R EA L E S TAT E
TRANSFERRING INSURANCE
WHEN YOU MOVE
SUBMITTED BY STATE FARM INSURANCE
We all know how stressful moving can be: There’s a massive list of tasks to
perform. So it’s no surprise that making new insurance arrangements may
not be your first priority. But do yourself a favor: Don’t wait. The process
isn't as tough as it seems. Below are a few key questions to investigate
about moving and insurance. They don't cover everything, but they should
get you going in the right direction.
Have You Talked To Your Agent?
If you're happy with your insurance
company, give your agent a call. Your
agent should be able to tell you whether
you'll need to find a new agent and how to
transfer your policies to your new address.
If you want to find a State Farm agent in
your new neighborhood, you can search by
ZIP code at the State Farm website. You'll
see a map of offices and a list of agent
profiles, including contact information.
What About New Insurance?
And Transferring Insurance?
Talking with an agent is the best way to
find out what you’ll need to do to get new
insurance or transfer your insurance to
your new address. Your agent will also help
you understand insurance requirements in
your new location.
20
FREDERICK COUNTY GUIDE | SUMMER 2016
If you're moving between states, keep
in mind that insurance coverage varies
across states. For example, in California,
due to the high frequency of earthquakes,
you need to take special precautions to
make sure your home is safe and secure
in case an earthquake occurs. That’s not
the case in Indiana! Different states also
have different auto insurance laws, and
if you’re moving to a new state, you’ll
need a new auto insurance policy—plain
and simple.
Most state laws require you to have
homeowner’s insurance before you even
buy a home. If you’re covered by State
Farm, you should be able to get a prorated
credit from your old homeowner’s policy
when you’re signing up for a new one in
a new state.
Are Your Possessions Covered
While You’re Moving?
Depending on how you've chosen to move
—hired movers, rental truck, a portable
container, or do-it-yourself in the back of
your old Honda—your property may or
may not be covered between the time it
leaves your home and arrives at its final
destination. Some homeowner policies will
cover your property everywhere, regardless
of whether it’s in your home or in a moving
truck. Other policies won't cover anything
once it’s out your door. So double-check
your policy or call your agent.
If your own insurance policy won't cover
your property, you can get coverage
through your moving company. By
federal law, moving companies have to
offer supplemental insurance for your
property that will cover a set percentage
of replacement costs, but you’ll need to
increase that amount to get full coverage.
+
Danielle Leonard is a Frederick-based
State Farm agent. Contact her at:
1090 West Patrick Street, Suite C,
Frederick, Maryland
301-695-5244
[email protected]
Learn more about insurance needs
at learningcenter.statefarm.com