Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Your Stuff During a Move?
Moving to a new home can be exciting and stressful – especially for upper-middle-class homeowners with plenty of valuable belongings. One big question you might have is: will my Tennessee homeowners insurance protect my stuff during the move? The answer is yes, but with some important limitations and conditions. In this blog post, we’ll break down what standard homeowners insurance (like an HO-3 policy) typically covers (and doesn’t cover) when you’re moving, including special scenarios like using professional movers or placing items in storage. We’ll also highlight when you might need extra moving insurance coverage and share tips to keep your belongings protected. Let’s dive in!
How Standard Tennessee Homeowners Insurance Covers Belongings During a Move
Personal Property Coverage “On the Move”: A standard homeowners insurance policy (including the common HO-3 policy) covers your personal property almost anywhere – not just inside your house. In fact, most policies protect your belongings while they’re at your residence, in transit, or even in a storage facility . This means if you’re moving across town in Tennessee or even relocating across the state, your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal items generally remain insured during the move.
Off-Premises Coverage Limits: However, this coverage outside your primary home often comes with a cap. Many homeowners policies include an “off-premises” coverage limit – typically about 10% of your personal property limit . For example, if you have $200,000 of personal property coverage on your Tennessee homeowners insurance, only up to $20,000 may apply to belongings away from your insured residence (such as in a moving truck or temporary storage). This is a standard industry practice to account for the increased risk when your items are not at your home base . The good news is that if you’ve purchased a new home and are in the process of moving, most policies temporarily waive that limit. Usually, your coverage will automatically extend to items at your new residence for about 30 days after you begin moving in . (Be sure to double-check your specific policy for the exact time frame and conditions.)
Covered Perils – The “How” Matters: It’s important to understand how your belongings are protected during a move. Homeowners insurance covers personal property for the same perils listed in your policy. Common covered perils include fire, theft, vandalism, and certain types of accidental damage. So if the moving truck catches fire or gets in an accident and your furniture is ruined, or if someone steals boxes from your car during the move, you’d likely be covered (subject to your deductible). Similarly, if a storage unit holding your stuff is hit by a tornado or damaged by a fire, your homeowners policy should kick in . In Tennessee, disasters like tornadoes or windstorms are usually covered perils for personal property, whether at home or in transit.
Common Exclusions and Gaps During Transit or Storage
While your Tennessee homeowners insurance does offer protection, it’s not a blank check for every mishap. Here are some common exclusions and limitations to be aware of when moving:
Breakage by Movers: Perhaps the biggest gap is that a standard policy will not pay for damage to your belongings caused by the movers themselves . In other words, if professional movers drop your flat-screen TV or scratch your antique dresser, that damage isn’t covered by your homeowners insurance. The policy covers named perils (like fire or theft), but it doesn’t cover mere accidental breakage or mishandling during packing and moving.
Gradual Damage or Poor Packing: Damage due to poor maintenance, gradual deterioration, or improper packing isn’t covered. For instance, if your items get broken because they weren’t padded properly, or electronics are ruined by being left in a damp moving pod, the insurer may deny the claim. Mold, mildew, or vermin infestations that occur in storage are also not covered by homeowners insurance . So if items in a storage facility suffer mold damage or get chewed by mice, you’d be out of luck (standard policies consider that preventable damage).
Certain Disasters Excluded: The same exclusions that apply at home still apply during a move. Notably, flooding is not covered by standard homeowners insurance . If a flash flood ruins boxes in your moving truck or storage unit, your home policy won’t cover that (flood insurance would be needed). Earthquake damage to your personal property in transit would likewise require separate earthquake coverage. Always remember: if it’s excluded at home, it’s excluded on the road too.
Coverage While in Storage: When your belongings are stored off-premises (whether in a storage unit or perhaps temporarily at a friend’s garage), they are generally covered only for the perils listed in your policy (theft, fire, wind, etc.) . But as mentioned, coverage might be limited to that ~10% off-premises limit for losses in storage. Some insurers even limit coverage in storage to theft only , so that, for example, fire damage in a storage unit might not be fully covered under certain policies. This is why it’s critical to verify your own policy’s language or ask your agent about any off-premises or storage-specific limitations.
Moving Locally vs. Out-of-State: Does It Matter?
Moving within Tennessee: If you’re moving to a new home within Tennessee (say, from Nashville to Franklin or Knoxville to Memphis), your existing homeowners policy will typically cover your belongings during the move as described above. You should notify your insurance company about the move as early as possible, especially once you have a new address. Often, insurers will transfer or rewrite your policy to the new home effective on your moving date. During the transition, there’s usually a grace period (again, around 30 days) where belongings at both the old and new home are covered . But don’t assume this happens automatically – always confirm with your insurer. Also, keep in mind that the dwelling coverage on your old home will cease once you sell or when you cancel the policy, so you’ll need a new policy on the new house to have continuous coverage.
Moving to Another State: If your move takes you out of Tennessee, you will almost certainly need to purchase a new homeowners insurance policy in your new state. Homeowners insurance is regulated state-by-state, and insurers are typically licensed per state. Your Tennessee policy can cover your belongings during transit to the new home (for example, while driving to a new house in Alabama or Georgia), but once you move in, you’ll need a local policy for the new residence. Coordinate the timing so your new policy starts when you take possession of the new home. That way, your personal property will remain insured without gaps. For instance, if you’re an upper-middle-class homeowner relocating from Tennessee to another state, ask your independent agent if they can help find a suitable policy in your destination state. The personal property coverage itself will follow your items in transit (so a covered peril en route is claimable on the old policy), but after moving, the old policy’s coverage won’t apply to a non-Tennessee residence.
Using Professional Movers: What Does Insurance Cover?
Hiring a professional moving company can make life easier, but you should know how insurance works in this scenario. As noted, your homeowners insurance won’t cover damage caused by the movers handling your stuff . So if the moving crew drops your heirloom china, your policy isn’t going to pay for it – that’s where the mover’s liability comes in.
Mover’s Liability Coverage: Moving companies are required (for interstate moves, by federal law) to offer two levels of protection for your goods:
Released Value Protection: This is basic coverage that movers include at no extra charge. However, it’s very minimal – typically only $0.60 per pound per item . That means if a mover breaks your 10-pound dining room chair worth $500, you’d get only $6.00 (60 cents × 10 lbs) by default! Clearly, this wouldn’t come close to true replacement value for most items.
Full Value Protection: This is an optional, more comprehensive coverage (often for an added fee) where the moving company agrees to be liable for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged items . If something is destroyed or goes missing, the mover must repair it, replace it with a similar item, or compensate you for the current market value. Full-value protection is more expensive (and you may be able to choose different deductible levels to adjust the cost), but it offers much better peace of mind for a big move.
Important: The mover’s coverage is not insurance in the traditional sense – it’s a contractual level of liability. Still, it’s crucial to get all coverage details in writing from the moving company . Ask the movers for documentation of whichever plan you select. Also, verify if the policy covers catastrophes (for example, what if the moving truck has an accident or catches fire?). Many full-value plans would cover that, but always read the fine print.
Check the Mover’s Contract: Before the move, review the moving contract carefully. Confirm the declared value of your possessions and ensure it matches reality – movers often ask for the total value of the shipment. Having an up-to-date home inventory can help you calculate this and prove any losses later . Also, find out the process and time limits for filing a claim with the mover if something goes wrong . Don’t sign off on the move until you’ve inspected your delivered items; if you discover damage days or weeks later, it may be too late to claim.
Temporary Storage: Insurance for Stored Belongings
Many homeowners find they need to store items temporarily – maybe you’re between homes for a month, using a storage facility while you house-hunt or renovate. The question arises: does homeowners insurance cover your stuff in a storage unit? The answer: yes, up to certain limits and for specific perils.
As mentioned earlier, your personal property is typically covered off-premises up to a portion of your policy limit (often 10% of Coverage C) . This off-premises coverage includes items kept in a storage unit – so if you have furniture or boxes in a self-storage facility in Tennessee, they are covered by your homeowners policy for events like theft, fire, or tornado damage . In fact, the Insurance Information Institute reminds people not to forget items in storage when making their home inventory, precisely because those items are part of your insured property .
However, be aware of a few caveats for stored belongings:
Time Limits: If the storage is truly short-term (a few weeks while moving), you’re essentially within that moving window and fully covered (aside from the off-premises limit). For longer-term storage, your coverage remains but is just subject to the standard off-premises limit and perils. There isn’t usually a specific time cutoff for storage coverage – your items can be in storage for the duration of your policy term and still be insured – but verify if your insurer requires any notice for items away long-term.
Covered Perils and Exclusions: Homeowners insurance will not cover certain hazards in storage. For example, flooding is excluded unless you have flood insurance . Also, damage due to humidity, mold, or pests is not covered . If the roof of the storage unit leaks slowly and your items get moldy, that’s considered maintenance-related and not covered. Theft or vandalism at the storage unit would typically be covered, but some policies might restrict coverage primarily to theft off-premises , so check yours.
Value Limits: Just as at home, there are sub-limits for certain high-value items (like jewelry, furs, silverware) even in storage. In fact, theft of jewelry off-premises might have a very low limit (often only $1,500 unless you have added coverage) . So don’t assume your grandmother’s jewelry is fully insured just because it’s in storage – you may need to schedule those items separately.
Because of these limitations, many homeowners opt for additional storage insurance. Some storage facilities in Tennessee offer their own insurance or tenant protection plans for stored goods. Before buying that, consult with your insurance agent to avoid duplicate coverage . In some cases, it might make sense to purchase the facility’s coverage as a supplement, especially if it covers risks your homeowners policy doesn’t (for example, some storage insurance might cover water damage or give higher limits). Always weigh the cost vs. benefit.
When to Consider Extra Coverage (Endorsements or Separate Policies)
Given the gaps we’ve highlighted, you might be wondering if you should buy extra insurance for your move. Here are some situations where an endorsement or separate policy is recommended:
Professional Move with Valuable Items: If you’re using movers and have expensive furniture or delicate items, consider a trip transit insurance policy. Trip transit insurance is a special short-term policy that covers your personal property for hazards like theft, disappearance, or fire specifically during the move or while in temporary storage . It can be written for the full value of your goods (or as excess coverage above the mover’s basic coverage). Keep in mind, trip transit insurance typically will not cover breakage or damage by the movers either, and it usually won’t cover flood damage . It basically mirrors what your homeowners covers, but without the off-premises limit and covering the duration of the move.
Concerned About Breakage: If you want coverage for items breaking due to mishandling or accident (something home insurance doesn’t cover), ask your insurer about “special perils” contents coverage. This is sometimes an add-on (endorsement) to upgrade your personal property coverage to an “open peril” basis. Triple-I notes that special perils contents coverage will cover breakage of all but your most fragile items . This means if your glass table or electronics get accidentally smashed during the move (and not just by listed perils like fire), you could file a claim. Some higher-end Tennessee homeowners policies (HO-5 policies or those from premium carriers) automatically include this broader coverage. Check with your agent if you have it, or if you can add it for the move.
High-Value Items: Jewelry, fine art, collectibles, and other high-value possessions should be scheduled (insured under a floater) regardless of a move. A floater or personal articles endorsement provides all-risk coverage for specific valuables, often with no deductible. During a move, a floater will cover those items if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged in almost any scenario (except exclusions like war or nuclear events). If you have a valuable piece of jewelry making the trip with you, for example, a floater ensures it’s fully protected (standard policies usually cap jewelry theft at $1,500) . Talk to your Tennessee insurance agent about adding floaters for anything especially precious before the move.
Long-Term Storage: If you know a significant portion of your belongings will be in storage for an extended time (several months or more), and especially if their value exceeds that 10% off-premises limit, consider buying separate storage insurance. This could be through the storage facility or a third-party insurer. It can provide higher limits and cover perils like mold or rodents which your homeowners won’t cover . This is often relatively inexpensive and can be purchased month-to-month.
In summary, additional coverage is not always necessary for a short, routine move with basic items – your existing homeowners insurance and the mover’s basic liability may suffice. But for a big move with pricey belongings, these extra protections can fill important gaps.
Tips to Protect Your Belongings (and Your Wallet) During a Move
When planning your move, a little extra preparation can save you from financial heartache. Here are some practical tips to make sure your stuff is properly protected:
Review Your Policy with Your Agent: Well before moving day, talk to your insurance agent about your plans. Ask how your homeowners insurance covers a move – confirm your off-premises coverage limit and whether any special conditions apply during a move or while in storage. This conversation is especially important if you have a policy from an independent agency in Tennessee, as different carriers might have slight variations or optional coverages available. Don’t forget to update or replace your policy when you reach the new home!
Get the Mover’s Coverage in Writing: If you hire professional movers, inquire about their coverage options and get everything in writing. Choose the coverage level (Released Value vs. Full Value protection) that makes sense for you, and make sure the contract clearly states the mover’s liability limit per pound or per item . Also, verify that the moving company’s insurance covers any damage they might cause to your old house or new house during the move (for example, if they scratch hardwood floors or dent a wall). Reputable movers in Tennessee will have no issue providing proof of insurance for both your goods and any potential home damage.
Consider Third-Party Moving Insurance: For extra peace of mind, especially on long-distance moves, you can purchase separate moving insurance (often available through moving companies or specialty insurers). This can cover things like breakage that your homeowner’s policy won’t. Compare the cost and coverage of these plans to the mover’s own full-value protection and your existing policy’s coverage. Choose what best fills the gaps.
Keep an Inventory and Document Conditions: Before you pack, create or update your home inventory list . Take photos or videos of your furniture and valuable items and note their condition. This documentation will be invaluable if you need to file a claim with either your homeowner’s insurer or the moving company. It helps prove that any new damage was in fact caused by the move.
Pack Smart and Securely: While this is more about prevention than insurance, it’s worth mentioning – use good quality packing materials to reduce the risk of damage. Sturdy boxes, plenty of cushioning (bubble wrap, blankets), and careful labeling (“Fragile”, “This Side Up”) can prevent a lot of heartbreak. Remember, insurance might not cover items that were poorly packed if that’s seen as the cause of damage. So, protecting your belongings physically is the first line of defense.
Don’t Cancel Insurance Too Soon: Maintain your homeowners insurance on your old home until the move is complete and you no longer need coverage there. You want coverage at both the old and new location during the transition to avoid any gaps. Once you’re fully moved out and the home is sold (or your new policy is active on the new home), then you can safely cancel the old policy. If you’re moving into a new home you purchased, make sure the new home’s insurance is effective before you start moving belongings there (many mortgage lenders in Tennessee will require proof of insurance before closing anyway).
If Moving Yourself, Cover the Ride: Renting a U-Haul or moving truck for a DIY move? Remember that your auto insurance likely won’t cover a rental moving truck (since it’s not a private passenger vehicle) . Always opt for the rental truck company’s collision damage waiver or insurance. This covers the truck and your liability if an accident happens. It’s an extra cost but very important – otherwise, you could be on the hook for a dented truck or damaged car if there’s a crash. Also, drive carefully and keep the truck locked when unattended to reduce theft risk.
By following these tips and understanding your policy, you can make your move much smoother and financially safer.
Final Thoughts
Moving is a big job, but with the right preparation, you can do it with one less worry. Standard homeowners insurance will cover your belongings during a move in Tennessee for many scenarios – your stuff is insured in the moving truck, in your car, and even in a storage unit, against perils like fire or theft. However, it’s crucial to know the limits: off-premises coverage often tops out at 10% of your personal property limit , and your policy won’t cover breakage or mishandling by movers . For those gaps, consider supplemental moving insurance or higher mover liability coverage to protect your valuables. Every homeowner’s situation is unique, so use the information above as a starting point and talk to your insurance provider about your upcoming move. By being proactive – checking your off-premises limits, asking about endorsements, and ensuring movers are properly insured – Tennessee homeowners can safeguard their property during a move and settle into that new home with peace of mind.
Sources:
Insurance Information Institute (III) – Moving? Make Sure Your Personal Property Is Insured
Triple-I Blog – Getting the Right Insurance Coverage for Moving
Insurance Information Institute – Self-Storage Facility Coverage and Tips
The Zebra – Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Items in a Storage Unit?
StoragePug – How Personal Property Coverage Works with Self Storage
ISO Homeowners Policy (typical coverage limits for off-premises property)
