Renewing Your Auto or Home Insurance? Don’t Forget These Updates!
Life is full of changes, and those changes can impact your insurance needs. At renewal time, it’s vital to let us know about anything new that might affect your auto or homeowners policy. Updating us on these changes helps ensure that your coverage remains comprehensive, protects you against risks, and might even save you money.
To help you stay on track, we’ve created two lists: one for auto policies and one for homeowners policies. These lists include the most common updates people forget to share, starting with the most frequent changes and moving to the less common ones. Take a moment to review and let us know about any updates—we’re here to make the process easy for you!
Auto Insurance Policy: Changes to Notify Us About
If your auto policy renewal is approaching, please check for any of the following changes and let us know if they apply to you:
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Purchasing or Selling a Vehicle
Adding or removing a vehicle from your household is the most common reason for an auto policy update. Whether it’s a new car purchase, selling an old one, or even gifting a vehicle, it’s essential that your policy reflects these changes. -
Adding or Removing Drivers
Have you added a teen driver, welcomed a new spouse, or seen someone in your household stop driving altogether? Updating the list of drivers ensures your coverage applies to everyone who might use your vehicles. -
Change in Vehicle Usage
If you’ve started using your vehicle for work (like ridesharing, delivery, or commuting) or changed how often you drive, this could affect your coverage needs. -
Relocating or Changing Your Address
Your location impacts factors like risk and premiums. If you’ve moved, even within the same city, let us know to ensure your policy reflects your new address. -
Accidents, Tickets, or Violations
Although these events are often tracked automatically, it’s helpful to let us know about any recent accidents, traffic violations, or claims to ensure we review your coverage appropriately. -
Changes in Annual Mileage
Driving fewer miles can sometimes lower your premium, while driving more might mean we need to adjust your coverage. Be sure to update us if your driving habits have changed significantly. -
Customizations or Modifications to Your Vehicle
Have you added a lift kit, new rims, or a custom paint job? These changes could impact your policy’s ability to replace or repair your vehicle after an accident. -
Adding a New Loan or Paying Off Your Vehicle
Whether you’ve paid off your car loan or financed a new one, this can affect the way your policy is structured. -
Long-Term Vehicle Storage or Non-Use
If a vehicle will sit unused or stored for an extended period, there may be ways to adjust your coverage to fit your needs. -
Temporary or New Drivers in Your Household
If a visiting relative or friend regularly drives your car, we may need to temporarily adjust your policy.
Homeowners Insurance Policy: Changes to Notify Us About
Your home is likely one of your biggest investments, and keeping your policy up-to-date is critical to protecting it. Be sure to notify us of any of the following changes before your renewal:
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Home Renovations or Improvements
Major updates like remodeling a kitchen, adding a room, or replacing your roof can affect the replacement value of your home. Letting us know ensures that your coverage reflects these improvements. -
Purchasing High-Value Items
Jewelry, electronics, art, or other valuables may need additional coverage. Notify us of any major purchases so we can ensure they’re protected. -
Installing a Security System or Safety Features
Adding alarms, cameras, or smart locks might lower your premium and provide better protection. -
Renting Out Part of Your Property
If you’ve started renting out a room, garage apartment, or your entire home, your policy may need adjustments to reflect these new risks. -
Changes in Ownership
Adding a spouse or relative to the deed, or transferring ownership to a trust, requires an update to your policy to reflect the new owner(s). -
Major Life Changes
Marriage, divorce, or the death of a family member can change how your policy is structured or whose belongings are covered. -
Acquiring or Selling Significant Personal Property
If you’ve sold items like expensive furniture or collectibles, or acquired new ones, it’s helpful to update your policy to ensure accurate coverage. -
Changes in Home Usage
Starting a home business, storing large amounts of equipment, or adding tenants can impact your coverage needs. -
Rebuilding or Repairs After a Claim
If you’ve recently rebuilt or made significant repairs after a loss, we’ll want to confirm your policy matches the updated home value. -
Changes in Occupancy
If your home will be vacant for an extended period or you’ve purchased it as a secondary or vacation property, notify us to review coverage options. -
Adding a Pool, Trampoline, or Playground Equipment
These additions increase your liability risk, so it’s important to update us to ensure proper protection. -
Upgrades to Heating, Plumbing, or Electrical Systems
These upgrades can make your home safer and sometimes lower your premium. Be sure to let us know!
Why Keeping Us Updated Matters
Updating your insurance policy isn’t just about avoiding gaps in coverage; it’s also an opportunity to ensure you’re getting the most value for your premium. Many of these updates could lower your costs or qualify you for discounts you didn’t know about. Our team is here to guide you through the process and make it as seamless as possible.
If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to answer your questions and provide advice tailored to your unique situation. By keeping your policies current, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re fully protected no matter what changes come your way.
