Easy Steps: How to Transfer Home Insurance When Moving

March 21st, 2025
Easy Steps: How to Transfer Home Insurance When Moving

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. It is very important to update your home insurance policy to protect your property and belongings. Whether you own your home or rent it, managing your home insurance right during a move can help prevent coverage gaps and cut costs. This guide will explain everything you need to know. It will include how to transfer an old home insurance policy, how to get a new policy, and how to make sure your valuable items and belongings are protected while moving. You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes.

Do You Need to Transfer or Buy a New Home Insurance Policy?

Can You Transfer Your Current Home Insurance Policy?

If you have home insurance cover already, you can probably transfer your policy to your new property instead of getting a new one. Many home insurance providers let you change your policy with your new address. However, there might be administration fees or changes in the premium based on the type of property, where it is located, and its security features.

Transferring your current home insurance may not be the best deal for you. Mortgage lenders could need more coverage. Also, your old home insurance might not fit the risk of the new property. It’s a good idea to look at different policies before you choose.

When Should You Buy a New Policy?

Buying a new home insurance policy is usually the best choice if:

  • Your current home insurance provider does not cover your new area.
  • You discover a better deal with another insurer that has better home insurance policies.
  • The new home insurance premium is less at a different company.
  • Your current policy has high cancellation fees, so switching will save you money.

Using a comparison site like Free Price Compare can help you find a good deal. It can also help you avoid paying too much for your new policy.

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When Should You Arrange Home Insurance for Your New Property?

Homeowners: Buildings Insurance Requirements

If you are buying a new home, your lender will usually ask you to have buildings insurance as soon as you exchange contracts. This protects your new property from things like fire damage, flooding, or structural problems.

To make things easier, set up your new home insurance policy before the exchange. This way, the coverage starts on that date. If you are transferring your old home insurance, make sure the policy documents show the change starting from the right date.

Renters: Ensuring Your Contents Are Covered

If you rent a place, your landlord’s buildings insurance will protect the building itself. However, you must get your own contents insurance policy to cover your valuable items, furniture, and belongings. It’s a good idea to update your contents insurance before you move. This way, you can avoid any gaps in coverage.

When Should You Arrange Home Insurance for Your New Property

What Happens to Your Old Home Insurance When You Move?

Do You Need to Cancel Your Old Policy?

You need to maintain home insurance cover on your old property until you either move out or sell it. If the house is empty for a long time, you might require a specialist policy for unoccupied homes. This will help protect against theft, vandalism, and damage.

If you want to cancel, find out if your provider has a cancellation fee. Also, check if you can get a refund.

Can You Have Two Home Insurance Policies?

Yes, you can have two home insurance policies for a little while. If you are transitioning between your new property and your old home, you might need to insure both places. Make sure your old home insurance is still active until you no longer have responsibilities for the property.

How to Protect Your Belongings When Moving

Does Home Insurance Cover Moving House?

Most home insurance policies do not automatically cover items when they are being moved. To keep your home contents safe, check if your policy offers transit cover. You should also see if your professional removals company provides insurance for this.

How to Ensure Your Valuables Are Covered

To avoid damage or theft risks:

  • Choose a professional removals service that includes insurance.
  • Write down high-value jewellery and valuable items separately for your contents insurance.
  • Pack fragile items well to lower the chance of them breaking.
  • Snap photos of your items before the move. This can help if you need to file a claim.

If your policy does not include transit cover, think about getting temporary insurance to protect your move.

How to Protect Your Home During the Move

When you move, your home can be at risk for theft and damage. This is true if you leave doors and windows open while moving. To keep your home safe:

  • Keep doors locked when you are not moving items in or out.
  • Have someone stay at your home while the movers load and unload.
  • Store valuable items in a safe place until you are completely settled in.
  • Check your home insurance policy to see if it covers a vacant home during the moving process.

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How to Get the Best Home Insurance Deal When Moving

Compare Quotes for a Better Deal

It’s a good time to compare home insurance quotes when you are moving. Things like where you live, the crime rate, and outbuildings can change your new premium. You can use comparison sites like Free Price Compare to help you get the best deal on your new home insurance policy.

Check for Exclusions and Excess

Always check the exclusions in a policy before you change it. Some insurance companies might not cover certain risks. They may also ask for a higher excess in special cases.

Consider Bundling Policies

If you need more policies like life insurance, combining them with the same insurer may result in discounts.

Look for Discounts

Many insurers offer discounts for:

  • Putting in security systems such as alarms and CCTV.
  • Picking a higher excess (the amount you pay before getting a claim).
  • Having a record of no claims on past policies.

How to Get the Best Home Insurance Deal When Moving

FAQs About Home Insurance When Moving

What happens if I don’t update my home insurance when moving?

If you don’t update your home insurance provider, your policy might not be valid. Insurance companies need the right address information to evaluate risks correctly. If you don’t update this, it could cause your claim to be denied.

Do I need home insurance before moving in?

Yes, if you are a homeowner, your lender asks for buildings insurance when you exchange contracts. Renters should make sure they have contents cover before moving in to protect their belongings.

Can I transfer my home insurance to my new house?

Many insurance companies let you transfer home insurance. However, your premium might change because of the new property. It’s important to talk to your provider. You should also compare prices to find a better deal.

How do I insure my belongings during a house move?

Check to see if your policy has transit cover. You should also find out if your professional removals service provides insurance. If they don’t, think about getting a short-term policy for your move.

Should I cancel my old home insurance before moving?

You need to keep your home insurance cover on your old property until you no longer have to worry about it. If you are selling, keep the insurance until the sale is finished. If you are renting, find out when your responsibility ends.

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