Moving and homeowners insurance FAQs
By Allstate
Last updated: March 2023
Moving can be a busy time, with many details to keep track of as you prepare to pack up your belongings and bring them to a new home. If you're not careful, some things can fall by the wayside. Whether you're purchasing your first house or you're an experienced homeowner, there are some important insurance considerations to keep in mind. Below are some answers to questions that you may have as you prepare to protect your next home.
What does homeowners insurance cover?
A typical homeowners insurance policy helps protect your home's structure and other structures on your property, such as a shed or a fence, against certain perils. Coverage generally extends to your personal property, too, helping provide protection against covered losses such as a fire or theft.
You'll likely find that your policy also offers family liability protection, which can help cover expenses if, for example, you're sued after someone is injured on your property.
Your insurance provider can help you understand your policy's specific coverages (and their limits). Your insurance provider can also help you decide if additional coverages, such as scheduled personal property for your valuables or a personal umbrella policy to provide greater liability protection, make sense for you.
Read more:
Who do I contact if I plan to move?
Your insurance provider can help you figure out the insurance implications of your move. Your insurance provider can help you time the cancellation of a policy on your old home and the beginning of a new homeowners policy to help ensure that there's not a gap in coverage if, for instance, your closing date is postponed.
You may want to reach out to your insurance provider as soon as you make an offer on a new home to get an idea of what a policy will cost and if there are any requirements that come with the new home.
How much does homeowners insurance cost?
There is no one-size-fits-all price when it comes to protecting your home. The cost of a homeowners insurance policy typically depends on a number of factors, including the size, value and age of your home, the coverage limits you select and any additional protections you choose, such as scheduled personal property for high-value belongings. Your insurance provider can provide an insurance quote based on your specific needs
Read more: How much does homeowners insurance cost?
How can I save money on my premium?
Some insurers offer multi-policy discounts, meaning you may qualify for a lower rate if you insure both a home and a vehicle through the same company. You may also find you'll have a lower premium if you have a higher deductible, which is the amount you'll have to pay before your insurance kicks in if you need to file a claim. Your insurance provider can help identify potential discounts and help you decide which coverages make the most sense for you.
Read more: Multiple policy discounts
I'm not buying a single-family home. Should I purchase homeowners insurance?
Insurers offer policies that are written for specific types of homes. For instance, if you purchase a condominium, you'll want to inquire about a condo insurance policy. Manufactured home insurance can help protect a manufactured home. Your insurance provider can help explain the ways these specific policies can help protect your dwelling's structure and contents and help provide liability coverage.
Read more:I'm renting a home. Do I still need insurance?
While your landlord likely has an insurance policy designed to help protect the physical structure of the rental property, that protection will not extend to your personal belongings inside. A renters insurance policy can help provide protection for your personal property, such as clothes, furniture or electronics, if they are stolen or damaged by another covered occurrence.
Renters insurance may also provide liability coverage and may help cover additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss such as a fire.
Read more: What does renters insurance cover?