Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with various responsibilities, including protecting your belongings. As experienced insurance consultants with over 10 years in the field and having served more than 1,000 satisfied customers, we understand the unique challenges expats face when securing their household possessions abroad.
Why International Household Insurance is Essential for Expats
When relocating internationally, your personal belongings face various risks during transit and at your new residence. Standard domestic insurance policies often don’t provide adequate coverage for international situations, making specialized expat household insurance crucial.
Key Benefits of International Household Insurance
- Worldwide coverage for your belongings
- Protection during international moves
- Coverage in temporary accommodations
- Multi-currency claim settlements
- International customer service support
Standard Coverage Components
A comprehensive international household insurance policy typically includes protection against:
Basic Protection Elements
- Fire and smoke damage
- Lightning strikes
- Explosion and implosion incidents
- Burglary and theft
- Vandalism following break-ins
- Water damage from plumbing issues
- Storm and hail damage
Additional Coverage Options
To enhance your protection, consider these valuable extensions:
Optional Coverage Elements
- Natural disaster protection (floods, earthquakes, landslides)
- Glass breakage coverage
- Bicycle theft protection
- All-risk coverage for unnamed perils
- Temporary accommodation costs
What Items Are Typically Covered?
International household insurance provides comprehensive coverage for:
- Furniture and home furnishings
- Electronic devices and appliances
- Clothing and personal items
- Valuable items and jewelry (often with specific limits)
- Sports equipment
- Home office equipment
Special Considerations for Expats
When selecting an international household insurance policy, expats should consider several crucial factors:
Important Policy Features
- Coverage during international moves
- Multi-country coverage if you travel frequently
- Local insurance requirements in your host country
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Claims process and documentation requirements
How to Choose the Right Policy
With access to over 60 various insurers, we recommend following these steps to select the most suitable coverage:
- Assess the total value of your household goods
- Consider your destination country’s specific risks
- Review policy exclusions carefully
- Compare coverage limits and premiums
- Check the insurer’s international claims handling reputation
Making a Claim
Understanding the claims process is crucial. Most international policies require:
- Immediate notification of damage or loss
- Photographic evidence of damage
- Police reports for theft or vandalism
- Detailed inventory of affected items
- Original purchase receipts when available
Cost Factors and Savings Tips
Several factors influence your premium costs:
- Location of your residence
- Total value of insured items
- Selected coverage options
- Security measures in place
- Chosen deductible amount
As international insurance experts with extensive experience serving the expat community, we understand that protecting your household belongings is a crucial aspect of your international relocation. Our team at EIC Expatriates Insurance Consulting GmbH is committed to helping you find the most suitable coverage for your specific situation, ensuring you can focus on enjoying your international adventure with peace of mind. Visit our website eic-insurance.com for more information!
