Have you ever moved into a Wi-Fi-equipped rental property only to find the connection speed slow or unstable? You may have wondered whether your moving insurance could cover the issue, what the cause is, or whether there's anything you can do. This article provides a clear explanation of everything from moving insurance coverage to the causes of and solutions for slow Wi-Fi, and tips for choosing the right property.
What Is Moving Insurance? Understanding the Two Types of Coverage
There are mainly two types of insurance available during a move. Both are designed to cover damage to or loss of belongings.
Carrier Cargo Liability Insurance
This is liability insurance taken out by the moving company and covers damage to or loss of belongings during the move. There is no cost to the customer, but compensation is only available if the mover's negligence is proven. Cash, valuables, and rare items are not covered.
Moving Cargo Transport Insurance
This is optional insurance taken out by the customer (estimated premium: ¥1,000–¥2,000). Even without mover negligence, it covers damage caused by the customer's own negligence, theft during the move, and damage from third-party accidents. However, delivery delays, data loss, and damage from earthquakes are not covered.
Is Slow Rental Wi-Fi Covered by Moving Insurance?
The short answer: slow or unstable Wi-Fi at your new home is not covered by moving insurance. Both types of insurance cover only belongings. Internet environment issues after moving in are not covered. You'll need to identify the cause yourself and take action.
4 Reasons Why Wi-Fi Is Slow in a Rental Property
Many Units Share the Same Line
Many rental properties distribute one internet line across multiple units, which can cause significant speed drops during peak hours in the evening and at night.
Non-Fiber Wiring Methods Are Used
LAN-type and VDSL (telephone line) methods are slower than fiber optic wiring. If you want a comfortable internet environment, choose a property that uses fiber optic wiring.
Old or Outdated Connection Equipment
Old Wi-Fi routers (e.g., legacy standards like IEEE 802.11a) cannot handle high-speed connections. If speeds improve when using a wired LAN cable connection, the issue is with the equipment.
Impact of Provider Quality
Properties using low-cost providers to cut costs often experience noticeable speed drops during peak times. Providers supporting IPoE (IPv6) are less prone to congestion and offer more stable connections.
What Is the Difference Between "Internet-Compatible," "Internet-Equipped," and "Internet-Free"?
| Term | Meaning | Usable right after moving in? |
|---|---|---|
| Internet-Equipped | Landlord has contracted the line and run wiring to each unit | ◎ (bring your own router) |
| Internet-Free | Equipped + no internet fee | ◎ |
| Wi-Fi Equipped | Equipped + router installed in each unit | ◎ |
| Internet-Compatible | Wiring run to common areas; each unit must contract separately | △ (additional work and contract required) |
Solutions for Slow Wi-Fi (Easiest First)
- Move the router to the center of the room, 1–2 meters off the floor
- Restart the router/modem (unplug for 10 seconds, then reconnect)
- Try connecting via a LAN cable (wired connection)
- Avoid peak hours (evenings and nights)
- Switch the Wi-Fi frequency from 2.4GHz to 5GHz
- Ask the landlord about switching to IPv6 (IPoE)
- Replace the router (IEEE 802.11n or newer)
- Get a secondary line via pocket Wi-Fi or a home router
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. If my laptop is damaged during the move, is the data also covered?
The physical damage to the laptop may be covered, but data loss is not covered by either type of insurance. We strongly recommend backing up important data to the cloud or an external hard drive before the move.
Q. How long does it take to get internet connected when moving into an internet-compatible property?
It generally takes 1–3 weeks from selecting a provider and submitting the application to line activation. We recommend arranging this early, as delays are common during busy moving seasons (March–April).
Q. Can I contract my own internet line even if a property already has Wi-Fi?
It's possible, but if the existing Wi-Fi is included in rent or management fees, you'll effectively be paying twice. Get the landlord's permission in advance, including approval for fiber optic wiring work.
Q. Will switching to 5GHz Wi-Fi make it faster?
It's faster than 2.4GHz, but 5GHz is weaker through obstacles (walls, furniture) and can lose signal over distance. Switching to 5GHz is effective when the router is nearby.
