A lot can happen over the course of a year. Home improvements, a new car, marriage. With the arrival of the New Year, it’s an ideal time to check your insurance policies to make sure you have appropriate coverage. It’s like changing the batteries on your smoke detector when we spring forward or fall back. It doesn’t take long, and it can save a lot of grief and consternation in the future.

Here is a brief list to keep in mind when discussing your policies with your insurance agent:

Auto Insurance

• If you purchased or acquired a vehicle, make sure your insurance company has made the necessary changes to your policy so you are properly insured.
• Before purchasing a new vehicle, it is required to show proof of insurance before you can take ownership. So let your agent know ahead of time.
• Your daily commute can affect your premiums, so if you moved or took a new job in the past year, let your agent know. And remember, if you moved, be sure to update your driver’s license and registration!
• Do you have a new teen driver in the household? Is there anyone that needs to be added to your policy?

Home Insurance

• First things first. If you moved, be sure to let your insurance company know your new information.
• Technology is grand! Take digital photos of your valuables and record serial numbers of high-dollar items like AV equipment and guns. Store this information on a thumb drive or other portable storage device and keep it in a safe place. Talk to your agent to get these items on your policy.
• While you’re meeting with your agent, it’s a good time explore the need for additional insurance like flood or personal umbrella insurance.
• If you’ve added elements to your home like a pool or trampoline, you should let your agent know.
• If you are planning on making home improvements, let your agent know. Some improvements increase the value of your home and affect your premiums. Just remember that many improvements require permits and work by a licensed and bonded contractor.

Life Events & Other Policies

It’s a cliché that change is the only constant in our lives. So many things can happen in just one short year. If you are in doubt about what events can affect your insurance, schedule a meeting; it’s important to keep your agent in the know.

• Did your marital status change?
• Did your family grow or did your number of dependents change?
• Did you send a child off to college? You may want to consider renter’s insurance for their dorm or living situation.

And because life can be unpredictable, don’t just consider what happened in the past year. Now is a good time to talk with your agent about life and disability policies to protect you and your loved ones.

Here’s to a happy and safe 2020!