Getting Started
Ten life changes that should trigger an insurance review
Reviewed by Maria Navarrete-Collins
The short answer
Review your coverage after major purchases, renovations, marriage, divorce, a new child, a new driver, starting a business or significant changes to your income or property.
Who may need this coverage
- Households that have not reviewed coverage in over a year
- Anyone who recently moved or refinanced
- Families with a new driver in the house
- Owners who added property, equipment or a structure
Why it matters
Policies describe your life at the moment they were written. A review lines the paperwork back up with reality so a claim is not the moment you discover the difference.
Situations in which it may be needed
- Marriage, divorce or a new child
- Buying, selling or renovating a home
- Adding a vehicle, trailer, boat or ATV
- Starting a business or renting out property
- A significant change in income or savings
Risks of being uninsured or underinsured
- Unlisted drivers or vehicles at claim time
- A dwelling limit set before recent construction costs
- Beneficiaries who no longer match your intentions
- Business property treated as personal property
What this coverage commonly helps protect
- Accurate limits for what you own today
- Discounts you may have become eligible for
- Correct named insureds and drivers
- Coordination between your personal and business policies
What it may not cover
- Changes you never reported to the agency
- Property specifically excluded by the policy
- Losses that happened before coverage was added
- Values above scheduled limits for special items
Questions to ask your agent
- What has changed since my last review?
- Are all my policies coordinated?
- Do my limits still match what I own?
- Which updates should I report immediately?
A practical checklist
- Gather every current declarations page
- List purchases over a set dollar amount from the past year
- Note new drivers, structures or business activity
- Confirm mailing address, email and phone
- Set a yearly reminder for the next review
Not sure how this applies to you?
Maria will review your current policies and explain your options in plain language, with no obligation.
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Coverage descriptions are general educational summaries. Actual coverage, limits, conditions and exclusions depend on the issued policy and may vary by state. Contact a licensed insurance professional to review your specific needs.