The 15-minute new-year insurance check-up
From Maple Street Insurance (sample agency)
Hi there,
A new year is a natural time to make sure your coverage still matches your life. Life changes faster than policies get updated. Grab a coffee and run through these six questions. If any answer is "yes" or "not sure", that's your cue to call us.
1. Did anything big change last year?
New home, renovation, new roof, marriage, divorce, new baby, a child leaving for college, retirement, or a new side business. Each can change what you need. For example, a renovation can raise what it would cost to rebuild your home.
2. Is your home insured for what it would cost to rebuild today?
Your home's market value and its rebuild cost are different numbers. Construction costs change over time, so a dwelling limit that was right a few years ago may not be now. Ask us to review your dwelling limit.
3. Do you have a home inventory?
If you had a major loss tomorrow, could you list what you own? The easiest method: walk through every room recording a video and narrating what you see, including closets, the garage and the basement. Store it in the cloud, not just on a phone that might be lost too. Keep receipts or photos for expensive items.
4. Are there new drivers, or new cars, in the household?
A newly licensed teen, a returning college student, an aging parent who now drives your car, or a vehicle you added or sold all need to be on, or off, your policy. Please don't wait until there's a claim.
5. Do your deductibles still make sense?
A higher deductible can lower your premium, but only if you could comfortably pay it out of savings on a bad day. Check whether your homeowners policy has a separate (often percentage-based) deductible for wind, hail or hurricane damage in your area.
6. What about flood?
Standard homeowners policies generally don't cover flooding, and FEMA notes that many flood claims come from areas outside high-risk zones. National Flood Insurance Program policies usually take effect 30 days after purchase (with a few exceptions, such as a purchase tied to a mortgage closing), so the time to decide is well before spring rains and snowmelt.
Bonus: is an umbrella policy worth a look?
An umbrella policy adds liability coverage above your home and auto limits. People often consider one when their savings, home equity or income grow, or when they have teen drivers, a pool, or rental property. Ask us whether it makes sense for you.
Want us to run the check-up with you? Reply to this email with a good time to reach you, or call (555) 010-0100. It usually takes about 15 minutes.
Here's to a calm, claim-free year,
The team at Maple Street Insurance
Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by Maple Street Insurance (sample agency).
General information only, not a description of your policy or professional advice. Coverage depends on your policy's terms, conditions and exclusions. Contact Maple Street Insurance (sample agency) about your situation.
Sources: FEMA FloodSmart, "Buy a Flood Insurance Policy" (30-day waiting period and exceptions); FEMA, "Myths and Facts About Flood Insurance"; Insurance Information Institute, home inventory and umbrella liability guidance.
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