When you’re planning to move your home, you might wonder if your insurance will help pay for it. The short answer is no—standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover the cost of moving your belongings from one place to another. Your regular home insurance policy protects your house and possessions while they’re at your property, but once you start packing boxes and loading trucks, that coverage typically stops. Moving expenses fall outside what most home insurance policies are meant to handle.
That said, there’s more to this story than a simple “no.” While your homeowners policy won’t pay for movers or truck rentals, certain types of insurance can protect your belongings during a move. Professional moving companies often offer their own coverage options, and you can purchase specialized moving insurance to safeguard your items while they’re in transit. Understanding what’s covered and what’s not can save you from unpleasant surprises if something goes wrong during your move.
What Your Homeowners Insurance Actually Covers
Your homeowners insurance is built to protect your property while it sits at your address. This means if a fire damages your house or a thief breaks in and steals your television, you’re covered. But the moment your belongings leave your property for a move, your standard policy no longer applies to them. The insurance company sees moving as a temporary change of location that requires different protection.
Some homeowners policies do include limited coverage for belongings while they’re temporarily away from home. For example, if you’re storing items at a friend’s house before moving day, you might have some protection. However, this coverage is usually restricted to specific situations and comes with strict limits on the dollar amount. It’s rarely enough to cover an entire household’s worth of belongings during a major move.
Moving Company Insurance: What You Need to Know
When you hire professional movers, they’re required by law to offer basic liability coverage. This protection is called “released value protection,” and it’s included in your moving cost at no extra charge. However, this coverage is minimal—it typically pays only 60 cents per pound per item. That means if movers break your 10-pound laptop worth $1,200, you’d receive just $6. This clearly won’t replace your actual losses.
Moving companies also offer “full value protection,” which provides more comprehensive coverage. With this option, the moving company must repair, replace, or provide cash settlement for any damaged or lost items based on their actual value. This costs extra, usually calculated as a percentage of your belongings’ total declared value. While more expensive than basic coverage, it offers real protection for your possessions.
Buying Separate Moving Insurance
If you want stronger protection than what your movers offer, you can purchase third-party moving insurance. Insurance companies and brokers sell policies specifically designed for moves. These policies cover damage, loss, or theft during your move and often provide better terms than what moving companies offer.
The cost varies based on how much your belongings are worth and how far you’re moving. Most policies charge between 1% and 5% of your items’ total value. For a home with $50,000 worth of belongings, you might pay $500 to $2,500 for comprehensive coverage. This might seem steep, but it can be worth it if you have valuable furniture, electronics, or family heirlooms.
Special Situations and Exceptions
Some insurance companies offer riders or endorsements you can add to your homeowners policy to cover moves. These aren’t standard, but they exist for certain insurers. If you’re planning a move, call your insurance agent to ask about available options. They might have add-ons you don’t know about.
Employer relocation programs sometimes include insurance coverage as part of the package. If your company is paying for your move, check what insurance benefits come with the relocation. Many corporate moves include more generous coverage than you’d get on your own.
Making Smart Decisions About Moving Coverage
Before moving day arrives, review all your insurance options carefully. Read the fine print on what your movers offer, compare it with third-party policies, and check with your current homeowners insurer. Don’t assume you’re protected just because you have insurance.
Create a detailed inventory of everything you’re moving, including photos and estimated values. This documentation becomes essential if you need to file a claim. Keep receipts for valuable items and consider getting appraisals for antiques or collectibles.
Moving house is stressful enough without worrying about damaged furniture or lost boxes. Taking time to understand your insurance options and choosing appropriate coverage gives you peace of mind during this major life change.