If it’s September 1 in Boston, you know the drill.
Moving trucks are everywhere. Sidewalks are covered in couches and boxes. Someone is circling the block for the 14th time looking for a parking spot. And somewhere, despite all the warning signs, a moving truck is about to get Storrowed.
Welcome to Boston Moving Day.
September 1 is famous for apartment turnover throughout Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods. With a huge percentage of leases changing over around this date, thousands of renters are simultaneously packing up, moving out and settling into new apartments.
And while you’re worrying about keys, movers, parking permits and making absolutely certain your rental truck stays off Storrow Drive, there’s one more thing that shouldn’t get lost in the move:
Renters insurance.
The Unofficial Boston September 1 Moving Checklist
☐ Pick up the keys
☐ Reserve the moving truck
☐ Set up utilities and Wi-Fi
☐ Change your address
☐ Determine whether the couch actually fits through the doorway
☐ Do NOT get Storrowed
☐ Find the box containing the coffee maker
☐ Check your renters insurance
That last one isn’t quite as entertaining as watching someone realize their 12-foot moving truck isn’t going under a 10-foot bridge — but it can be considerably more important.
Your Landlord’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover Your Stuff
You may be renting the apartment, but everything you’ve spent the day carrying into it belongs to you.
Your landlord’s insurance generally protects the building and the landlord’s interests. It doesn’t mean your furniture, clothing, electronics and other personal belongings are automatically insured.
Take a look around your new apartment.
Laptop? Television? Furniture? Clothes? Shoes? Kitchen equipment? Bike? Sporting equipment? That suspiciously expensive collection of small appliances taking over your kitchen counter?
Now imagine having to replace all of it at once.
That’s why personal property coverage is such an important part of renters insurance.
And before you finally collapse onto the couch after surviving Boston Moving Day, there are a few other coverages worth checking.
Personal Property
Make sure the coverage limit reflects what it would realistically cost to replace your belongings. A quick photo or video inventory of your apartment can be surprisingly helpful.
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Ask how your belongings would be valued after a covered loss. Replacement cost coverage and actual cash value coverage can result in very different claim payments because actual cash value generally accounts for depreciation.
Personal Liability
Renters insurance isn’t only about your stuff. Personal liability coverage may help protect you if you’re legally responsible for someone else’s injury or property damage.
Jewelry & Other Valuables
Engagement rings, watches, jewelry, artwork, collectibles and other higher-value belongings deserve a closer look. Standard policies can contain special limits for certain types of property.
Depending on the item and policy, you may want to schedule the valuable or purchase additional coverage. Talk with your agent about what you own rather than assuming everything is fully covered.
Additional Living Expenses
If a covered loss makes your apartment temporarily uninhabitable, where would you go?
Renters insurance may provide additional living expense or loss-of-use coverage to help with increased costs while you can’t live in your apartment, subject to the terms and limits of your policy.
Roommates
Sharing an apartment doesn’t necessarily mean you’re sharing insurance coverage.
Don’t assume your renters policy automatically protects your roommate’s belongings or liability. Tell your agent who lives in the apartment and confirm how everyone should be insured.
And Know What’s Not Covered
Renters insurance doesn’t cover everything. Flooding, for example, is generally excluded from a standard renters policy.
Policies and insurance companies vary, so when in doubt, ask.
Moving a College Student Into Boston?
Boston Moving Day also means plenty of parents helping college students unload cars and questioning how one person accumulated this much stuff before age 20.
If your student is living on campus, some coverage may extend from a parent or guardian’s homeowners policy depending on the policy and circumstances.
Moving off campus?
Don’t assume the same coverage applies.
Before buying a separate renters policy — or assuming one isn’t necessary — contact your insurance agent. A quick conversation can confirm how the student is currently covered and whether additional insurance is appropriate.
One More Thing Before You Unpack
Moving is stressful enough. Renters insurance doesn’t have to be.
If you’re moving into a new apartment this September, take a few minutes to make sure your coverage moves with you — and that the limits and coverages still make sense for what you own today.
Then you can get back to the important things.
Like finding your phone charger.
Or figuring out why your new apartment has seven light switches and only four lights.
And, of course, staying off Storrow Drive with that moving truck.
Happy Moving Day, Boston!
Need help reviewing renters insurance? Risman Insurance Agencies can help you understand your options for personal property, liability, valuable items and more — so you can check insurance off the list and get back to unpacking.
Request a Quote
Recent Comments