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Insurance when moving: how to be properly covered
A move is exactly when damage can happen — in transit, at the old home or in storage. That's when you want your belongings well insured. This guide shows which insurance you need, why you shouldn't cancel your home contents policy too early, and how your things are covered during transport and storage.
Moving tipsExternal storage
Moving
June 24, 2026
Luuk Kamman
6 min
Insurance when moving: how to be properly covered
A move is exactly when damage can happen — in transit, at the old home or in storage. That's when you want your belongings well insured. This guide shows which insurance you need, why you shouldn't cancel your home contents policy too early, and how your things are covered during transport and storage.
Moving tips
External storage
Moving
June 24, 2026Luuk Kamman
INSURANCE WHEN MOVING: WHAT TO ARRANGE
Short answer: arrange your contents insurance — and for a bought home, your buildings insurance too — in time at your new address, and don't cancel your old contents policy too early. That way you're not left uncovered during the transition. Include insurance in your moving checklist. Transport and storage have their own points to watch — below.
🏠 Buildings insurance for a bought home (the property itself)
📦 Contents insurance for your belongings — don't cancel too early
🚚 Transport: check whether damage in transit is covered
🔐 Storage: the provider usually isn't liable — arrange cover
1. BUILDINGS & CONTENTS INSURANCE
Bought home → buildings + contents. Rental → contents only.
- Buildings: the property itself — fire, storm, burglary
- Contents: your loose belongings
- Both must run at new address from key handover
Tip: the Dutch Consumentenbond compares insurance policies — useful when moving to check if your current policy is still the best deal.
2. DON'T CANCEL TOO EARLY
Let your old contents insurance run until you've actually moved. Otherwise you're uncovered in the interim — exactly when your belongings are vulnerable and your old home stands empty. Many insurers briefly cover both addresses around the moving date; check how long that overlap applies.
3. DAMAGE DURING TRANSPORT
DIY move: damage in transit usually at your own expense. With a moving company your contents are often covered (additionally) — always ask what exactly is covered and up to what amount. Details vary greatly per company.
4. INSURANCE DURING STORAGE
Storage providers usually aren't liable — arrange cover yourself. At Inbox Storage, only items packed according to our packing instructions qualify for cover. Pack fragile things well, report valuable pieces in advance, and see also what's not allowed in storage (no cover applies then).
CHECK YOUR POLICY IF IN DOUBT
Insurance terms vary widely per company. Think maximum periods, cover during moving and storage, and exclusions for certain items. We're not an insurance adviser — if in doubt, read your policy terms carefully or call your insurer. For industry info: the Dutch Verbond van Verzekeraars (industry body).
By Bram Jansen — Lead Storage Advisor at Inbox Storage. Updated: June 2026.
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INSURANCE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The questions we hear most about insurance around a move and storage. Exact rules vary per insurer — these are general guidelines, not insurance advice.
🛡️ Contents insurance often covers (temporary) external storage too — check the terms
💎 Report particularly valuable items in advance
⏳ Keep your old policy running until the move is complete
📋 Read the terms or call your insurer if in doubt
ARE MY THINGS INSURED DURING THE MOVE?
Depends on how you move. DIY: damage in transit usually at your own expense. With a moving company: contents often covered (additionally) — ask what's in the quote and up to what amount.
DOES MY CONTENTS INSURANCE COVER STORAGE?
Often yes, but with a maximum period and amount. Check explicitly in your policy terms before storing, and ask your insurer if unclear.
WHEN DO I CANCEL MY OLD INSURANCE?
Only once the move is genuinely complete and your old home is empty and handed over. Give your new address to your insurer; often the policy just continues and only the address is changed.
HOW DOES IT WORK AT INBOX?
Only items packed according to our packing instructions qualify for cover. Pack fragile things well, report valuable or large pieces in advance. Exact terms on our insurance terms page.
PROPERLY INSURED STORAGE AT INBOX
We pick up your belongings at your door and keep them safe and climate-controlled in our secure hub in Gouda. Well packed = basic insurance applies; report valuable pieces in advance. Torn between self storage and mobile storage? With mobile storage the service (including basic cover) is in the price. Calculate via how much storage you need.
Well packed and arranged in time — that's how you're well covered before, during and after the move.
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Stored safely and climate-controlled
We pick up your belongings at your door and store them securely; well packed, they're covered by our basic insurance.
- Throughout NL and Belgium
- Picked up & returned to your door
- Climate-controlled, secure storage
- From 1 month onwards