A lot of Atlanta homeowners assume their existing insurance policy has them covered during a move. It is a reasonable assumption — after all, you pay premiums every month and your stuff is your stuff, right? The reality is more complicated. Whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers moving damage depends heavily on your specific policy, and the gaps can be significant.
What Most Policies Actually Say About Moving
Standard homeowner's and renter's insurance policies cover personal property against named perils — things like fire, theft, and certain types of water damage. Most policies include an "off-premises" provision that extends some coverage to your belongings while they are away from your home, including during a move. However, this coverage is usually capped at a percentage of your total personal property limit — often 10%.
That may not go far if you have a houseful of furniture and electronics.
More importantly, the standard policy perils usually do not include accidental breakage during handling. If a mover drops your dining table, that is not a fire or a theft — it is a handling mishap, and your homeowner's policy may explicitly exclude it. Read your policy's "special limits" and "exclusions" sections carefully, or call your agent and ask directly: "Am I covered if a moving company damages my belongings?"
Scenarios Where Your Policy May (and May Not) Help
Theft from a moving truck: Often covered under off-premises personal property provisions. · Fire or weather damage while items are in transit: Usually covered if the peril is listed. · Accidental breakage by movers: Typically NOT covered under standard policies. · Items in a storage unit: May be covered, but check your policy's storage sublimit.
· High-value items (jewelry, art, electronics): Often subject to special limits — may need a rider.
Filling the Gaps Before Moving Day
If your homeowner's or renter's policy leaves you exposed, you have a few options. First, ask your mover about full-value protection — as described in our previous post, this covers repair or replacement at current market value. Second, contact your insurance agent to ask about a moving floater or inland marine rider that covers your belongings in transit.
Third, take photos and video of high-value items before packing so you have documentation if a claim becomes necessary.
The worst time to discover a coverage gap is when you are already filing a claim. Taking 30 minutes before your move to audit your coverage can save you significant money and frustration. Bears Moving Co. encourages every customer to do this audit — not because we expect things to go wrong, but because good preparation is part of a good move.
A Quick Pre-Move Insurance Checklist
Pull out your homeowner's or renter's policy and find the off-premises provision. · Confirm whether accidental breakage during handling is covered. · Check special limits on electronics, jewelry, and art. · Ask your agent about a moving floater or transit rider. · Document high-value items with photos before packing day. · Compare your existing coverage to the mover's full-value protection option.
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