Moving is a time-consuming process. Relocating can also be expensive, particularly if you’re moving to a new city, state, or country. If you’re part of the approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population relocating this year, your possessions will spend time in transit. They may even spend time in storage.
When you’re planning your move, you may be wondering whether your home insurance covers your property while it’s in transit or if you need other types of insurance. You may also be concerned about locating new service providers at your new address. Continue reading to learn about your insurance needs during a move and how to find secure services for your new home.
Talk to your insurance provider.
Home insurance covers your house. Homeowners invest in home insurance to protect themselves from the costs of expensive repairs in the event their home’s damaged by lightning, a house fire, or falling tree branches. There are additional forms of insurance, such as flood insurance, to cover the cost of repairs from natural disasters.
Homeowner’s insurance does cover possessions you keep in your house, such as furniture and clothes. Most people take these items to their new home, which is why you should talk to your insurance provider. You may need special insurance for the house you’re leaving. For example, if you’re moving from one house to another and your former home will be vacant for more than a month before the new owners take possession, you’ll need vacant house insurance. This insurance protects you from potential damages caused by break-ins or squatters.
Your insurance premiums could change once you take possession of your new home, making it crucial to discuss your needs with your insurance company. Ensuring you have the correct coverage offers peace of mind because you won’t have to worry about the financial implications of damages to either property during your move.
You may need extra insurance.
Moving insurance covers the costs of repairs or replacement if your possessions are damaged or lost during transit. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover these costs, but you must clarify this before your move. In some cases, insurance companies restrict the conditions for coverage. They may cover costs when your belongings are transported by a moving company but not cover costs when you transport your belongings yourself.
Your moving company may include insurance with your moving fees. It’s also possible you plan to put some or all of your belongings in storage during your move. Clarify whether your storage company includes insurance or whether you should contact your insurance company to obtain moving insurance.
Online tools simplify the process of finding electric suppliers.
You can compare electricity suppliers and their electric rates with a utility comparison tool. Once you enter your zip code, the tool asks questions about your energy needs, such as whether you need natural gas services, electric services, or both. The tool uses your information to prepare a list of utility companies serving your location. You can review the electric providers and learn about their companies. For example, the tool provides enough information to determine which energy supplier supplies renewable energy, making it possible to choose an environmentally friendly energy supplier with the lowest price.
Contact city hall.
Municipal governments manage water and sewer services. Contact your municipal government. Make arrangements to maintain services and have future bills issued to you. You can also set up payment arrangements and learn about their billing cycle, ensuring you know when to expect a water bill.
Some municipalities include trash services. In other locations, you may need to hire a garbage removal company. Clarify this with your municipal government. Head to Google to find local trash services if garbage removal isn’t included with your municipal services.
You may need extra insurance while you’re moving to a new home. Thanks to the internet, you can use comparison tools to find utility companies. Set up your municipal utility services with your municipal government.
