The insurance checklist for moving house
Every policy you own changes when your address does. Here's the order.
A move touches almost every policy you have: home or renters, car, flood, pets, even life insurance paperwork. Most problems come from timing, a gap between the old home and the new one, or a car insured at an address it no longer lives at.
Four to six weeks before
- Get home or renters quotes for the new address, including flood if the area needs it.
- If you're buying, have coverage bound before closing. The lender will ask.
- Choose your mover's liability option in writing, and consider extra moving insurance for valuables.
- Check your destination's rules if you're moving to a new state.
Moving week
- Start the new home or renters policy on or before the day you move in.
- Keep the old home insured until you no longer own or rent it.
- If you rent a truck, check what your car policy covers and consider the rental company's damage waiver.
- Photograph valuables and keep your inventory with you, not in the truck.
Within 30 days
- Update your car insurance to the new garaging address. If you've changed states, follow that state's deadlines for a license and registration.
- Cancel the old home policy effective the closing or lease-end date.
- Update your address on life, pet and any other policies.
- Review your coverage: a new home may need a different dwelling limit, deductibles or liability limit.
Common questions
Before closing if you're buying. The lender will require proof. Start the policy on or before the day you take ownership.
As soon as the car is kept at the new address. If you moved states, you'll also need to meet the new state's license and registration deadlines.
Partly, depending on your home or renters policy and the mover's liability option. See our moving insurance guide.
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This page is general information, not advice about your specific circumstances. A licensed insurance professional can tell you what’s actually available to you.
General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage, availability, and terms vary by insurer and by state, and are subject to underwriting. Quote My Policy LLC connects you with licensed insurance professionals. Nothing here binds coverage.