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How Homeowners Insurance Works During a Move

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your property against risks like fire, theft, and certain types of damage while your belongings are at your insured address. However, coverage can change dramatically once you start moving your possessions from one place to another. During the transition—when your items are in transit, in a moving truck, or temporarily stored—your standard policy may offer limited or no protection.

For example, if you’re moving across town and your sofa is damaged while being loaded onto a moving truck, your homeowners insurance might not cover the loss. If your belongings are stolen from the truck while parked overnight, you may only be partially protected, if at all. Understanding these gaps is crucial for anyone moving locally or long distance.

What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers

Every policy is different, but most standard homeowners insurance policies include “off-premises” coverage. This means your belongings are insured against certain risks even when they’re temporarily away from your home. Here’s what that usually includes:

  • Theft: If your items are stolen while being moved, you may be covered up to a percentage (often 10%) of your total personal property limit.
  • Fire or Vandalism: Damage caused by fire or vandalism during the move may be covered, depending on your policy.
  • Temporary Storage: If your items are placed in a storage unit for a short period (usually up to 30 days), some policies extend coverage for certain perils.

It’s important to note that coverage limits for off-premises incidents are typically much lower than for items inside your home. For example, if your personal property limit is $100,000, off-premises coverage might only be $10,000. Always check your policy details or contact your insurance agent for specifics.

Real-World Example

One family moving from New Jersey to Florida discovered their homeowners policy covered theft from their moving truck, but only up to $7,500. When several high-value electronics were stolen overnight, they were surprised to learn that the full replacement cost was not covered due to the “off-premises” cap.

What Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover

Many people are caught off guard by the exclusions in their homeowners insurance during a move. Here are the most common gaps:

  • Damage in Transit: Most standard policies do not cover breakage, scratches, or other damage that occurs while items are being moved from one home to another.
  • Professional Movers’ Accidents: If a moving company accidentally drops your TV or damages your furniture, your homeowners insurance typically won’t pay for the loss. Instead, you must rely on the mover’s liability coverage.
  • Flood or Water Damage: Belongings damaged by flooding during a move (such as in a moving truck during a storm) are not covered unless you have separate flood insurance.
  • Long-Term Storage: Items stored for more than the policy’s allowed period (often 30 days) may lose coverage entirely.

It’s easy to assume “I have insurance, so I’m covered,” but these exclusions are why many moving experts recommend additional protection during a move.

Moving Insurance Options and Alternatives

To bridge the coverage gap, consider these common moving insurance options:

  • Released Value Protection: Provided by most moving companies at no extra cost, but it only covers $0.60 per pound per item—often far less than the item’s value.
  • Full Value Protection: Available for purchase from your moving company. This covers the repair, replacement, or cash value of lost or damaged items, but costs extra.
  • Third-Party Moving Insurance: Specialized insurers offer policies specifically for moves. These can provide broader coverage and higher limits than standard homeowners insurance.
  • Rental Truck or Container Insurance: If you’re moving yourself, check if your rental truck or portable storage provider offers cargo protection plans.

Always review the terms, deductibles, and exclusions of any policy before purchasing. If you’re using professional movers, ask for their insurance details and verify their licensing (especially for interstate moves).

Planning Steps and Timeline for Moving Coverage

  • 6–8 Weeks Before Moving: Contact your homeowners insurance agent. Ask about off-premises coverage, limits, and exclusions. Request documentation in writing.
  • 4–6 Weeks Before Moving: Decide if you need additional moving insurance. Get quotes from your moving company and third-party insurers.
  • 2–4 Weeks Before Moving: Finalize your insurance choices. If using professional movers, confirm their coverage and get a copy of their certificate of insurance.
  • Moving Day: Take photos or videos of your belongings, especially valuable items. Keep an inventory list with serial numbers and descriptions.
  • After the Move: Inspect your items as soon as they arrive. Report any damage or loss immediately to the appropriate insurer or moving company.

Packing Tips for Protecting Your Belongings

  • Use high-quality boxes and packing materials. Reinforce boxes with extra tape for heavy or fragile items.
  • Clearly label boxes with contents and destination room. Mark fragile items prominently.
  • Disassemble large furniture when possible, and wrap pieces in moving blankets or bubble wrap.
  • Pack valuable items (jewelry, important documents, electronics) separately and transport them yourself if possible.
  • Keep an itemized inventory. This helps with claims and ensures nothing gets lost in transit.

Proper packing reduces the risk of damage and can make insurance claims easier if something does go wrong.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming homeowners insurance covers all moving risks.
  • Not reading the fine print on your policy or moving company’s contract.
  • Failing to purchase additional coverage for high-value items.
  • Neglecting to document belongings before the move.
  • Waiting until the last minute to arrange insurance or coverage.

Experienced movers know that a little preparation goes a long way. Double-check your coverage early to avoid stress on moving day.

FAQ

Does my homeowners insurance cover damage to my belongings during a move?

Usually, homeowners insurance does not cover damage that occurs while items are being transported. It may cover theft or certain disasters, but not breakage or mishandling.

Are my belongings covered if I use a moving company?

Your homeowners insurance rarely covers damage caused by movers. Instead, you’ll rely on the mover’s liability coverage or need to purchase additional moving insurance.

What about items in storage during my move?

Some policies cover items in storage for a limited time (often 30 days) against specific risks. Check your policy and consider storage insurance for longer periods.

Is moving insurance worth it for a local move?

If you have valuable items or want peace of mind, moving insurance can be worthwhile—even for short distances. Standard coverage is often limited.

How do I file a claim if something is lost or damaged?

Document the loss with photos and an inventory list. Contact your insurance provider or moving company as soon as possible and follow their claims process.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Homeowners insurance offers limited protection during a move, mainly for theft or certain disasters, and rarely covers damage in transit. To fully protect your belongings—especially during long-distance or interstate moves—review your policy, consider additional moving insurance, and take proactive packing and documentation steps. A little planning now can prevent major headaches later.

For a smoother move and peace of mind, compare free moving quotes on Quick Moving Quotes and find the right protection for your next big step.

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