You signed the new lease, picked up the keys, and started packing. Somewhere between changing your mailing address and scheduling the utilities, remember to update your renters insurance too.
Your policy will not necessarily follow you to the new rental automatically. Contact your insurance company or agency, provide the new address, and explain when you plan to move.
In many cases, the change is simple. The company may update your current policy or let you know if a new one is needed.
Contact Your Insurance Company Before the Move
Try to update your renters insurance before moving day. This gives you time to answer any questions and provide proof of coverage to the new landlord if the lease requires it.
Have this information ready:
- Your new address
- Your move-in date
- The date your current lease ends
- The type of rental
- Any changes to the people living with you
- Any insurance requirements in the new lease
The move-in date and the end of your current lease may not be the same. Tell the insurance company both dates so it can explain how the policy applies during the transition.
If you are moving to another state, mention that right away. Insurance requirements and carrier availability can vary, so you may need a new policy instead of a simple address update.
Ask About the Time Between Rentals
Some moves happen in one day. Others include a week or two when you have access to both places.
If your furniture, clothing, electronics, or other belongings will be divided between the two addresses, ask how your renters insurance applies during that period. Do not cancel the policy at your old address or assume the new address is covered until the insurance company confirms the effective dates.
This is also worth asking about if your belongings will spend time in a moving truck or storage unit.
A short conversation before the move can help you understand when the old address ends and the new one begins on the policy.
Review Your Coverage While You Update the Address
Moving is a good time to check whether the policy still reflects what you own.
You may have purchased furniture, electronics, appliances, or other belongings since the policy started. Walk through your current home and make a rough list of what it would cost to replace your belongings.
Then review:
- Personal-property coverage
- Deductible
- Valuable belongings that may have special limits
- Household members
- Pets
- Liability coverage
- Any requirements in the new lease
You do not necessarily need different renters insurance because you are moving from an apartment to a rented house. However, the new address, household, belongings, and lease requirements should still be reviewed.
Our guide to renters insurance for a house versus an apartment explains what may—and may not—change between the two types of rentals.
Send Updated Proof to Your Landlord
Your new landlord or property manager may ask for proof of renters insurance before giving you the keys or allowing you to move in.
Ask what information the proof needs to show. The insurance company or agency can then provide updated documents with the new address and effective date.
If the landlord asks to be listed on the policy in a particular way, share the exact instructions with your insurance company. Do not assume that listing a landlord means the landlord’s building or belongings are covered by your renters policy.
Check the Updated Policy
Once the change is complete, take a few minutes to review the new documents.
Confirm:
- The rental address is correct
- The effective date matches your move
- Your name is spelled correctly
- The selected coverage and deductible are correct
- The payment amount and due date are what you expect
- Any required landlord information is included
An incorrect apartment number or effective date may seem minor, but it is easier to correct before you need to use the policy.
If you are unsure what you are looking at, our guide to reading a renters insurance policy explains the main sections.
Make the Address Change Part of Your Moving Checklist
Transferring renters insurance is usually straightforward: contact the insurance company, provide the new address and moving dates, and review the updated policy.
The important part is doing it before you assume the move is complete.
If you need renters insurance for your new place, you can start a renters insurance quote online or call Cheapest Auto Insurance at (800) 988-3794.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Renters Insurance Automatically Transfer to a New Address?
Not necessarily. Contact your insurance company or agency before moving. The company can tell you whether the existing policy can be updated or whether you need a new policy for the new address.
When Should I Update Renters Insurance Before Moving?
Contact the insurance company as soon as you know the new address and move-in date. Updating the policy early gives you time to review the effective date and provide proof of insurance to the new landlord if required.
Can Renters Insurance Cover Both Addresses During a Move?
That depends on the policy, insurance company, timing, and circumstances of the move. If you will have belongings at both rentals, ask how coverage applies before ending the policy at your old address.