Planning on moving from one state to another is a huge undertaking and taking care of your family and your possessions are your priority. Our Insurance Moving Checklist will help prepare you for the necessities for safe travel and arrival at your new Massachusetts home. Insurance differs from state to state, and not being ready for the unexpected can lead to unnecessary hassles. This checklist can help you get all of your insurance coverage in order to ensure a smooth transition during and after your move.
Protecting Your Assets During Travel
Traveling over a long distance is a prime way to get into unexpected adventures. The right insurance coverage can help to make sure all of your experiences have a happy ending. Understanding your current homeowner’s insurance restrictions is the first step in deciding whether you’ll need additional coverage for the move. There are a variety of ways to protect your assets during travel.
- Your current homeowner’s insurance – Before you close out your current policy, talk to your insurance agent to get a full understanding of possession coverage. Some policies only cover personal possessions while they are in the house. Other policies may cover possessions in storage. It’s also essential to learn what your insurance plan covers. For instance, your policy may include theft, but not damage that occurs during an accident.
- Insurance through the moving company – If you’ve hired a moving company, they’re required by federal law to offer mover insurance that covers loss or damage to your possessions. You simply choose the amount of coverage you need.
- Mover’s insurance – If you’re making a move on your own, you will likely need to secure additional coverage. If you rent a moving truck, insurance can probably be secured through the truck company. If you’re using your personal vehicle, talk to your current insurance provider about adding additional coverage for the move.
- Your new homeowner’s policy – If your circumstances require you to put items in storage near your new residence, seeking an insurance agent in Massachusetts before the move can be helpful. Your new policy will likely cover items in local storage.
Understanding Insurance Requirements in Massachusetts
The laws for insurance coverage can vary widely from state to state. This is why it’s a good idea to research the rules and deadlines surrounding home and auto insurance before you make the big move. This helpful guide lists insurance requirements in Massachusetts.
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- Upon moving to Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state driver’s license and obtain auto insurance if you plan to drive.
- You must register an out-of-state vehicle within 30 days, which requires proof of insurance.
- Teens under 16 are not allowed to drive in Massachusetts. Therefore, if your teen driver is under 16 years old, you might be interested in changing your insurance policy.
- The statutory limit of coverage for auto insurance in Massachusetts includes; bodily injury to others, personal injury protection, bodily injury caused by uninsured vehicles, and damage to someone else’s property.
- Homeowner’s, rental, or mobile home insurance policies aren’t required by state law. However, lender’s or lease agreements often require these policies.
Planning a Move and Not Sure What You need to do?
Meeting Insurance Needs in Your New Home
After moving, there are so many tasks to take care of that it can be easy to overlook the need to change your insurance coverage. The types of home and auto insurance you need will depend on your living situation and the drivers in your home. Sometimes, additional policies are a good idea to cover valuable items or beloved pets. Use this checklist to get your insurance changes in order when you move to Massachusetts.
- Get homeowner’s insurance. If you’re financing a new home in Massachusetts, you might be required to show proof of insurance before closing. This will require you to obtain home insurance before you move. If you’re purchasing a mobile home, a mobile home insurance policy is available.
- Keep your old insurance policy active while you move. Driving in Massachusetts without auto insurance is illegal. Your current plan will keep you covered until you change your registration.
- Assess your insurance needs. Moving to a new state means significant changes in your life. It’s an excellent time to assess the insurance you need for your home, vehicles, and possessions.
- Outfit your new home with security features to help decrease insurance costs.
- Get renter’s insurance. If you are planning on renting a home in Massachusetts, you’ll probably need rental insurance upon moving. While state law doesn’t require it, your lease agreement might include a rental insurance policy.
- Register your vehicles and get auto insurance. In Massachusetts, out-of-state vehicles must be registered within 30 days. Auto insurance is needed for registration.
- Consider your unique needs. Insurance is designed to protect you from financial disasters or shortfalls when emergencies arise. Different policies are available to cover veterinarian costs for pets, specific requirements for classic cars, motorcycles, boats, valuable personal articles, recreational vehicles, and even some aspects of your own lifestyle.
Top 5 Commonly Asked Questions About Moving
Does my homeowner’s policy cover a move?
Maybe. If you haven’t canceled your existing policy, it’s a good idea to examine your policy to determine the extent it covers your belongings. Some policies only cover possessions while they’re inside the house. Others might include coverage for travel or storage. However, it’s important to note that this might not be full coverage. For instance, your homeowner’s policy may cover theft but not damage.
What insurance should my moving company carry?
A professional moving company is required to offer basic liability for the value of goods they transport. Your moving company is required to offer two types of liability: Full value and released value. While released value won’t cost you anything, it provides little protection for your belongings. Full value costs extra and provides the full replacement or repair cost for damaged or destroyed items.
Are movers responsible for damage to my property while moving?
Sort of. You have the choice of whether or not to pay for protection. If you don’t want to pay the cost of full value protection to have damaged items replaced, you’ll have to sign a waiver agreeing to released value protection. Unlike actual insurance or full value protection from the company, released value only pays you 60 cents per pound for each damaged item.
Do I need moving insurance?
Depending on your existing coverage, it might be a good idea to purchase moving insurance. Accidents happen whether you depend on a mover or plan to move your belongings in your personal vehicle. Consider your options by learning what your existing policy covers. If you’ve already purchased a policy for your new home, determine whether it will cover your belongings in transit or if you can add coverage that will protect you for the move.
Does my insurance cover me if I move myself?
A DIY move is one of the most likely reasons to need extra coverage for your move. While movers are required to carry some responsibility for the goods they transport, your personal insurance doesn’t have the same protection. If you use your personal vehicle, your homeowner’s policy or renter’s policy may provide some coverage. If you rent a commercial truck, the rental truck might provide some coverage. In either of these cases, it’s important to remember that exclusions may exist.
Conclusion
Securing the best insurance policies for you and your family can be a confusing process. This is where a dedicated insurance agent can help. While you may continue working with your previous insurance carrier, your move to Massachusetts may open up more opportunities for superior local coverage. LoPriore Insurance Agency combines a dedicated team of professionals with a passion for insurance, resulting in a unique ability to offer the right solutions for your insurance needs at a price you can afford. Our agents work as a team and are available to answer questions, provide instant quotes, or help you understand the laws surrounding insurance in Massachusetts.
Moving is a monumental task. Finding the right insurance in your new state shouldn’t have to be a hassle, which is why you need an insurance agent you can trust. At LoPriore Insurance Agency, our motto is insurance that fits your lifestyle. Our experienced insurance agents can provide information, advice, and a simple process that makes one task of moving easy to take care of. Contact us today for an instant quote on the policies that best meet your current needs, and check one more task off of your moving checklist.
