Is your insurance outdated? Learn how to handle insurance updates

Posted in Auto, Home

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With the continuous hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to put your insurance needs on the backburner. However, as your life changes, so do your insurance needs. If the shifts in your life have you questioning what kind of insurance you need or how much insurance you need, we’re here to help.

Follow these steps to ensure you have quality coverage that is fit for your life right now. Plus, learn how routine insurance updates can save you money in the long run.

Step 1: Identify areas to make insurance updates

Check out these common life events that may require you to update your policy.

  • Add a new driver. It’s essential to make sure all drivers are noted in your auto insurance policy. When it’s time for your teen to start driving, contact your agent to add them to your policy.
  • Child attends college and lives in a dorm or off-campus. While your child is away from home and is not driving a family vehicle, removing your child from your car insurance policy may offer some savings.
  • Pet additions. To protect your new cat or dog, you will need to add them to your home insurance coverage. If you rent your home, you may want to add renters insurance with pet liability coverage for added protection.
  • Marriage or divorce. A legally binding change to a family will impact insurance coverage. From adjusting people on policies to navigating asset ownership, talk to your agent about how to handle insurance updates after marriage or divorce.
  • Family additions. Having a baby, adopting a child or becoming a foster family are life changes that will warrant insurance updates. Your agent can help you adjust your insurance policies based on your new family additions and needs.
  • Buy or lease a new vehicle. Any car, truck or SUV that is new to you must be added to your auto insurance policy.
  • Purchase a new, secondary, seasonal or rental home. Similar to a car, buying a house will require home insurance adjustments no matter if it’s a primary residence or vacation home.
  • Start an in-home business. If your business is based out of your home, such as working as a cosmetics rep or selling goods or artwork you create, talk to your independent agent to learn how to protect your business.
  • Drive for Uber or Lyft. Auto liability insurance is typically required to keep yourself and your passengers protected in the case of an accident.
  • Rent out your primary home. Renting your home on websites like Vrbo and Airbnb may require specific liability coverage. Talk to your agent to see if you’re covered or need additional coverage.
  • Install a swimming pool or trampoline. Backyard entertainment can be a liability. Without the proper coverage, you could be paying big out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.
  • Update or renovate your home. Whether you install a new roof, replace windows or update the heating, electrical or plumbing systems, it’s important to tell your insurance agent. Depending on your home insurance policy, you may qualify for savings or discounts.
  • Make a major purchase. Protect your new purchases like a boat, ATV, engagement ring, trailer, snowmobile, collectible or jewelry by expanding your insurance coverage.

If any of these life changes have recently happened to you, contact your independent agent today and ask to review your policy. The type of life event or purchase will determine what kind of insurance you need.

 
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Step 2: How to add insurance

Insurance updates are simple with help from a licensed, independent agent. Contact your agent to walk you through your insurance options. No matter if your update is as simple as adding a new driver to your auto policy or starting a new home policy after you move, they can help. Plus, your agent will show you how to access your proof of insurance after you’ve selected new coverage.

Step 3: Continue to ask yourself ‘how much insurance do I need?’

Experts recommend that you review your insurance at least once a year so that your insurance reflects your needs when you renew your policy. However, you should keep coverage in the back of your mind all year long.

For example, let’s say you purchase a new vehicle and have a child within the same calendar year. Both of these events will require you to talk to your insurance agent to adjust your car insurance and add your child to all applicable policies. A great agent will ask you questions about your life changes to get to the bottom of how much insurance you need and what adjustments should be made.

Talk to an Integrity independent agent today to learn more about what kind of insurance updates you should make.


Coverages described herein may not be available in all states. Please contact one of our local independent agents for complete details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions herein conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. The material provided above is for informational, educational and/or suggestion purposes only, and does not imply coverage. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE HEREIN ADVERTISED. Applicable policies may be underwritten by Grange Insurance Company, Trustgard Insurance Company, Grange Indemnity Insurance Company, Grange Insurance Company of Michigan* and Grange Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Integrity Insurance Company*, Integrity Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Integrity Select Insurance Company*. *Not licensed in Pennsylvania


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