Buying a new home or planning a major renovation is exciting. But while you’re focused on packing boxes or picking out paint colors, there’s one important detail that often gets overlooked, your home insurance coverage.
Moving or remodeling can easily create unexpected gaps in your insurance policy. These gaps can leave you financially exposed if something goes wrong during the transition. Whether you’re relocating across Florida or upgrading your existing property, it’s crucial to make sure your home stays fully protected before, during, and after the process.
Here’s how to avoid common home insurance gaps when you move or renovate in Florida.
Why Insurance Gaps Happen
Home insurance isn’t static. It’s based on your property’s location, structure, and value, all of which change when you move or remodel. If you forget to update your policy or fail to add the right coverage, you could face uncovered losses at the worst possible time.
Common reasons gaps occur include:
- Failing to transfer coverage when moving
- Forgetting to update your insurer about renovations or additions
- Overlooking temporary vacancies during a move or remodel
- Assuming your contractor’s insurance protects you completely
- Not increasing coverage limits after property upgrades
Fortunately, these issues are avoidable. The key is to plan ahead and communicate with your Insurance agent before making major changes.
Notify Your Insurance Company Before You Move
If you’re moving to a new home, don’t assume your current policy automatically transfers. Every property has different risk factors, construction type, location, flood zone, and replacement cost all affect your coverage and premium.
Contact your insurance company as soon as your move is confirmed. Let them know your new address, the expected moving date, and whether you’re selling your old home or keeping it temporarily.
Here’s why this matters:
- Your existing policy covers your current home only. Once you close on a new property, you’ll need a separate policy for that address.
- If you’re moving your belongings gradually, you may need temporary coverage for personal property in both locations.
- Vacant homes can lose coverage after a set period, often 30 to 60 days.
By notifying your insurer early, you can ensure your new home is insured from the moment you take ownership not weeks later.
Check Coverage for Personal Property in Transit
Your belongings are at their most vulnerable when being moved. Damage during transport isn’t always covered by your standard homeowners policy, especially if movers are involved.
If you hire a professional moving company, ask what kind of insurance they provide. Most movers offer limited protection based on weight, not item value, which may not be enough.
To avoid gaps:
- Ask your insurer if your policy includes personal property coverage during a move.
- If not, consider purchasing a rider or temporary moving insurance for added protection.
- Keep an inventory of your valuables with photos and receipts in case you need to file a claim.
The time between houses can be unpredictable, but your insurance shouldn’t be. Even if your move only takes a few days, ensure your possessions are covered every step of the way.
Keep Coverage Active on Your Old Home Until the Move is Complete
If your old home remains empty or listed for sale after you move out, don’t cancel your policy too early. An uninsured property is vulnerable to damage, theft, and vandalism.
Some homeowners assume their coverage continues automatically until closing, but once a property is vacant, the risk profile changes. Many insurers restrict or reduce coverage after a set vacancy period.
To protect yourself:
- Maintain active coverage until the sale or new tenant takes possession.
- Ask your insurer if you need a “vacant home policy,” which provides protection during empty periods.
- Make sure utilities are off only after coverage is in place, water or electricity issues can still cause damage in an empty home.
This extra step ensures you’re not liable for unexpected losses between moves.
Review Coverage Before Starting Renovations
Renovations can transform your home’s comfort and value, but they also increase your insurance risks. Fires, accidents, and theft of building materials are common during remodeling projects.
Before construction begins, talk to your Insurance agent to confirm that your existing policy provides adequate protection. Standard homeowners insurance might not cover damage caused by major structural changes or unlicensed contractors.
Ask these questions:
- Does my current policy cover renovation-related damage?
- Will I need a builder’s risk policy during construction?
- Are contractors and subcontractors properly insured?
- How will my coverage limits change once the renovation is complete?
A builder’s risk policy typically covers the home, materials, and temporary structures during remodeling. It’s especially useful for large projects like kitchen remodels, room additions, or major roof replacements.
Verify Contractor Insurance and Licensing
One of the biggest risks during renovation is assuming your contractor’s insurance automatically covers your property. Not all contractors carry adequate coverage, and if an accident happens on-site, you could be held responsible.
Before signing a contract, ask for proof of:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Professional licensing (required for most trades in Florida)
Make sure the coverage limits are sufficient and that your property is listed as an insured site on the policy, if possible.
Your own insurance might exclude damage caused by unlicensed or uninsured contractors, so always verify credentials upfront.
Increase Coverage Limits After Major Upgrades
Renovations often increase your home’s value, but your insurance policy won’t automatically adjust to reflect that. If you spend $50,000 on a new kitchen or add a second story, you need to update your coverage limits to match the new replacement cost.
Otherwise, your payout after a loss might fall short of what’s needed to rebuild or repair your upgraded home.
What to do:
- Reassess your home’s replacement value after the project.
- Review your dwelling and personal property limits.
- Update photos and records of improvements for future claims.
Keeping your policy up to date ensures your hard work and investment are protected long after the dust settles.
Conclusion
Moving and renovating are major life milestones, but they come with hidden risks if your insurance coverage doesn’t keep pace. Staying proactive can prevent costly gaps that leave your home unprotected during these transitions.
The best strategy is simple: plan early, communicate often, and verify your coverage at every step. A trusted Insurance agent can help you review your policies, recommend necessary updates, and ensure your protection evolves with your home.
