Navigation

Tag Archives | moving out

By on September 19, 2017 in Academic Life

Image by StockSnap, pixabay.com

If you had a car in high school, there is a good chance you were on your parent’s insurance policy. However, if you are moving away to college or moving out after graduation, you may need to find your own insurance policy. Here are key points to keep in mind when determining whether or not you need car insurance after leaving your parents’ house.

Will You Be Driving Your Own Car?

There is no need to have insurance on your vehicle if you aren’t planning on driving it. This may be the case if you live on campus or move to a city that has a good public transportation system. If anyone else wants to drive your car while you are away, that person should insure the vehicle in their name.

Are You Moving Out of State?

If you are planning on driving your vehicle in another state, you will need to get your own car insurance policy. This is because insurance companies only provide policies within the state they operate in. In most cases, you have several days or weeks after you move to complete your switch to a new policy.

Can You Get Better Rates on Your Own?

Drivers under the age of 25 tend to pay higher rates compared to other drivers with similar records. However, there may be ways to show insurance companies that you are responsible and deserving of a lower rate despite your age. Getting married or having a good credit score may help you get a better rate on your own than you do on your parents’ policy.

The Consequences are Severe If You Don’t Have Insurance

Whether you choose to stay on your parents’ policy or buy your own, make sure you have adequate coverage. Failure to carry valid insurance is a crime in all 50 U.S. states. You may also be liable for any damages incurred in an accident if you don’t have auto insurance. If you are involved in an accident caused by a driver with inadequate coverage, it may be worthwhile to talk with a lawyer.

Moving out of your parents’ house can be both exciting and liberating. However, it also means you are now responsible for buying car insurance and other things on your own. Taking the time to compare policies from multiple companies may help you find auto insurance that fits your needs and your budget at the same time.

This article was contributed by guest author Eileen O’Shanassy.

By on January 9, 2017 in Housing

Image courtesy of the author.

Getting your first apartment is an exciting experience, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Most people think about the bigger things they need, like a couch, bedroom furniture, or a television. But many don’t stop to consider some of the other things that will make them feel happy and secure in their new place. Below is a list of four things you may want to consider before moving into your own place.

Kitchen Items
So you have the plates, the silverware, and the glasses. You may even have a few pots and pans and that’s a great start! But there may be a few things you will want to consider purchasing before you move in because it’s no fun not to have things when you need them. Some to consider would be a wine and bottle opener, hot pads, a can opener, and any other kitchen tools you think you might need. It may help to take a trip to the store and peruse the kitchen utensil aisle and pick up anything you didn’t consider when first making your lists.

Cleaning Supplies
If you’re moving into an apartment that was previously occupied, you probably want to get some cleaning supplies before you move in so you can give it a once-over before moving your things in. Things that are often forgotten are mops, dust pans, scrub brushes, and different cleaners for different purposes around the house.

Organizational Tools
It’s always great to get off on the right foot by organizing your first place from the beginning. Purchasing (or making) some easy organizational features such as shoe shelves, spice racks, and a mail center can help prevent your place from getting cluttered. Items such as a silverware drawer organizer are often forgotten but end up making a big difference.

Home Security and Rental Insurance
Moving into your own place after having lived with someone your whole life can be scary. It is also a big financial responsibility. You don’t want anything to happen to you or to your belongings, so it is a good idea to look into rental insurance, which can help replace your items in case of a loss. Without rental insurance, if there is a fire or other catastrophic event and your belongings are destroyed, you will most likely have to replace them on your own. If your safety is a concern to you, you might also want to look into getting an affordable home security system.

Moving on your own doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience. With the right tools, you can make it an exciting and easy transition to life on your own.

This article was contributed by guest author Eileen O’Shanassy.