How does home insurance cover moving?
Updated August 28, 2026 . AmFam Team
Moving into a new home is exciting. It can also be a lot to manage. Between packing, scheduling movers, and closing on your home, there’s plenty to think about. As moving day gets closer, one question often comes up: Are your belongings covered while you move?
The short answer is it depends. In many cases, homeowners insurance may help protect your personal belongings while they’re in transit. But coverage depends on how and where the damage happened, what your policy covers, and whether any limits or exclusions apply.
Here’s a closer look at how homeowners insurance may cover your things during a move.
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Learn more about how to insure the things you love so they're better protected during your move.
Does homeowners insurance cover moving damage?
In many situations, homeowners insurance may provide coverage for personal belongings that are damaged during a move from one home to another. But coverage often depends on what caused the damage.
For example, damage may be covered if it happens because of a covered event, such as certain types of accidents or other listed causes in your policy. But damage caused by poor packing, improper handling, or preventable breakage may not be covered.
That’s why it’s important to review your policy before moving day. Knowing what your policy does and doesn’t cover can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
How personal property coverage may work during a move
Under many standard homeowners policies, personal property may be covered for specific causes of loss listed in the policy. You may hear this called named-peril coverage.
That means your possessions may be covered if they’re damaged due to a covered event during the move. For example, if a moving truck overturns and your belongings are damaged, that loss may be covered if the event falls within your policy terms.
Because policies can vary, it’s a good idea to ask your American Family Insurance agent how your personal property coverage applies before, during, and after your move.
Are your things covered if you move them yourself?
Maybe. Homeowners insurance can sometimes extend to personal belongings while you move them yourself. But coverage depends on the situation and the cause of the damage.
If you’re using your own vehicle or trailer, your belongings may have some protection while in transit. In some cases, your vehicle coverage may also matter, especially if there’s damage related to an accident involving the vehicle or trailer.
Keep in mind that one of the most common moving mishaps—damage caused by improper packing or shifting items—is not usually covered. Using sturdy boxes, protective packing materials, and secure loading practices can help lower the risk.
Does your auto policy cover a rented moving truck?
It depends on your insurer, your policy, and sometimes the state you’re in.
Coverage for rented moving trucks is not always the same as coverage for a personal auto rental. Before you rent a truck, call your insurance agent and ask:
- Whether your auto policy applies to the rental truck
- Whether physical damage to the truck is covered
- Whether liability coverage applies
- Whether you should consider additional coverage from the truck rental company
It’s also important to remember that coverage for the truck itself is not the same as coverage for the belongings inside it.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by a moving company?
If you hire movers, ask questions before signing a contract. Your homeowners policy may help in some situations, but the moving company’s own protection may also play a role.
Ask the moving company:
- How are my belongings protected while in your possession?
- What liability protection is included?
- What extra protection can I buy?
- What types of damage are excluded?
- How are claims handled if items are lost, damaged, or destroyed?
Also ask for the mover’s current certificate of insurance and review their terms carefully.
Homeowners insurance and moving: FAQs
Review your homeowners policy before you move
Moving is a big milestone. The last thing you want is uncertainty about how your belongings are protected.
A quick conversation with your American Family Insurance agent can help you better understand your homeowners coverage before the move begins. That way, you can spend less time worrying about what might happen and more time looking forward to settling into your new home.
This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.
