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.
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.
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.
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.
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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