Moving? Don’t forget to make insurance changes

Overview: Moving to a new home, especially if it’s in another state, requires more than just changing your address. State insurance laws vary, which means your homeowners policy may need to be rewritten and your auto insurance may require a new policy. A move is a great opportunity to review your coverage, help ensure your belongings are protected during transit and confirm your policy meets your lender's requirements and state laws. Taking a few proactive steps before moving day can help you avoid coverage gaps and help to ensure a smooth transition.

We all know how stressful moving can be. You may be asking yourself, do I need to change insurance when I move? Making new insurance arrangements might not jump out as your first priority. But do yourself a favor, and don't wait. The process isn't as tough as it may seem.

Do I need to change my insurance when I move?

Below are a few key questions to consider when moving and transferring insurance to help get you going in the right direction, especially if you’re moving to another state.

Moving? It’s the perfect time for an insurance review

A move is more than an address change; it’s a great time to confirm your coverage matches your new home, your property and your current needs. In a review, your agent can help you spot gaps and avoid paying for coverage that doesn’t fit.

Get in touch with your current agent and ask about the process, including whether you'll need to find a new agent, how to transfer insurance to another state and the insurance requirements in your new location.

If you want to find a State Farm agent in your new neighborhood, you can find an agent when searching by your ZIP code to see a map of offices, list of agent profiles and contact information.

What to ask your agent before you move

Start with a conversation about when coverage needs to go into effect along with a few targeted questions, including:

• Do I just need an address change, or do I need a new/rewritten homeowners or auto policy?
• What date should coverage start for the new address (or closing date, if buying)?
• Do any details about the home (roof age/type, updates or square footage) change eligibility or pricing?
• If I’ll briefly own two homes, how are overlap and vacancy/unoccupied considerations handled?
• Will any changes to drivers, vehicles or usage need to be updated on my auto policy after the move?

Review your homeowners policy for the new home

If you’re buying a home, your lender may require proof of insurance before closing, so don’t wait until the last week.

When reviewing the new address, ask your agent to confirm:

• Dwelling coverage is based on the cost to rebuild your home (not purchase price)
• Deductible amounts still fit your budget and comfort level
• Liability coverage makes sense for the property and your household
• Other structures coverage fits what’s on the property (shed, detached garage and/or fence)
• Your lender information (if applicable) is listed correctly on the policy

Update your home inventory

Before you start packing boxes and moving furniture, take a video walkthrough and list major purchases and valuables. This can help you confirm your personal property coverage and document what you own if something is lost or damaged during the move.

Additionally, creating a home inventory is something that’s helpful to make before you actually need it.

Are your belongings covered while you're moving?

Depending on how you've chosen to move (hired movers, rental truck, a portable container or DIY in the back of your car), your property may or may not be covered between the time it leaves your home and arrives at its final destination.

Some homeowner policies will cover your property everywhere, regardless of whether it's in your home or in a moving truck. Other policies won't cover anything once it's out your door. Your belongings could be exposed to risks like theft, breakage, weather and loss while they’re in a moving truck or trailer, in a portable container, in a storage unit or temporarily offsite before they arrive at your new home. This is something many people don't think about, so check your policy or call your agent.

Before moving day, consider asking your agent:

• Does my policy cover personal property off premises or in transit?
• Are there limits for valuables (jewelry, collectibles, firearms and electronics)?
• Does the same deductible apply when items are away from home?
• Is property covered while in a storage unit?

If your own insurance policy doesn't cover your property and it’s damaged during the move, will you be able to afford to replace it? If not, moving insurance may be worth considering and you can look into coverage through your moving company to help protect your move. By federal law, moving companies have to offer supplemental insurance for your property that will cover a set percentage of replacement costs, but you might need to increase that amount to get full coverage.

Moving to another state? Insurance rules may change

If you're moving between states, keep in mind that insurance coverage varies across states.

If you have State Farm coverage, you may be able to get a prorated credit from your old homeowners policy when you purchase a new policy in a different state.

Homeowners insurance needs to be rewritten

State rules and coverage options can differ, and local risks may change what’s available or recommended. Ask your agent:

• What local hazards should be considered at the new address
• Whether you’re eligible for a prorated refund/credit on the old policy (if applicable)

Auto insurance often requires a new policy

Different states also have different auto insurance laws, and if you're moving to another state, you'll need a new auto insurance policy. Two important reminders:

• Don’t cancel your current auto insurance before your new coverage is active. Driving without auto insurance can lead to penalties in most states and could leave you financially exposed if you’re involved in an accident.
• Don’t get new auto insurance until you've moved. The laws and policies in your new state might not match your current ones, and costs can change by state, specific location and commuting distance.

Renters and condo owners

Whether you’re moving into a single-family home, condo or apartment, you are required by your insurer to update your address, and it is an opportunity to review coverage with your agent in case your needs have changed.

If you’re renting

Check whether your policy needs updates to:

• Personal property limit
• Liability coverage (roommates, pets and frequent guests)
• Any special coverage for valuables

If you own a condo

Ask how your condominium association’s master policy interacts with your coverage, and confirm whether you need protection for:

• Interior improvements and fixtures
• Personal property
• Loss of use and liability
• Condominium assessments

Moving insurance checklist

Below are some to-dos in the weeks leading up to a move and directly after.

Two-four weeks before your move:

• Contact your agent and share your move date and new address
• Ask for a homeowners policy review for the new home
• Update your home inventory (video + key items/valuables) and save it securely

One week before:

• Confirm your policy effective date(s) for the new address
• Ask specifically about belongings in transit and in storage
• Review your homeowners property coverage and your home and auto liability limits and deductible choices for the new location

After you move:

• Confirm the home details on your policy are accurate (roof, square footage and outbuildings)
• Update auto insurance garaging address and any state-specific requirements
• Re-check coverage if you’re keeping your old home temporarily (overlap/vacancy)

Frequently asked questions about moving and insurance

Q: How soon should I tell my insurance company I’m moving?
A: As soon as you have a move date, especially if you’re buying a home and need coverage lined up for closing or move-in day.

Q: Do I need new homeowners insurance when I move?
A: If you’re buying a different home, you need a new policy for that property, whether it is down the street or out of state.

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover items in a moving truck?
A: It depends. Some policies cover personal property away from home, but limits and exclusions may apply. Ask your agent about in-transit coverage and valuables limits.

Q: Are items covered in a storage unit during a move?
A: Sometimes. Confirm whether off-premises coverage applies to storage units, whether time limits apply and how much coverage is available.

Q: Will my homeowners premium change when I move?
A: It can. Rates may change based on your ZIP code, local risks, rebuild costs and factors like fire protection.

Q: If I move to another state, do I need a new auto insurance policy?
A: Yes. Requirements vary by state, so you need coverage written for your new state and without a lapse.

Q: What if I own two homes for a short time during the move?
A: Tell your agent. You may need coverage at both addresses during the overlap, and vacancy/unoccupied rules may affect how coverage applies at the old home.

Note that coverage, limits, eligibility and availability vary by state and policy. All applicable policy provisions and jurisdictions apply. Contact your agent for guidance based on your situation.

Moving doesn't have to be complicated when it comes to insurance. The key is to start the conversation with your agent early and ask the right questions about your coverage needs in your new location. By reviewing your homeowners and auto policies, documenting your belongings and understanding what's covered during the move, you can help protect your home and possessions while minimizing stress.

Don't let insurance updates fall to the bottom of your to-do list. A call to your agent today can help ensure you have the right coverage in place before you arrive at your new home tomorrow. For more information, check out our other articles that may help with planning a move.