For many Americans across the country, moving is a part of their DNA. When opportunity knocks, it often means relocating — whether it be for higher education, jobs or to be closer to family. And in most parts of the country, moving season peaks in summer months.
For insurance agents and brokers, knowing which cities people are moving into can provide them with pertinent information for their clients' insurance needs.
U-Haul International, the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage, has tracked migration trends for years, in large part because of its expansive network over all 50 states. U-Haul destination cities are ranked according to the total number of arriving one-way U-Haul truck rentals to a city in the past calendar year.
Related: Update on homeowners' insurance market
|Moving your risk around
Jim Kane, senior vice president and practice leader for personal risk for USI Insurance Services, says there are risks with D-I-Y moving, for example, damage to the vehicle as well as the contents inside. It's also easy to forget that operating a truck is nothing like driving your car. “Consider the impact of operating a vehicle the driver doesn't own,” said Kane. You may have trouble operating the lights or windshield wipers, for instance. Find out from your auto insurance what kind of coverage you need to drive the rental truck, and whether the size of the truck makes a difference.
Don't forget the risk of injury for people wrestling with heavy boxes or awkward furniture. If you're moving out of state, confirm that your health insurance will cover you in case you're hurt while dealing with your property.
Even if you hire a mover, you're not entirely in the clear. Although third-parties offer insurance coverage, it's generally insufficient if damage occurs. And the mover's liability is even more limited if you packed your own property.
With these considerations in mind, here are the top destination cities from 2016, according to U-Haul International.
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|10. Charlotte, North Carolina
As the largest city in the state of North Carolina, Charlotte is home to the corporate headquarters of Bank of America and Wells Fargo's online customer service branch. Notable sports attractions include the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL) and the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
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|9. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and the sixth largest city in the Midwest. It's particularly known for its cuisine — including its distinctive style of barbecue — and its craft breweries.
Like many areas in the Midwest, a car is a necessity in and around the city. In 2015, residents of Kansas City had an average travel time around 20 minutes; around 84% drove alone, with nearly 9% carpooling. If you're moving to Kansas City soon, prepare to use your car more than you might be used to. The best way to prepare is to have your car inspected and reach out to an agent that can recommend that best coverage for you.
Related: Motorcycle insurance: U.S. states with the lowest & highest average cost
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|8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The City of Brotherly Love has come a long way since America's independence from Britain. The area's many universities and colleges make Philadelphia a top international study destination.
Looking for a compatible insurance in Philadelphia shouldn't be too hard — it's the birthplace of America's first insurance carrier. Founded in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin, The Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire, a mutual insurance company, first focused on fire prevention in the brick-and-stone city of about 15,000 people and eight volunteer fire companies.
Related: The Birth of Insurance: Oldest U.S. Companies
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|7. Brooklyn, New York
New Yorkers are too familiar with living on top of each other — and Brooklyn is no exception. As a premiere destination for hipsters, Brooklyn has felt its landscape change as gentrification continually alters its neighborhoods.
Moving to Brooklyn comes with plenty of risks. New York's subway system, old and decrepit as it is, is a major concern for residents. A growing number incidents — train delays, track derailment — have cost workers their jobs. The influx of residents to Brooklyn has also increased the cost of living, a major factor to consider before relocating.
Related: N.Y. admin law judge says Uber drivers are employees, not contractors
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|6. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is known across the globe as a major hub of gambling, shopping, entertainment and nightlife. Self-styled as “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” it's soon to become the home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, who are scheduled to relocate from Oakland, Calif. after the 2018 season.
One major underlying risk to consider in Vegas is the weather. The temperature easily surpasses 100 degrees, and it will affect residents in various ways. Many homes leave their air conditioning running throughout the day, and a power failure is the last thing you can afford as the afternoon heat peaks. Backup generators offer a temporary solution, but reaching out to your agent is your best bet.
Related: A motorcycle is stolen somewhere in the U.S. every 11 minutes
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|5. Austin, Texas
Although many perceptions about Texas have persisted throughout the years, the city of Austin stands apart from many areas of the state. Known for its diverse population, it is considered a liberal city in a conservative state. A number of Fortune 500 companies have headquarters or regional offices in Austin, including Google and Whole Foods Market.
The state is no stranger to extreme weather. Active tornados often hit the Texas area and could set new residents back financially if they're affected. If you're moving to Austin, you should contact local insurance agents and discuss what coverage is best for you.
Related: Texas Supreme Court explains when judgment against insured is recoverable from insurer
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|4. Orlando Florida
Built on the success of Walt Disney World, Orlando has blossomed into a classic tourist destination. The city is one of the busiest U.S. cities for conferences and conventions. Orlando also is home to the University of Central Florida, which is the largest university campus in the U.S. in terms of enrollment as of 2015.
Florida is often cited as a risky place to live. Residents face extreme weather, such as hurricanes and flooding, and will want to take that consideration when they relocate. Residents should carefully inspect their property & casualty coverage and actively pursue the best flood coverage for them.
Related: South Florida homeowners insured by Citizens Property face 10% increase
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|3. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio's roots are tied to the military, and it continues to have a large military presence. Fort Sam Houston acts as the headquarters for the U.S. Army Medical Command as well as the home of the Fifth Army. It was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, and is now a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District.
The United States Automobile Association (USAA), founded by 25 Army officers in 1922, is headquartered in San Antonio and is known for its association with military members and their families.
Related: Texas Workers' Comp informal rule addresses compounded drugs
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|2. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City continues to sweep new residents to its bustling city; it was the number two U-Haul destination city in 2015. Notable landmarks include the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park, among others.
Chicago is home to Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, which offers a multitude of insurance services for new residents looking to protect their assets.
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|1. Houston, Texas
Houston remains the number one U-Haul U.S. destination city for the eighth year in a row. Although Houston witnessed a 3.4% decline in 2016 arrivals compared to 2015, it continued to be the busiest domestic market for incoming U-Haul trucks.
“Houston is the country's No. 1 job creator,” said Gabriel Mendieta, U-Haul Company of East Houston president. “This city is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies. The cost of living is low, and with low taxes, your paycheck goes further.”
As the number one destination for the eighth year in a row, residents new and old alike should consider that their roads will grow in traffic and congestion. Contact your insurance agent and check that your auto coverage is prepared to cover you if you find yourself in an accident.
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Denny Jacob
Denny Jacob is an associate editor for NU PropertyCasualty360. Contact him at [email protected].
