Insurance Guides

Moving house home insurance tips

By Garnet Roach

If you're moving house, you'll want to make sure that your home and your possessions are covered during this often stressful time. (17/02/10)

Plan ahead

Being prepared is the key to a stress-free, safe house move. Because it is often a tense time, planning ahead will help make sure that nothing gets forgotten or left out in the move.

According to Crimereduction.gov.uk, your chances of being burgled increase when you move home, as burglars take advantage of the chaos, knowing that security can often become slack when there are so many other things to think about.

Your possessions are also more likely to get broken or damaged during this time, so it’s more important than ever to make sure that you're properly insured.

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Your existing home insurance policy

Your current home insurance policy should cover your possessions while you move, but this might only for around 72 hours, in order to give you time to move. If you plan to keep anything in storage, or if you think your move could take longer than this, you might need to take out additional cover.

Make sure that you double check your policy details to be sure of any exclusions or requirements - for example, you will be required to use a reputable moving company in order to ensure that you're covered. Some insurers might even require you to use a moving company that has been pre-approved, which could mean that you don’t necessarily get the best deal.

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How long you're covered for

Most standard home contents insurance policies have very specific time limits for how long your contents are covered while you move, and if you take longer than this, you won’t be covered if you have to make a claim.

These time limits might also vary depending on where your possessions are. For example, you might only get two days to move your belongings but up to a week in storage.

Each policy will be different so make sure you read your documents carefully before you move.

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Breakables

As well as using a professional removal company to move your goods, you will also have to get them to pack any breakables if you want them to be covered under your contents insurance.

China, glass, mirrors, earthenware and other items that are likely to break must be packed by professionals.

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Moving company contents insurance

If you don’t have adequate home contents insurance, many removal companies offer their own insurance to make sure that your belongings are safe while you move.

This might be more costly, but if it is your only option for ensuring that you're properly covered while you move, it is a good investment.

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Use a reputable moving company

Finally, make sure that you can trust your estate agent, removers and other tradespeople by making sure they are members of a professional organisation or association. Use people recommended by friends or, at least, those who advertise in magazines or in directories like Yellow Pages. Never deal with people who only list a mobile phone number.

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Your new home

To make sure that you're fully covered as soon as you move into your new home, you need to keep your insurer well informed about your plans. Make sure that you tell them in advance that you plan to move, providing them with your new address and your moving date as soon as possible.

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