FAQ About Renters’ Insurance When You Move
Moving can be a pain in the neck, but it becomes a lot easier if you don’t have to worry about your renters’ insurance. The good news is, adjusting your renters’ insurance can be less complicated than home insurance.
(And if you’re wondering about moving insurance, we’ve got answers for that, too!)
If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry; Trucordia has you covered! This guide will walk you through getting renters’ insurance and answering your questions so you can move with confidence.
Renters’ Insurance When You Move
Picture this: you’re renting a cute apartment in Edmond, WA. You love where you live, but the number of new businesses in the area means it’s a lot more crowded than before. You prefer living in a quieter area, so you decide it’s time to move somewhere a bit more peaceful.
But after you tell your landlord, you realize you don’t know what to do about your renters’ insurance. Where should you start?
The first thing you need to do is contact your insurance agent. Once you’ve called your agent, they will likely ask you the following questions:
In any case, you have two options: you’ll either need to transfer your renters’ policy or rewrite your policy.
Whether you’re transferring or rewriting, Trucordia can help you manage your renters’ insurance and take you step-by-step through the process.
Renters’ insurance is also available for college students who live off-campus. College students in a dorm already have liability coverage from the school, but they also get insurance for their personal belongings. You’ll just need to inquire about having roommates on your policy, since not all renters’ policies allow it.
Why do I need to tell my agent I’m moving?
Your agent can’t get you the insurance you need without knowing you’ve moved. Otherwise, if you file a claim, your carrier may deny it because your policy doesn’t have your current location written into it.
When should I tell my insurance agent I’m moving?
You’ll need to tell your agent as soon as you’ve officially decided to move, but at the very least, 30 days before you move out.
Why should I tell my agent early?
Your agent needs to know you’re moving as soon as possible so there won’t be a lapse in coverage. If you don’t change your coverage soon enough, you can be left unprotected.
Plus, your agent will need time to help you get a new policy. Your new home will most likely require different coverage, so your agent will need to write a policy that fits the needs for your new home.
Do I need renters’ insurance at all?
Anybody that rents any type of dwelling needs renters’ insurance. Even if you don’t want or need your personal property covered, your policy provides for more than just your belongings.
You always have a liability risk for damages you may cause or if someone gets injured. For instance, if a candle in your apartment catches your curtains on fire, it could damage your next-door neighbor’s apartment, meaning you have to pay for the repairs.
But with renters’ insurance, the repairs can be covered, no problem.
And, sometimes renters’ insurance covers things beyond your dwelling and property.
For instance, say you’re hosting a birthday party at your apartment’s rec center. While you’re dancing the night away, your friend accidentally backs into an expensive speaker set, sending them toppling.
If you don’t have renters’ insurance for your apartment, you’ll be liable for the speakers’ repairs. But if you do have a renters’ policy, you can file the claim under your insurance policy.
Besides, renters’ insurance can be as inexpensive as $20 a month. It’s worth it to get insurance to cover you in case anything happens.
By what time should I have coverage for my new dwelling?
If you’re living in an apartment or condo, your landlord may require coverage, so they’ll let you know when you need coverage.
If you’re renting another type of living space, you’ll need coverage before you move out.
Is there a policy cancellation fee, and how much should I expect to pay?
It’s not guaranteed, but when you cancel your policy, there may be a cancellation fee. The best plan is to set your policy up for nonrenewal, but that may not be possible depending on when you move.
You should talk to your Trucordia agent about cancelling your policy and potential fees.
To make sure you’re covered, your carrier needs to know your current primary residence and the type of dwelling you live in. Once they know what kind of dwelling you inhabit, they can determine eligibility under their program. Then they need to know your address, so your policy is correct.
Why do I need a different policy depending on where I live?
Your policy is specific to the place you live, so you need a policy that can cover your dwelling and location. Some carriers don’t offer policies for certain dwellings, so where you live and what dwelling you have matters.
Plus, depending on where you live, your premium can change, since your rate depends on how much coverage you need and your level of risk. For instance, if you are moving into an apartment with a wood stove, the risk is higher, so your premium will be higher.
Understanding the various risks and different policies can help protect you in the case of an accident or a claim.
Dwelling Types
If you’re moving into an apartment:
Moving from one apartment simply requires a policy transfer. Your agent will need to change the physical location on your policy and verify your mailing address, provided you’re moving to another apartment in WA.
Your agent may also need to know:
- What year the apartment was built
- How many buildings are in the complex
- How many apartments are in the total complex
- What floor you’re on
- How many units are in your building
Just keep in mind, if you have roommates, your agent will also need to know everyone who’s living with you and if they’ll be listed on your lease. Some carriers will allow everyone on one policy, but not always, so your roommates may need renters’ insurance separately from you.
Many landlords require you to have renters’ insurance, so you and your roommates will need to be prepared to get insurance for all of you.
If you’re moving into a mobile or manufactured home:
Beyond basic information about your insurance needs, some carriers will need to know the year your mobile home was built, the square footage, the make/model, and the foundation you have (pit-set, blocked with skirting, etc.)
Other carriers may not need this information, but it’s good to have on hand just in case.
If you’re moving to a single room:
Sometimes you don’t need a whole apartment; you just need a single room. If that is the case, you’ll have less insurance options because only a few carriers cover single rooms.
Beyond basic information about your insurance needs, some carriers will need to know the year your mobile home was built, the square footage, the make/model, and the foundation you have (pit-set, blocked with skirting, etc.)
Other carriers may not need this information, but it’s good to have on hand just in case.
If You Are Moving to a Different State
First, you’ll need to check with your agent to see if Trucordia serves the state you are moving to. Currently, Trucordia are licensed to write in Washington and Oregon, plus some policies in Arizona and Idaho.
Let’s say you’re moving to Delaware. Trucordia can’t write a policy for that state, but your insurance carrier may still be able to cover you. (You will just need to find a new agent.)
Trucordia features the following insurance carriers:
Check with your agent (and scan the carrier’s website) to see if your carrier covers your new state. If your carrier serves the state you’re moving to, you can get a new agent to write you a new policy.
Why can’t I keep my old agent?
While we’d love to keep serving you, Trucordia isn’t licensed to write policies in states other than Washington, Oregon, and few policies in Arizona or Idaho. You will need an agent who is licensed to write policies in your new state.
No matter what happens with your carrier and agent, you most likely will have to rewrite your policy. Every state has different rules, so even if you can keep your carrier, you must rewrite your policy to comply with your state laws.
I went on a vacation in a different state, and I was still covered. Why can’t I just keep my same policy if I move to a new state?
Your policy depends on where you permanently live. Even if you go on vacation in a different state, you will still return to your primary residence.
If you permanently reside in a new state, you will need a new policy that complies with all state laws and regulations. That way, you’re fully protected per the limits of your policy.
What if I’m moving to a state Trucordia doesn’t cover, and my carrier isn’t licensed there?
If you’re moving to a state your carrier doesn’t serve, you will have to choose a different insurance carrier entirely. We’ll be sorry to see you go, but you’re welcome to look at our website at any time to get your insurance questions answered.
Further Questions about Renters’ Insurance
What happens if I’ve downsized or gotten more items?
Your renters’ insurance policy comes with personal property coverage, but you may need even more coverage than that policy afford.
Say you’ve put a lot of your belongings into a storage unit. Your renters’ insurance only extends a certain percentage of your coverage to your belongings in the storage unit.
If you have expensive belongings, you may need to bump up your personal property coverage to cover them properly.
On the other hand, you may need less coverage if you’ve downsized. In that case, you’ll need to ask your agent about the amount of coverage you need and if your policy fits your situation.
Will my personal belongings be covered if they’re not in my apartment?
If you put your items into storage when you move out, you may be wondering if your renters’ policy covers your items in storage. Good news: it does, to an extent.
However, you may need more coverage depending on your items and how valuable they are.
Check with your Trucordia agent to understand your policy limits and what coverage you may need.
No matter what your circumstances are, and no matter where you’re moving, Trucordia wants to help you find the answers you need. Your move is already complicated – we want to make your insurance as easy as possible.
If you have questions about renters’ insurance or our agency, feel free to contact us via a phone call, text, or email. You can also use our booking website to schedule a visit if you need to see someone right away.
Or, if you just need to manage your policy, you can use our client self-service portal or our mobile app. We’re here for you throughout your move!
