Will your renter's insurance cover moving damage?

Moving is a stressful and hectic activity. It's even worse when you hire a moving company only to find they didn't take care of your items as gently as you'd hoped they would.

If you unpack to find damaged goods, you'll want to know whether your losses are covered by renters insurance. While a lot of people think that renters insurance isn't necessary or is too expensive, you'll kick yourself if you end up in a situation when it could have been helpful. According to Financial Web, renters insurance covers theft, damage or other losses to a renter's personal property. So if you have valuables like furniture, heirlooms or computers, you may want to consider insurance to protect them.

When moving time comes, you have a whole new set of circumstances to consider. While you're gathering moving estimates, try to find consumer reviews of each company that detail the way the movers have handled past customers' belongings. If you're moving yourself, stock up on as much protective packaging as necessary to keep your items in good shape.

Some moving companies offer insurance, but it's important to check first with your insurance provider. While moving damage is often covered under your renters' insurance policy, your agent will be able to provide you with the details about it. He or she will also be able to give you advice about whether more insurance is necessary in order to protect your valuables.

Once you've established what your coverage is, it's time to start preparing for the move. Use bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts to protect breakables and remember to put your heaviest boxes on the bottom. If you hire a mover, be sure you have someone else with you to help keep an eye on things as your belongings are put onto the moving trucks. That way you'll know immediately if something gets dropped or smashed, which will help if you need to make an insurance claim. The website www.moversdirectory.com has even more moving advice to get you started and help keep your belongings intact. With any luck, you won't need to make a claim after moving, but it's always smart to be protected.