Home insurance when moving house: 2027 guide

Yes, in most cases you can transfer your contents insurance when you move house, but buildings insurance usually needs a new policy because it is tied to the property itself. The key is to contact your insurer early, give accurate details of your new home and make sure there is no gap in cover between the two addresses.

Can you transfer home insurance?

Home insurance is often sold as one policy, but it covers two different things.

1. Contents insurance covers your belongings. Most insurers let you move this cover to your new address. Your premium or excess may change, because the location, property type, security and rebuild value of the new home all affect the risk.

2. Buildings insurance covers the structure of the property. As it relates to a specific building, you cannot simply carry it over. You will normally cancel the policy on your old home from your completion date and take out a new policy for your new home.

Home insurance when moving house

Telling your insurer

Contact your insurer as soon as you have a moving date. You will need your new address, the property type, the number of bedrooms, the year it was built and details of locks and alarms. Giving accurate details matters, because incorrect information could affect a future claim. If moving your policy is not worthwhile, ask whether a cancellation fee applies and compare it with a new policy.

Buildings insurance from exchange

If you are buying, you usually become responsible for insuring the property from exchange of contracts, which comes before completion. Most mortgage lenders require buildings insurance to be in place from that point. Your conveyancer will confirm what your contract says, so ask them early. If you are selling, keep your own buildings cover in place until completion.

Contents cover during the move

Many contents policies include some cover for belongings while they are being moved by a professional removal company, but the details vary. Check whether your policy covers items in transit, whether it applies to items you pack yourself and whether there are limits on valuable items.

A professional removal company will also carry Goods in Transit insurance, which covers your belongings while they are in its care. At Pickfords, your belongings are covered while we move them, and your quote explains exactly what is included. Before moving day, compare your own policy with your removal company's cover so you know which applies to what.

Avoiding gaps between properties

Gaps tend to appear when one policy ends before another begins. To avoid this:

• Start buildings cover on your new home from exchange, or the date your conveyancer advises
• Keep cover on your old home until completion or until you hand back the keys
• Switch contents cover to your new address on moving day
• Tell your insurer if either property will be empty for a period, as unoccupied homes may need different cover

If you are renting, your landlord insures the building, but your belongings are your responsibility. Update your contents policy with your new address before you move.

Items in storage

If your sale and purchase do not line up, some of your belongings may go into storage. Many home contents policies limit or exclude items kept away from the home, so ask your insurer how storage is treated. Your storage provider will also explain what cover applies. Pickfords offers self storage from £18, with 24/7 access. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times.

Checklist before moving day

• Tell your insurer your moving date and new address
• Arrange buildings cover for your new home from exchange
• Confirm your old home stays insured until completion
• Check your contents cover for items in transit and in storage
• Review cover for high-value items such as jewellery or artwork
• Keep your removal quote and any inventory to hand

Your insurer is one of several organisations to update. See our guide to who to inform when moving house for the full list.

Frequently asked questions

• When should buildings insurance start when buying a house?

In most cases, from exchange of contracts, as this is when you usually become responsible for the property. Your mortgage lender will normally require it. Check the date with your conveyancer.

• Do I need two home insurance policies while I move?

For a short period you may. If you are buying and selling, you could be responsible for both properties between exchange on your purchase and completion on your sale.

• Will my premium change when I move?

It may go up or down. Insurers price cover on the location, property type, rebuild cost and security of your new home.

• Does my contents insurance cover my belongings during the move?

Some policies do, often with conditions such as using a professional removal company. Check your policy wording and ask your insurer about items you have packed yourself.

• Do I need contents insurance if the removal company is insured?

The removal company's cover applies while your belongings are in its care. Your own contents policy covers your belongings the rest of the time, including once they arrive at your new home, so it is worth keeping both in place.

• Are my belongings covered in storage?

Not always. Ask your insurer whether items in storage are covered and check what cover your storage provider offers.

If you are planning a move, our expert team is here to help. Request a free quote for your upcoming move and get personalised advice on packing, storage and moving day.