Your Annual Insurance Checkup: Protecting Yourself from Unexpected Situations

by Madelaine Brauner Landry

It’s the time of the year for making resolutions, and yes, there are some that you should never break. Your annual health resolution includes going to your doctor annually for a checkup. You also perform routine maintenance on your vehicle; your goal is reliability. Another resolution that should not be ignored is an annual review of your insurance policies. 

“This review,” says State Farm agent Jennifer Mabou, “should include auto policies, homeowner or renter policies, and life insurance policies.  Major life events like marriages, children, buying a new home, starting a new job or even retirement can impact the coverages you need.” 

Reviewing your insurance coverage at least once a year is an excellent idea to help ensure that you, your family and your belongings are all protected. “Do you know what your coverage limits are? Do you know what they mean?  Most people we visit with do not,” notes Mabou. “Yet, this is crucial to ensure your unprotected assets are protected from lawsuits. Annual policy reviews give your agent the opportunity to ask important questions about beneficiaries, coverage limits matching asset protection needs, updates made to your home, new drivers in the household and/or discounts you may be missing.” 

Mabou says that it’s essential to know if your homeowner policy is a replacement cost value policy or an actual cash value policy. “There is a big difference, just as there is between hurricane deductibles and wind/hail deductibles. Know which one your homeowner policy includes.” 

A review of your automobile policy is also important. You want to ensure that ALL drivers who drive your vehicle at least once a month are listed to avoid a claim being denied. 

“Insurance is a risk-management tool, not just an added expense,” states Mabou. “We are all just one life event away from a loss impacting our financial security. Furthermore, your long-term financial security is directly tied to your earning potential and your ability to earn a living. You should be protecting your income with life insurance and disability insurance. Insurance through work is owned by your employer. It is crucial to own your own life insurance policies outside of your place of employment. You will want to build an emergency fund to handle high deductibles and unexpected costs after a major loss. 

“Get in the habit of scheduling regular financial checkups with your insurance agent. As an experienced State Farm agent, I help clients to navigate these insurance questions, as well as assist in identifying the right policies and coverage. Your coverage needs are as unique as you are, and a reputable insurance agent is always willing to provide you with an annual insurance policy review and needs analysis to aid you with all your insurance needs.”