A guide to everything you should know about moving and home insurance

With files from Rubina Ahmed-Haq

This article was originally published on March 9, 2023 and was updated on May 7, 2026.

Moving can be a busy and stressful time, as there are tons of things you’ll need to do to prepare, including securing or updating your home insurance. 

Whether you’re moving into your first rented apartment, buying a condo unit or upgrading to a new home, contacting an insurance broker or agent is essential.  In fact, it's required if you have a mortgage. Ideally, getting your coverage in order should be done about 30 to 60 days before your move. 

Here is everything you need to know about moving and home insurance.

What happens to my home insurance policy when I’m moving?

When you’re moving, your home insurer will usually be able to offer you a policy on your new place. But this doesn’t mean you’re transferring your current policy to the new home. Instead, you’re ending your current policy and starting a brand new one. This is because a new property comes with its own set of risk factors, such as location, materials, and replacement cost, which will impact the cost of your insurance. Make sure to notify your provider of your move as soon as possible. Different insurance companies have different rules, but giving at least 30 days' notice before the move-in date is best. 

The risk profile of your new property could force you to shop the market if your current insurer or brokerage is unable to offer you suitable coverage. This is also why it’s important to notify your current insurer as soon as possible. If you need to shop around, not being rushed and having time to properly compare will allow you to make a confident decision.

Does the type of property I’m moving into affect the policy I need?

Yes, the type of property you move into will affect the insurance policy you need. For example, if you move into a rental unit, you’ll need tenant insurance, but if you move into a condo unit that you own, you’ll need condo insurance. A homeowner's policy is needed when you own the structure and the land it sits on. While each policy falls under the property insurance umbrella, they serve different purposes.

The key differences in the types of coverage provided by these policies are:

• Homeowner insurance covers the structure of the house, personal belongings, and liability.
• Condo insurance covers improvements to your unit, personal belongings, liability, and often covers common area assessment damage (loss assessment coverage).
• Tenant insurance covers personal belongings and liability, but not the building itself.

How will moving affect my home insurance coverage?

In most cases, moving means you’ll need to update your coverage so the policy reflects your new needs and property risks. For example, if the property you’re moving into has a higher replacement cost than your current one, you’ll need to increase your coverage amount so you’re not left underinsured, which will increase the price of your policy.

The same goes for your new property if it has a pool, shed, or trampoline, as all of these risk factors require additional coverage. Additionally, if you plan to purchase new furniture or other personal items and valuables, you should also consider adding additional contents insurance to your coverage so your items are properly protected. 

Can I switch home insurance companies when moving?

Yes, moving is a good time to review your policy and lock in a better rate. If you've notified your provider of your move and you're unhappy with their rate, you can shop around and compare home insurance quotes from other providers for your new property. 

Switching home insurance companies is as easy as cancelling your old policy and signing up for a new one. But you need to be aware of the possible implications you may face. For one, cancelling mid-policy often leads to penalty fees. Call your current insurer to make sure you understand the process. In most cases, if you cancel with enough notice (e.g. 30 or 60 days), you may be able to avoid the penalty. 

Secondly, you'll want to make sure the end date of your old policy and the start date of the new one line up time-wise. Having a gap in coverage is not only a bad idea because your property will be uninsured, but it may also have poor implications for your future home insurance rates. 

Does home insurance cover my contents when moving?

Yes, while every home insurance policy has different terms, most will still cover your belongings against loss and damage while they're in transit. TD Insurance, for example, will continue to protect your contents for up to 45 days during the move-in process. But you’ll only be covered for what is included in a standard policy. So, you may want to get insurance from your moving company to cover scenarios your home insurance doesn’t include. For example, if your wall gets dented or a table is scratched during the move, your home insurance wouldn’t cover the cost of repairs.

It's best to check with your provider ahead of time to make sure you will have coverage while moving. 

How does moving impact the cost of home insurance?

Moving to a new property can introduce new risks you didn’t face before, which can raise your costs. For example, if you move to an area with a history of floods, your premiums will likely increase. Moving may also require you to add endorsements to your policy, such as flood insurance or earthquake insurance, which would increase your rates. The size of the property and quality of the finishes can also increase your replacement costs and policy pricing. Ultimately, whether your home insurance will go up depends on your unique circumstances, but it’s likely you will see a change in your premium.

Do I need home insurance coverage while my house is for sale?

Yes, you still need home insurance coverage even when your property is for sale, to protect against fire, theft, and personal liability risks. It is even more important to ensure you’re protected if the home is empty while on the market. 

In most cases, if no one is living in the house for 30 or more days, insurers will consider it vacant. Vacant homes are often not covered under standard policies because they pose a higher risk of theft and damage. In this case, you may need to purchase vacant home insurance. To avoid a potential coverage gap, let your provider know if you plan to move out of the home while it is for sale.

Do I need insurance if I keep my stuff in a storage unit?

Whether or not your home insurance provider will cover your items in a storage unit varies by company. For example, most standard home insurance policies from Sonnet Insurance will cover your belongings in storage for up to 90 days. However, in some cases, you may need to add a storage endorsement to your policy or a separate policy with an MGA if you plan on leaving items there long-term.

The bottom line

The most important thing to do when moving is to make sure you are insured every step of the way. Call your insurer as soon as you're aware of the move. If you're unhappy with the new rate or looking to save on your premium, make sure to shop around for quotes. You can compare home insurance quotes on Ratehub today to find your best rate from Canada’s top providers. 

Also read: 

• Do you need home insurance for a renovation in Canada?
• DIY move - 5 questions to ask yourself
• 11 useful tips to save you time and money when moving
• Why you need to update your insurance policies when moving