Spring Clean Your Insurance: A Fresh Start for Your Policies

1. Review Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance

Spring is a great time to assess your home insurance policy, especially if you’ve made any updates or upgrades to your property. Have you added a new patio, built a fence, or remodeled your kitchen? These changes could increase the value of your home, and you’ll want to make sure your policy reflects those updates so that you’re covered for the right home value.

Key Things to Check:

• Coverage Limits: Have you made any big purchases (new furniture, electronics, etc.)? Ensure that your personal property coverage is adequate to replace those items if needed.

• Liability Protection: If you’ve added a swimming pool, trampoline, or other high-risk features, you may need additional liability protection. You want to be sure your policy covers the added risk.

• Deductibles: If you’ve recently completed home renovations, now might be a good time to review your deductible. You may decide to raise it to lower your premium, or you might want to adjust it based on your current budget.

2. Check Your Auto Insurance Coverage

Take a moment to review your auto insurance policy to make sure it’s up-to-date and reflects any recent changes in your driving habits.

Key Things to Check:

• Mileage: If you’ve been driving less in recent months, your insurer may offer discounts for low mileage. Alternatively, if you’re planning to drive more this summer, you might need to adjust your coverage.

• Coverage Needs: Are you driving an older vehicle that’s no longer worth as much? You might want to consider dropping collision coverage. Conversely, if you’ve made any significant changes to your vehicle (e.g., upgraded the stereo system, added custom parts), it’s worth checking that your policy reflects those updates.

• Roadside Assistance: Spring means road trips! Adding or reviewing roadside assistance coverage can be a great way to give yourself extra peace of mind as you travel.

3. Reassess Your Life Insurance Policy

Life insurance is one of those things we often set and forget, but it’s crucial to review your policy regularly to ensure that it still aligns with your family’s needs.

Key Things to Check:

• Coverage Amount: Has your financial situation changed? If you’ve taken on a new mortgage, increased your debt, or started saving for your children’s education, you may need more coverage to protect your loved ones.

• Beneficiary Updates: Ensure that your beneficiaries are up-to-date and reflect your current wishes. This is especially important after major life events, like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

• Type of Policy: If you’re still carrying a term life insurance policy but your family’s long-term needs are changing, consider whether a whole life policy might be a better fit.

4. Review Your Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of liability coverage beyond your standard auto or home policy. If you’ve experienced any major life changes recently, such as acquiring more assets or starting a business, it might be worth considering umbrella coverage for added protection.

Key Things to Check:

• Asset Protection: If your financial situation has changed (you’ve received an inheritance, sold a property, etc.), your assets may require more protection from potential lawsuits.

• Increased Risk Exposure: If you have a pool, a dog, or are more active in high-risk activities (e.g., hosting large events), an umbrella policy can provide additional liability coverage that may not be fully covered by your auto or home policy.

5. Don’t Forget to Update Your Health Insurance

While not always top of mind during spring cleaning, health insurance is another important policy to review as part of your yearly check-up. If you’ve had any health changes or your family dynamics have shifted, it’s a good idea to revisit your coverage.

Key Things to Check:

• Coverage for Family Members: Have you had a child or added a spouse to your plan? Make sure your policy covers all the individuals in your household.

• Network Changes: If your healthcare provider has changed or if you’re planning to see a new specialist, check whether your insurance plan still provides in-network coverage.

• Preventive Care: Many health plans cover preventive services (like annual physicals or vaccinations) at no additional cost. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of these benefits.

6. Ask About Discounts

Spring cleaning isn’t just about removing things you don’t need—it’s also a great time to optimize the things you do need. Be sure to ask about any discounts you might qualify for, especially if you’ve made improvements or changes that could lower your risk.

Popular Discounts to Ask About:

• Safe Driver Discounts: If you’ve been accident-free for a certain period, you may be eligible for a discount.

• Security Features: Have you added a home security system, new smoke detectors, or a smart thermostat? These can often earn you discounts on your homeowners insurance.

• Multi-Policy Discounts: If you have more than one policy with the same insurer (e.g., home and auto), ask about bundling discounts.

Spring is all about fresh starts and new beginnings, and your insurance policies deserve the same attention. Taking a little time each year to review and update your coverage can give you peace of mind and ensure you’re fully protected as life evolves. Ready to spring clean your insurance policies? Contact us today to schedule a policy review and make sure your coverage is as fresh and updated as your home this season!