How to Choose the Right Contents Insurance When Moving
Your home contents insurance may not cover your belongings while they’re in transit or in storage, so check your policy before moving day. Removal companies usually offer their own goods-in-transit cover with set limits. Below we explain what each type of cover protects, where the gaps are and what to ask your insurer and your movers.
Are You Covered by Your Contents Insurance When Moving Home?
It is a good idea to check out your contents insurance policy when you are moving. Sometimes your home insurance policy might include your possessions as you move and it would have a limit on the coverage amount. If you do not have it included, your insurance provider might help you with adding it.
Be informed that the insurance policy often holds good only when your items are carried by a professional removal firm. In most cases, valuables like jewellery, cash or valuable documents would not be covered by contents insurance while moving and the best way to carry them would be along with you as you move homes.
What Does the Insurance Offered by a Removal Firm Cover?
Most reputed removal firms offer goods-in-transit insurance when you are moving homes (see our insurance summary for details of W & W Movers’ cover). The insurance covers your possessions when they are under the control of the removal firm and protects against damage or loss due to accidents, fire or theft, subject to the policy terms and limits.
If I Leave My Contents in Storage When Moving, Are They Covered by Contents Insurance?
If you opt for temporary storage when you are moving homes, your policy might cover it. You can always check with your insurance provider for more details if you have a set time limit for the storage. If it is not possible, worry not. Most storage companies offer their own insurance.
How to Get a Good Deal on Contents Insurance When Moving Home
You become responsible for your new property from the time you exchange contracts, so it is important to consider getting a good insurance cover. When you are moving, it is a good chance for you to check if you get the best deal on your home insurance. Getting an idea of what is covered during transit would give you peace of mind during the chaotic times of moving a home.
Many insurance providers only cover contents during transit if you are using a professional removal firm. It is a good idea not to go for DIY removals or using your friend’s van if your policy requires professional movers for transit cover.
While your insurance provider might have seemed the best, changing homes is the right time to compare your insurance prices to reassess your home insurance policy. Some home insurance providers might add admin fees when you change your address to a new property, making it a good chance for you to choose a new provider if you are not happy with the fees. If you are planning to switch, always check for exit fees and decide if it is worthwhile taking a new policy.
Contents Insurance When Moving House: Common Questions
Sometimes, but not automatically. Some home contents policies include cover for belongings in transit during a move, others only if a professional removal company does the packing and carrying, and some exclude it entirely. Read the policy wording or call your insurer before the move and ask specifically about items in transit and in storage.
Removals insurance, often called goods-in-transit cover, protects your belongings while the removal company is moving them. Policies differ in the value they cover, excess and exclusions, such as items you packed yourself. Ask your removal company for the written terms before you book, and compare them with what your own contents policy covers.
Yes. Contact your contents and buildings insurers before moving day to update your address, because the risk and the premium depend on where you live. Arrange cover for the new home from the day you become responsible for it, and check whether your old policy covers the move itself or whether you need extra cover.