Insurance for Moving House in Australia: What You Need to Know
Moving to a new home is an exciting yet stressful experience, and ensuring your belongings are protected during transit is crucial. Whether you're relocating within the same city or moving interstate, having the right insurance for moving house can save you from unexpected costs due to damages or loss. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about transit insurance for moving house in Australia, from cancelling and transferring policies to finding the best transit insurance Australia has to offer. If you’re searching for insurance for moving house in Australia, this guide will help you find the right protection for your move.
Preparing to Move Home
Before you start packing, it’s important to take inventory of your possessions and assess the value of your items. Some key steps to prepare for your move include:
- Decluttering and disposing of unnecessary items to reduce moving costs.
- Creating a detailed inventory list of valuable items.
- Checking with your current home insurance provider to understand your coverage.
- Researching insurance for moving house options if your current policy doesn’t include transit coverage.
Many Australians don’t realize that their standard home insurance policy may not cover their belongings while in transit, which is why one-off transit insurance can be a smart choice.
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Cancelling Insurance for Moving House
If you’re moving out of a home you own and no longer need coverage for that property, you may need to cancel your existing home insurance policy. Steps to cancel your policy include:
- Contacting your insurer and providing them with your move-out date.
- Ensuring coverage remains in place until you vacate the property.
- Checking if you are eligible for a refund on any unused portion of your premium.
However, if you’re moving to a new home, transferring your policy to one specific for moving house may be a better option.
Transferring Home Insurance
Instead of cancelling your policy, most insurers allow you to transfer your home insurance to your new property. This process may involve:
- Updating your address and property details with your insurer.
- Adjusting your coverage if your new home has different risk factors.
- Comparing policies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Providers like NRMA transit insurance and AAMI transit insurance offer flexible options for homeowners looking to continue their coverage when moving.
Transit Home Insurance (While Moving)
Your household items are at the highest risk of damage while being transported. Transit insurance Australia policies cover your belongings against risks such as:
- Accidental damage
- Theft
- Fire and vehicle accidents
Some moving companies provide insurance, but it’s always a good idea to check if it offers sufficient coverage. If not, standalone one-off transit insurance from providers like AAMI transit insurance or NRMA transit insurance can be a reliable solution.
When Should You Consider Moving House Insurance?
Moving house insurance is especially important when shifting valuable, fragile, or irreplaceable items over long distances or between states. Australians often find their standard home insurance lacks protection for belongings during transit, particularly for costly electronics, art, or heirlooms. Investing in dedicated moving cover provides peace of mind and financial security, ensuring that unexpected accidents or theft during the journey won’t result in heavy out-of-pocket costs.
Types of Moving Insurance Policies Available
In Australia, moving insurance policies range from single transit cover for one-off relocations to comprehensive plans that protect against a wide array of risks such as fire, theft, and vehicle accidents. Some moving companies offer included basic coverage, but this is often limited compared to standalone insurance from providers like AAMI, NRMA, or Allianz. It’s vital to review each policy’s scope and ensure it matches the value and nature of your household goods.
Moving Home Insurance Cost
The cost of moving home insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors:
Value of items being transported
For lower-value items, basic coverage might suffice, with costs ranging from $10 to $50 per day. However, for high-value items like electronics or jewelry, additional coverage can increase costs by $20 to $100 or more.
Distance of the move
Local moves typically cost between $20 and $60 per day. For interstate or long-distance moves, the cost can range from $50 to $150 per day, depending on the distance and value of the goods being moved.
Type of coverage
Basic coverage might be sufficient for many, but comprehensive coverage will usually cost more. Comprehensive plans can add 20-30% to the premium, with costs ranging from $50 to $100 per day for higher-value items.
Example of AAMI's pricing
AAMI’s transit insurance typically starts at $15 per day for basic policies. More comprehensive plans for high-value items can cost between $50 and $100 per day.
Common Moving Insurance Exclusions
Not all incidents are covered by moving insurance. Items with pre-existing damage, improperly packed valuables, or goods not declared in the inventory may be excluded from compensation. High-value objects like jewellery or collectibles sometimes require specific listing and professional appraisal on your policy. Before the move, always ask your insurer about potential gaps and how to add extra protection for prized possessions.
Best Home Insurance Providers in Australia
When searching for the best moving home insurance, there are several top providers in Australia to consider. NRMA is well-known for its comprehensive moving insurance options, while AAMI offers affordable one-off transit insurance for moves. Allianz provides flexible moving home insurance across states like NSW and QLD, and QBE covers accidental damage and loss during relocation. Youi, on the other hand, offers tailored home and contents insurance that includes coverage for moving.
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Ensuring a Stress-Free Move with the Right Insurance
Moving to a new home is a major milestone, and ensuring your belongings are protected with the right moving home insurance is essential. Whether you need transit insurance for the move, a one-off policy, or want to transfer your home insurance to your new property, there are plenty of options available in Australia. It’s important to compare policies, check the moving home insurance cost, and choose the best plan to suit your needs for a smooth, stress-free move. If you need help selecting the best transit insurance available in Australia, researching providers like NRMA, AAMI, and others can help you find the right coverage for your relocation.
How To Make a Moving Insurance Claim
Making a claim for loss or damage during a move is straightforward if you prepare ahead. Create a detailed inventory and photograph your belongings before packing. If an incident occurs, promptly notify your insurer with documentation such as photos, receipts, and detailed descriptions of the affected items. Most Australian insurers offer digital claim portals and efficient turnaround times if paperwork is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my home insurance cover moving house in Australia?
In most cases, standard home insurance policies do not cover your belongings while they are being transported. That’s why many Australians choose one-off transit insurance to protect their household items during a move.
What is moving home insurance or transit insurance?
Moving home insurance, also called transit insurance, covers your belongings against risks such as accidental damage, fire, theft, or vehicle accidents while in transit between properties. Some moving companies offer this, but standalone policies usually provide stronger coverage.
Can I transfer my existing home insurance when moving to a new home?
Yes. Most Australian insurers allow you to transfer your existing home insurance policy when you move. This usually involves updating your property address and adjusting your coverage if your new home has different risk factors.
How much does moving home insurance cost?
The cost depends on the value of your belongings, the distance of the move, and the level of cover. On average, local moves cost $20–$60 per day, while interstate moves can range from $50–$150 per day. Companies like AAMI offer basic transit insurance from around $15 per day.
Which providers offer the best moving home or transit insurance in Australia?
Several leading insurers provide moving home insurance in Australia. NRMA and AAMI are popular choices for affordable one-off transit cover, Allianz offers flexible moving insurance across multiple states, QBE includes accidental damage protection, and Youi tailors its policies to cover moving and relocation.
Do I really need moving home insurance?
If you’re moving valuable or fragile items, having moving home insurance can prevent unexpected financial loss. Since moving is one of the riskiest times for damages or theft, transit insurance provides peace of mind and can save you money in the long run.
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