How can I insure my possessions during a move?

Answer:

How can I insure my possessions during a move?

This is worth checking carefully. Your homeowners or renters policy may not provide coverage for moves. The last thing you need to add to moving stress is a financial loss from damaged or missing items. There are several ways to insure your possessions while you are moving. If your current homeowners policy includes coverage for your personal property during a move, youre in luck.

There are several ways to insure your possessions while you're moving. Perhaps your current homeowners policy includes coverage for your personal property during a move. The policy may cover your possessions at the new location for a limited time, also. The same coverages, exclusions, and deductibles apply while you're moving as they would for a regular homeowners claim.

If your homeowners policy doesn't include this coverage, you can purchase a policy that's specifically designed to insure possessions during a move. It's known as a floater and is effective only during your move. Or, you can add a floater to the coverage already provided by your homeowners policy.

A third alternative is to rely on the insurance offered by the moving company. You'll want to see its policy before you hire a moving company so you'll know what's covered and what isn't. Also, pay attention to insurance limits. If the company's insurance is not up to your standards, purchase a floater.

If you have a loss during a move, the mover's insurance is primary. That is, the mover's insurance company will pay first. Your insurance pays only after the mover's insurance limits have been depleted. For example, the mover's policy has limits of $10,000 and your floater has limits of $25,000. If you have a $15,000 loss and the movers are at fault, the mover's policy will pay $10,000 and your policy will pay $5,000.

As you review the combined mover's insurance and your own, pay attention to what they cover and how much. Know what the exclusions are and what the deductible is. Your insurance agent can help you be sure your possessions are adequately covered.


The 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy Web site offers general information for managing personal finances and does not recommend specific financial actions.  For financial advice tailored to your situation, please contact an expert such as a CPA or a personal financial advisor.

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