Insurance News: "Top 3" 2016 Insurance New Year's Resolutions

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January 11, 2016 – Do a cleanse, kick bad habits, save money. If your 2016 New Year’s resolutions are focused on turning over a new leaf and finally putting your money where your mouth is most of us need to add insurance to the list! The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association shares “3 Top Insurance Resolutions” that can help you save money and be better financially prepared in 2016. 

“You won’t even need to work up a sweat, just resolve to stop procrastinating and give your insurance professional a call to review your coverage,” says Carole Walker, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. “Too many people put updating insurance or inventorying their personal stuff on the back burner and don’t think about it until the unthinkable happens. Whether it’s the next winter storm, the pipes freeze or hail season arrives without notice, we need to take preventative steps to protect our property and consider how much insurance coverage you have to fix your car, repair or rebuild your home and replace your personal belongings.”

RMIIA’s Top 3 Insurance Resolutions:

#1-DO AN ANNUAL INSURANCE CHECK-UP

• Insurance is something most people don't even want to think about until they need it the most. Understanding what is and isn't covered in your car and homeowners insurance policy can mean the difference of being able to repair your car, protect you after an accident, rebuild your home and replace your personal belongings. Do annual insurance policy "check-ups" to keep up with local building costs and adjust coverage to include home remodeling and additions, as well as reviewing auto policy limits and coverage.

Steering Through Your Auto Policy Worksheet

Walking Through Your Home

• If you don't have replacement coverage, consider spending a few extra dollars for coverage that pays for the cost of replacing the damaged property without deduction for depreciation. Ask about endorsements for sewer back-up and building code upgrades. On your vehicle consider adding higher limits and be sure to ask if you have extra coverage for rental cars or roadside assistance.

#2-ASK ABOUT WAYS TO SAVE

• Make sure you are taking advantage of discounts and taking steps to save money on insurance. Simple steps such as raising deductibles, combining policies, driving a safer car or installing a hail-resistant roof can save hundreds of dollars on your insurance bill each year. 

Saving Money on Auto Insurance

Keys to Saving on Homeowners Insurance

#3-CREATE A HOME INVENTORY

• Make a home inventory that includes lists, pictures or a videotape of the contents of your home or apartment. Would you be able to remember all the possessions you've accumulated over the years if they were destroyed by a tornado or fire? Having an up-to-date home inventory will help get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.
• It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but RMIIA has free software that you can download to help simplify the process! You can even add digital photos and scan in receipts, along with your room-by-room online inventory.

Homeowners Inventory

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Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association is a non-profit consumer information organization. Affiliated with the Insurance Information Institute, RMIIA has been serving consumers and the media since 1952.