Moving to a New City: Renters Insurance Checklist

Moving to a new city is exciting, stressful, and expensive — often all at once. Between packing boxes, signing a lease, and setting up utilities, insurance can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list. That's a mistake. Your renters insurance needs attention during a move, whether you're transferring an existing policy or starting a new one. Here's your complete checklist to make sure you're covered before, during, and after the move.

Before the Move: Review Your Current Policy

If you already have renters insurance, don't assume it automatically follows you to a new address. Here's what to check:

• Notify Your Insurer: Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as you know your new address. Some insurers can simply update your policy; others may need to issue a new one, especially if you're moving to a different state.
• Check for Rate Changes: Renters insurance premiums vary by location. Moving from a low-crime suburb to a dense urban area (or vice versa) can change your rate. Ask for a new quote based on your new address before the move.
• Review Your Coverage Limits: Use the move as an opportunity to reassess. Have you acquired more valuable belongings since you last set your coverage? Are there items that need scheduled coverage (jewelry, electronics, musical instruments)?
• Understand State Differences: If you're crossing state lines, insurance regulations change. Some states have different requirements, different minimum coverages, and different rate structures. Your current insurer might not even operate in your new state.

If you don't currently have renters insurance, getting a policy before move-in day is one of the smartest things you can do — especially since many landlords now require it.

During the Move: Protecting Your Belongings in Transit

Here's something most people don't think about: what happens if your belongings are damaged or stolen during the move itself?

• Renters Insurance in Transit: Most renters policies cover your personal property anywhere in the world, not just inside your apartment. This means your belongings are generally covered during a move — whether they're in a moving truck, a storage unit, or temporarily sitting on a sidewalk. However, there may be sublimits on certain items.
• Moving Company Insurance: Professional movers offer two types of coverage: released value (minimal, based on weight) and full value protection (covers repair or replacement). Released value is often included free but pays only $0.60 per pound per item — meaning your $2,000 laptop would be valued at about $3. Full value protection costs extra but is worth considering for expensive items.
• Document Everything: Before packing, photograph or video your belongings. This serves as proof of condition and ownership if you need to file a claim. Keep receipts for high-value items accessible, not packed in a box.

After the Move: Setting Up Coverage at Your New Place

Once you're in your new apartment or rental, take these steps:

1. Confirm Your Policy Is Active: Verify with your insurer that your coverage is live at your new address. Don't leave a gap between moving in and being covered.
2. Update Your Home Inventory: Unpack with a purpose — as you put things away, update your inventory of belongings. Note anything that was damaged or lost during the move.
3. Check Your Landlord's Requirements: Many landlords require a minimum amount of renters insurance (typically $100,000 in liability coverage) and may ask to be listed as an interested party on your policy. Confirm these requirements and update your policy accordingly.
4. Evaluate New Risks: Your new location might have different risks than your old one. Ground-floor apartment? Higher burglary risk. Older building? More potential for water damage from aging pipes. Flood-prone area? You might need separate flood coverage.
5. Consider Your Deductible: If you've stretched your budget for the move, a lower deductible provides a bigger safety net for the short term. Once you've rebuilt your savings, you can raise it to lower your premium.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost in a New City?

Renters insurance is one of the most affordable forms of coverage, but costs vary significantly by location:

• National average: $15–$25 per month
• Low-cost areas (rural, low-crime): $8–$15 per month
• High-cost areas (major metros, high-crime): $20–$40 per month

The variation means your premium could change meaningfully with a move. The good news is that even in expensive cities, renters insurance rarely breaks the bank — and the protection it provides far outweighs the cost.

Truvo can compare renters insurance quotes from multiple carriers in your new city, so you're not overpaying for the same coverage.

Don't Forget These Often-Overlooked Coverages

• Loss of Use: If your new rental becomes uninhabitable (fire, major water damage), loss of use coverage pays for temporary housing and extra living expenses. This is especially valuable when you're new to a city and don't have a local support network to fall back on.
• Personal Liability: If someone is injured in your apartment, liability coverage pays for their medical bills and your legal defense. Standard amounts are $100,000, but $300,000 costs only a few dollars more per month and provides significantly better protection.
• Medical Payments to Others: This covers minor injuries to guests regardless of fault — typically $1,000–$5,000. It can resolve small incidents without a lawsuit.

Conclusion

A move is a fresh start, and your insurance should reflect your new reality. Take 30 minutes to review your coverage, update your policy, and document your belongings. It's a small investment of time that protects everything you own. Need help finding the right renters insurance in your new city? Get a free quote from Truvo and start your next chapter fully covered.