Insuring Success

Review, Update Your Insurance
Most of us review our calendar or to-do list every day. How often do you review your insurance? Consider it a maintenance item. If you have a question about your vehicle, you know who to call and how to get something done. The same goes for your insurance—you should always know who to call.

Auto insurance liability limits are the most important. If you own your house and have other assets, you need to make sure your limits are at least $100,000 per person; $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injuries. You should also consider your deductible for collision and comprehensive. You can save money by taking higher deductibles, and when the car is 10 years old, you should consider dropping collision coverage. You also need to make sure every driver in the household is rated correctly on the vehicle they drive.

Homeowners insurance should be reviewed for changes or additions you might have made to your home or any substantial increase in personal property, such as jewelry or collections that should be scheduled. Check the policy limits for specific items. Review the dwelling amount and deductible. Ask your agent for a current brochure that outlines coverages for your type of homeowner policy.

If you have a low health insurance deductible, you should consider a higher one. I always tell people it is a matter of "pay now or pay later." If you and your family are healthy, the savings in premiums can pay for your occasional health care needs now and hope that later never comes.

The most important review is your life insurance. Your life changes are sometimes very subtle, and result in increased needs. I try to keep up to date with my clients, but with hundreds of families experiencing so many changes in their lives and needs, it is difficult. Give your agent a call and set an appointment for a personal insurance review—it is a free service you shouldn’t do without. TPW