Is moving insurance really necessary? When planning a local, long-distance or international move, it’s important to cover your back in case of emergency. Read on to learn more about insurance for moving, and what you should get insured.
DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER MOVING?
Yes, it may. Check your homeowners insurance policy carefully and see if you’re already covered. Bear in mind also that your insurance company is likely to stipulate you can’t do a DIY move.
In order to be insured, you’ll need to pick a licensed and insured moving company like Air1 Moving & Storage. That’s because transporting valuable, fragile objects is a much safer bet in experienced, professional hands.
Another thing about regular homeowner’s insurance. It’s unlikely to cover you for very valuable items like collections or artwork.
DO I NEED MOVING INSURANCE?
That depends. Imagine if the worst happened and you had to replace all of your belongings. How would that be?
Moving is an expensive process anyway, so don’t risk losing it all. With insurance for moving you’ll avoid the worst case scenario of one huge expense at once.
AREN’T MOVING COMPANIES INSURED ANYWAY?
Yes, reputable moving companies like Air1 Moving & Storage are licensed and insured. But you’d be looking at a low standard payout if there was an accident.
Say you’re moving locally within California. You’d get from $0.30 per pound compensation in the event of an accident. If that’s something lightweight but valuable like jewelry, then it’s not much compensation.
WHAT INSURANCE DO I NEED WHEN I MOVE?
The moving insurance policy that we recommend is our Full replacement value/High-value inventory insurance plan.
Tell us the value of your possessions before the move, and that’s the payout you’d get if there’s an accident. This comprehensive insurance for moving is worth it for valuable possessions so that you can relax and enjoy your move.
WHAT ITEMS SHOULD I INSURE WHEN I MOVE?
Many of our customers ask us what to insure with full value protection moving insurance.
We recommend that you take it out for the following, plus any more valuable items that you own.
ANTIQUES
Most people don’t know the precise value of their antiques. With good planning, some of our customers get a valuation before the move. This way they get an accurate estimate of their antiques.
APPLIANCES
Something that many people overlook, but imagine moving into your new home with no working refrigerator, or washing machine. It doesn’t bear thinking about.
Moving insurance for appliances is the most practical choice for a stress-free move.
ART AND ART INSTALLATIONS
Art tends to be lightweight in relation to its value, so it’s definitely worth getting full value protection moving insurance.
You may not be able to replace it with the exact piece, but you’ll be able to choose another artwork that you love.
DESIGNER CLOTHING, SHOES AND ACCESSORIES
Unique designer items can increase in value with age, if you look after them correctly. But they’ll only keep that luxurious look if they’re kept intact.
On the subject of clothing, some of our customers choose to insure pieces that are valuable and hold significant sentimental value, like wedding dresses.
ELECTRONICS
Electronic items are pretty fragile, and are very sensitive to changes in temperature, and moisture in the air.
Imagine having to shell out for cracked screens when you arrive. It’s safer to insure them in case they were to get knocked, too hot, too cold or damp along the way.
FAMILY HEIRLOOMS
Crockery and glassware are the most likely items that break during a move. Our team has special training to pack and transport everything correctly. However in the case of a traffic accident, it just wouldn’t be enough.
Better to insure those glasses with full value protection moving insurance if they are your family’s pride and joy.
JEWELRY AND WATCHES
Jewelry and watches are items that are usually lightweight but valuable. So low-cost insurance that pays out according to the weight of your items just won’t cut it.
It’s not just damage to jewelry you need to consider. Small, valuable items are unfortunately easier to steal too.
On that note, make sure you choose a moving company like Air1 Moving & Storage that rigorously screens new employees before they start.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
If you’re a musician, you won’t need us to tell you that the slightest external change can throw your instrument completely out of tune. So a bump, or change in temperature or humidity could spell disaster for your instrument.
Many instruments that are kept in perfect condition will be worth more money in the future. However, you have to keep them pristine for this investment to pay off.
SPORTS AND FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Those golf clubs and skis were likely pretty expensive when you bought them. And that treadmill too, right? The bigger and more delicate a piece of sports or fitness equipment is, the more seriously you should think about insuring it.
VALUABLE COLLECTIONS SUCH AS COINS
Is your collection worth a lot? If so, it’s best to take photos of everything and get it appraised. Then you can be sure you’re insuring it for the correct value.
Like jewelry, as collections of valuable items can be relatively small, they are in greater danger of theft, too.
INTERNATIONAL MOVING INSURANCE: WHAT TO INSURE
The first thing to say about international moves is, “Do you really need that?” Check the list above. Hand on heart, will you need your collections? Art? Sports equipment?
Perhaps you will, if you’re planning to stay there permanently. But if you’re moving internationally for a year or so, it could be better to leave your items in our secure storage.
For everything you really do need, ask us about our international moving insurance policies.
Read more about our affordable moving insurance on our website.
CONTACT AIR1 MOVING & STORAGE FOR MOVING INSURANCE TO SUIT YOU
Questions about insurance for moving? Call our friendly California team at (866) 750-3386 whether you’re moving locally, long-distance or internationally.
Alternatively please write to us through our contact form, or email us at [email protected].
