Summer is one of the busiest times of year for moving house in the UK. With better weather and school holidays on the horizon, it’s a natural season for a fresh start. But amid the packing, planning and paperwork, there’s one essential task that often gets overlooked: home insurance.
Whether you’re selling, buying, or renting out a property for the first time, making sure your cover is accurate, up to date, and fit for purpose could save you thousands in the long run.
Do I Need to Update My Home Insurance When I Move?
In short: yes.
Home insurance policies are tied to a specific property — and every home has its own unique risks. When you move, even if it’s just across town, your insurance needs change too.
You’ll likely need to:
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Cancel or amend your current policy
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Arrange cover for your new property from the day you exchange contracts
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Consider temporary cover if your home is left empty during the move
A simple address change won’t cut it. Failing to update your insurer could leave you underinsured or completely unprotected in the event of a claim.
Don’t Overlook Unoccupied Property Insurance
If there’s going to be a gap between moving out and selling, or if you’re inheriting a property that will be vacant for some time, you’ll need unoccupied property insurance.
Standard home insurance policies usually stop providing full cover after a property has been empty for more than 30 days. That means things like theft, escape of water, and vandalism might no longer be included.
Find out more about how to keep your unoccupied property safe while it’s empty here.
What About the New Property?
As soon as you’ve exchanged contracts, you become legally responsible for the building — even if you haven’t moved in yet. That’s why it’s critical to put a new buildings insurance policy in place from that date, not just the day you collect the keys.
If you’re purchasing a leasehold property or a flat, buildings insurance may be included in your service charge — but always check the details to be sure.
Insuring Your Belongings During the Move
Most standard contents insurance policies don’t automatically cover damage or loss during removals — especially if you’re moving items yourself.
If you’re using a professional moving company, you may be able to arrange temporary contents cover through them or through your insurance provider. It’s worth checking in advance, particularly if you’re transporting high-value items.
Renovating Before Moving In? Consider Specialist Cover
Planning to renovate or carry out structural changes before moving in? That’s great — but don’t assume your standard policy will cover it.
Depending on the scale of the work, you may need renovation insurance to cover:
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Damage to the existing structure
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Theft of materials
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Liability for contractors working on-site
Our team at Carbon can help you arrange the right cover for short-term projects or major refurbishments.
Why Work with Carbon Insurance Brokers?
At Carbon, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all policies. Whether you’re buying your first home, inheriting a property, or juggling multiple addresses during a move, we offer:
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Clear, practical advice from real insurance specialists
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Tailored policies for homes, unoccupied properties, and renovations
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Flexible options to suit your timeline and budget
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Fast, no-fuss quotes and support when you need it
We’ll help you cover what matters — and remove some of the stress from moving day.
Contact us
Moving house is an exciting chapter — but it’s also a time when things can go wrong. The last thing you want is to deal with water damage, theft, or liability issues without the right protection in place.
Before the moving van arrives, talk to Carbon Insurance Brokers. We’ll help ensure your home, your contents, and your peace of mind are fully covered — from exchange to settling in.
You can contact us by calling us on 0333 043 1300 or by making an enquiry online.
