Are you really ready for your move?

It's very important that you inform your insurer of the details of your move (the date, your new address, information on your new home, etc.) You should also take a look at your overall policy and make any changes you need to keep yourself fully covered.

• Leaving your little apartment for your first house? Moving in with your girlfriend or boyfriend? Such changes may require that you increase your insured amount or add your friend's name to your policy.
• Moving over the course of a few days? Make sure your policy covers you at both locations. Most policies cover personal property when being transported and give you 30 days to complete a move, assuming, of course, that your policy remains in effect and that there is not a different policy covering your new home. If you're using a moving company, you should be aware that the company's insurance will be first to intervene in the case of loss or damage.
• Planning to put some of your property in storage? You should be aware that your home & property policy doesn't cover the theft of stored property. For other types of loss coverage is limited to 10% of your insured amount. For example, if your stored property is covered for $30,000 and you lose it all in a fire, your maximum indemnity would be $3,000. Make sure the owner of the storage facility is sufficiently insured. Otherwise, you can purchase additional coverage.
• If your family or friends are helping you move, remember that your policy covers your civil liability. In other words, if someone is injured or suffers material damage and you're at fault, your policy's got you covered! If you rent or borrow a truck, think about adding rider 27 to your current auto insurance policy. For a modest fee, it covers you for any damage you cause to a vehicle that doesn't belong to you.
• Choose your movers with care. Get references and make sure the company is well insured. If you're moving on your own, make sure any truck you rent or borrow is well insured and never left unattended.