How do I avoid a coverage gap when moving to a new home?

Coordinate your old and new policies so coverage never lapses, even for a day. The key is to have your new homeowners or renters policy take effect on the day you close or take possession, while keeping the old policy active until you've fully moved out and the old place is no longer your responsibility. There's often a brief overlap where both homes need coverage, and that overlap is intentional and worth paying for. Tell your insurer your moving dates in advance so they can set effective dates precisely. Also confirm your belongings are covered while in transit — many homeowners and renters policies cover possessions during a move, but moving-company liability is limited and based on weight, not value. Update your address and reassess coverage amounts for the new home's rebuild cost. A short call to your agent before moving day prevents most gaps.