Moving to a new house is usually a significant event, but it also comes with stress from packing everything up and getting ready for the move. While you may employ movers to lessen this strain, it’s crucial to ensure that your most cherished and treasured belongings are safe from harm. The liability insurance that professional movers have may protect your personal items, but this is not a given. Therefore, it is a good idea to review your own homeowners insurance.
Is The Moving Process Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance?
While your personal property is covered by home insurance, the damage should have been caused by one of the specific causes stated in your homeowners policy.
It is important to keep in mind that while specific products are not covered by your policy, damages may be compensated if your property is completely or substantially damaged due to an accident involving the removal truck as it travels to your new home. The same might be true if the truck somehow catches fire while traveling.
To determine whether your item is insured while in moving or storage, check your insurance or speak with your agent. Ask your insurance provider if you will be covered in your new location, especially if you are moving outside of the state. If not, you will need to allow yourself time to look for a new provider and implement a new policy.
Keeping Your Belongings Safe During the Move
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Know the limits of your policy – While your homeowners policy might cover damage to your belongings, it is not always guaranteed to cover all kinds of damages. For instance, your policy may include a lower limit for your personal property while it’s away from your home. Further, your property may only be covered to the extent of causes listed in your policy. If your policy does state that moving and storage are covered, you must ascertain what that coverage entails. Always review your policy, especially when moving belongings across regions.
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Understanding theft vs. breakage – While your homeowners insurance may cover theft, it is unlikely to offer coverage for items that break while you are moving. For example, if the mover you employ has loaded a table incorrectly into the truck and one of the legs breaks off, it is unlikely to be covered in your policy. On the other hand, it will most likely be covered under the moving company’s insurance.
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Always speak to your agent – When purchasing homeowners insurance, it is wise to select a reputed insurance company, subsequently, before making any choice that could put your possessions at risk, always talk with your insurance agent to understand the nuances of your policy and answer all your questions.
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Limitations to moving insurance – You should carefully review the insurance policy of the moving company to ensure that you are aware of the extent of the coverage. Some states just require the mover to have minimum liability insurance that costs no more than 60 cents per pound.
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Choosing alternatives – You might want to consider purchasing specialized moving insurance if you are not completely satisfied with the coverage your home insurance policy provides during a relocation. It is also important to note that moving insurance packages frequently include depreciated value coverage for your possessions.
Whether you’re moving locally or out of state, on your own or with a moving company, having the right insurance will protect your belongings and ease your mind. It is always recommended to take advice from a reputable insurance agent and go over your policy diligently. Contact our insurance agents here at Pierce Insurance Group. Our team is experienced to help you understand the nuances of their policies and creating customized ones for their needs.