You're moving. Have you ticked off everything on your checklist?

It's very important that you inform your insurer of the details of your move (date, new address, information on your new home, etc.). You should also take a look at your overall policy to make sure it still meets all your needs.

• Moving in with your partner or with a roommate? Did you know that his or her home insurance policy may not automatically cover your possessions? If that's the case, it's important that all the individuals are named in the insurance policy to make sure they're covered under the protections that are included. With your name on the policy your possessions are insured, and you also have liability coverage should you accidentally cause damage to a third party. And don't forget to adjust the coverage amount to reflect the combined value of your possessions.
• Taking a few days to move? Your home insurance policy covers your possessions while they're being transported from one location to the other under an additional guarantee that's included at no charge. Your possessions and both your locations are covered for 30 days, assuming of course that your policy remains in effect.
• Choose your movers with care and make sure the moving company has all the coverage needed to protect your property. Don't hesitate to ask them for references as well as a copy of their insurance policy. If your possessions are lost or damaged, it's the moving company's insurance policy that will kick in first.
• If you decide to rent a van and move yourself, make sure you're insured under the rental contract. If you already have an automobile insurance policy, you can have endorsement 27 added, which will protect you against any damage you may cause to a vehicle you don't own.
• Throughout the move, don't tempt thieves by leaving the moving van unattended.
• Planning to put some of your possessions in storage? Your home insurance policy will cover the theft of stored property for a period of 30 days, as of the time you start to store them, provided your policy is still in effect (if needed, and with your insurer's consent, you may be able to extend coverage during this period). For other types of loss your personal property is covered during the entire contract term, although the guaranteed amount could be limited to 10% of your insured amount. For example, if your property is insured for $30,000 for a loss that occurs at your home, your maximum indemnity would be $3,000 in case of fire at the storage facility.
• If you decide to ask family or friends to help you move, your home insurance policy provides civil liability coverage should you be at fault if someone is injured or suffers material damage. You should also know that your home insurance policy provides an indemnity for someone who might be injured while helping you.
• Take a few minutes to make an inventory of your possessions. That way, you'll know what you own and how much coverage you need to choose to adequately insure your possessions. Having this document on hand will also make it easier if you have to file a claim.