A new year or a new season often inspires fresh beginnings—and for many people, that means moving into a new home. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upgrading to your dream home, or downsizing into a condo, moving comes with excitement, stress, and plenty of important decisions.
One of the most crucial (and sometimes overlooked) steps when moving is re-evaluating your home insurance coverage. Your insurance needs often change when you move, and the last thing you want is to be underinsured—or worse, uninsured—if something goes wrong. To help you prepare, we’ve created a moving insurance checklist with dos and don’ts, as well as a breakdown of the four key foundations of a firm home insurance policy in Ontario.
Quick Summary: Moving & Home Insurance in Ontario
Here is a group of quick answers to sum up what is written in this article:
- It is crucial that you update your home insurance and have it in order before the day you move in.
- When moving in, be sure to have everything you need organized and ready to streamline the moving process.
- In Ontario, drivers must update their address on their licensing within six days.
- Standard Ontario home insurance does not include overland flood coverage.
- Items damaged during a move may have limited coverage depending on your policy
- Most home insurance policies include dwelling, contents, liability, and additional living expenses.
- Do not forget about optional insurance add-ons to cover your new home best.
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What are some dos When Moving Into a New Home?
Let’s face it, moving into a new home can be a challenge. Luckily, there are a bunch of great steps you can take to ensure the process goes smoothly. Let’s take a look at some of the “dos” for moving into a brand-new home.
Update Your Homeowners or Tenant Insurance
Your new property may have different coverage requirements than your old one. Talk to your insurance broker about updating your policy—and ask if bundling your home and auto insurance could save you money.
Declutter Before the Move
Hold a garage sale, donate items to charity, or dispose of things you no longer need. The less you move, the lower your costs and stress will be. To add to this, it also makes moving a lot easier!
Create a Home Inventory
Keep a detailed list of valuables, appliances, and electronics. Photos, receipts, and serial numbers can help make insurance claims smoother and faster.
Protect Your Belongings During the Move
Standard home insurance may not cover items damaged in transit. Ask your broker about Contents Replacement Cost coverage, which pays to repair or replace items that are lost or damaged.
Consider Professional Movers
Hiring a moving company can save time and help ensure your belongings are handled correctly. If you’re asking family or friends to help, make sure you’re protected in case of injuries or accidents.
What to Avoid When Moving into a New Home
As mentioned above, there are several steps you can take to make your moving experience easier. Unfortunately, there are also many “don’ts” that can make a stressful situation that much worse. Let’s take a look at some common mistakes people make when moving into their new home.
Don’t Skip a Home Inspection
A professional inspection can uncover costly issues that may affect both your purchase decision and your insurance eligibility.
Don’t Underestimate Extra Costs
Legal fees, taxes, and moving expenses can quickly add up—budget for these in advance to avoid financial strain.
Don’t Forget to Update Your Auto Insurance
Where you live directly affects your Ontario car insurance premiums. Notify your broker as soon as you change your address. Remember that it is legally required to update your address promptly with your insurer and ServiceOntario within the first 6 days.
Don’t Forget About Mail and Utilities
Forward your mail, update your billing addresses, and schedule the transfer of internet, cable, and hydro services to avoid service disruptions.
Don’t Neglect Your Down Payment
Making a larger down payment can help you avoid mortgage insurance and reduce monthly costs.
Your Go-To Moving Checklist
Our friends at Bolton & Clements Real Estate Group compiled a checklist to make your moving day go as smoothly as possible. This includes the day of and how to pack easily. Let’s take a look:
For The Day Of Your Move
- Confirm movers
- Arrange child & pet care
- Place manuals in an easy-to-find location
- Book elevator
- Lower/raise thermostat
- Turn off the water heater
- Close windows
- Clean bathrooms
- Vacuum the floors
- Clean out the fridge
- Have cash on hand
Packing & Storage Moving Tips
- Arrange a moving company
- Order Moving Boxes
- Arrange Storage
- Arrange garbage removal
- Arrange for donation pickup
Prepare An Essentials Box When Moving
When you first move, you won’t have access to your day-to-day items until you unpack. This is where an essentials box comes into play! This will make your move go more easily, without having to rip open all your boxes on your day off.
- Toilet Paper
- Snacks and coffee
- Scissors/Pocket Knife
- First Aid Kit
- Garbage bags
- Change of clothes
- Dish soap and a towel
- Flashlight
- Important Records/Documents
- Portable Toolkit
- Towels
- All Purpose Cleaner
- Cutlery and Plates
- Bedding
Moving: Changing Your Address
When you move, your address changes. This includes a bunch of documents you need to update. It can be easy to forget some of the places in which you need to update your address. Let’s take a look so you don’t forget any of them!
- Government Issued ID
- Postal Service
- Credit card companies
- Banks
- Insurance
- Doctors’ and dentists’ offices
- School board
- Workplace
- Subscriptions
Services to Cancel or Transfer
- Hydro
- Gas
- Internet
- Home Phone
- Maid or Landscaping services
The Four Key Foundations of Home Insurance Coverage
When setting up your new home insurance policy, make sure you understand the four essential components that protect your investment:
1. The Building (Dwelling Coverage)
This covers the physical structure of your home, including walls, roof, and attached garages, against risks such as fire, windstorms, lightning, vandalism, and theft.
Important note: Standard home insurance policies in Ontario typically do not include flood or certain types of water damage. Ask your broker about overland water coverage or sewer backup insurance if your new home is at risk of flooding or sewer backups.
2. Personal Belongings (Contents Insurance)
This protects your clothing, furniture, appliances, and other possessions in the event of a covered loss.
Most policies cover personal belongings at up to 70% of your dwelling coverage, but high-value items (such as jewelry, collectibles, or art) often require additional endorsements. Keeping your home inventory up to date is essential!
3. Personal Liability Coverage
If someone slips and falls on your property—or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property—liability coverage protects you from lawsuits and medical expenses.
This coverage extends beyond your home, offering peace of mind wherever you go.
4. Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
If your home becomes uninhabitable after an insured loss, ALE helps cover the cost of temporary housing, meals, and other daily expenses. Most policies cover up to 20% of your home’s replacement cost, but you can increase this limit if needed.
Optional Home Insurance Add-Ons in Ontario
Depending on your new home’s location, structure, and features, you may want to add extra protection, such as:
- Overland water coverage – Protection against flooding.
- Sewer backup coverage – Covers damage from backed-up drains or sump pump failures.
- Identity theft coverage – Safeguards against fraudulent use of personal information.
- Home business coverage – Essential if you run a business from home.
Moving to Ontario? Your Home Insurance Questions, Answered
When should I update my home insurance before moving?
As soon as you confirm your closing date or lease start date, update your insurance coverage. Ideally, inform your insurance provider 1-2 weeks before moving day.
Is my home insurance active while moving in Ontario?
Yes. Essentially, as long as your policy is active and your insurer has been notified, home insurance in Ontario remains active while moving.
Does home insurance cover damages during a move?
Home insurance may cover damage during a move, but only if an insured peril causes it. Examples include damage or incidents such as fire, theft, or a vehicle accident involving the moving truck.
Are my belongings insured while moving between homes?
In most cases, yes. Many insurance policies provide temporary contents coverage while your belongings are being moved. This coverage typically lasts 30-45 days.
Do I need insurance for both homes during a move?
Typically, yes. If there is an overlap between the buying and selling of your old and new homes, you may need insurance coverage for both properties. This is to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your New Home with the Right Insurance
Moving is a milestone worth celebrating, but it also comes with risks that the right insurance policy can help you manage. From protecting your belongings during the move to ensuring you have the right home, condo, or tenant insurance coverage, planning will save you time, money, and stress. At isure insurance, we make it easy to find the right coverage for your new home. Our brokers compare quotes from Canada’s top insurance providers to ensure you get the protection you need—at the best possible price.
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