You have just bought a new house! That means a lot of paperwork, boxes and excitement! You will undoubtedly be very, very busy until D day, but between your trip to the notary’s office, your appointment at the bank and packing up your dishes, be sure to make time to update your home insurance contract. In order to help you out with this task and to limit the stress associated with it, Assurances Multi-Risques would like to give you a few useful tips.

 

Updating your insurance contract and moving into your new house  

Your purchase offer has been accepted? The inspection process is over? You should be contacting your insurance agent or broker right now! Indeed, you should update your insurance contract at least a few weeks before moving into your new house. Your agent or broker will ask you a series of questions in order to assess your new situation and to see if your current coverage – and the price of your premiums – are still adequate. Depending on your situation, it’s likely that your premiums will be increased or reduced.

If the cost of your home insurance no longer suits you or if you simply wish to obtain the best coverage at the best possible price in order to adequately protect the biggest investment of your life, we strongly suggest that you contact an independent insurance broker who deals with several insurance companies. He or she will be able compare several offers and to best counsel you according to your specific needs.

Giving this responsibility to your broker will free up time and reduce stress. You will also be benefiting from a close working relationship with your broker.

 

Insurance tips for a successful move

Moving involves a lot more than taking boxes from point A to point B! To avoid future problems, you should work with a team of professionals, including your home insurance specialist. Indeed, as insurance brokers, we often see clients dealing with problems linked to the purchase of a new home. Here are a few important tips :

  • Make sure to be well acquainted with your new home’s characteristics

This information can have a big impact on your premiums, your coverage, and even on your insurer’s decision to offer, or not, coverage for your new home.

  • Inform your insurer of the date at which you will be vacating your old home

If, after moving into your new home, you remain the owner your old home for a while, you must inform your insurer of that fact. To learn more on this topic, we recommend that you take a look at our previous article on this subject.

  • If you are renting your old home, inform your insurer

If you intend to keep your old home and to offer it on the rental market, you must, once again, inform your insurer of this decision that will have an impact on your risk evaluation and the coverage you will be offered. For more information on this, please read our previous article on this topic.

  • Insure the belongings you will putting into storage

If you are moving into a smaller home and have decided to store some of your belongings, make sure insure those. You may choose to this with an insurer who specializes in this type of insurance.

  • Check the financial penalties associated with insurance contract cancellations before deciding to switch insurers

Before deciding to change insurers, check what the financial penalty for cancelling your contract will be. This could make the insurance switch less appealing.

  • Think ahead!

Don’t wait until the last minute to make changes with your home insurance company.

 

Moving entails a lot of work. Phoning your insurer is certainly less interesting than deciding, say, on your new interior decoration, comparing quotes or planning your house-warming party. Therefore, in order to avoid the hassle involved with insurance updates, contact an independent broker who will be able to find the best coverage available at the best possible price. By doing so, you will have the peace of mind necessary to fully enjoy choosing your new paint colours or planning your next gatherings.