Do you need tenant insurance before moving in?

Yes, arrange it before you move in. If your lease requires insurance, your policy needs to be in force on the lease start date, and some landlords ask for a certificate before handing over keys. There's also a practical reason: your belongings are most exposed on moving day, and a policy that starts the following week won't respond.

What to have ready

• Your new address and the lease start date
• A rough estimate of what your belongings are worth
• Any minimum liability limit your lease requires

Once the policy is in place, ask for a certificate of insurance to give your landlord.

Already insured at your old place?

Call your insurer before moving day to update your address. Coverage is tied to the address on your policy, so don't assume it follows you automatically.

Breakage of items in transit is often limited or excluded, so check your policy and ask your movers what they cover. See our apartment insurance options or talk to a broker before you move.