If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that life is filled with changes. We understand your insurance agent might be the last person you think about when making life changes, but your insurance can be affected by nearly every big thing and plenty of seemingly small things that happen in your life. When life “happens” reach out to us. A simple phone call can be the difference between paying more, saving money or not being insured correctly.
Here are some reasons to call your insurance agent:
1. Changes in home occupancy.
If you move out but do not sell your home, you may need a landlord policy on your current home and a renter’s policy on your new home. If you are not renting your home out and the home will be vacant, your insurance agent needs to know that too. We will also need a new address for your auto policy. If you purchase a second home or a vacation home, reach out to us so that we can help you place coverage on your new home purchase.
2. You decide to work from home.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies limit or exclude business property and liability coverage if you work from home. If you decide to start a new home-based business, give us a call and we can set you up with a basic business owner’s policy. Also, working from home can have an impact on your car insurance if the amount you drive changes significantly.
3. You are buying or selling a car.
If you are looking to add or remove a car from your household give us a call and we can advise you on how these changes will affect your premium. Also, if you drive a company car be sure to mention it to your agent. There are discounts and coverages that can be added to your policy for when you use that car outside of work.
4. Changes in cohabitation.
You might need to make changes to your home insurance policy if those you live with change. Household changes also have an impact on your auto insurance. If you are getting married or divorced, have become a recent empty nester, lost a family member, or have young adults living at college please reach out to us so that we can ensure coverage is correct. If you welcomed a new baby into the family make sure to give us a call to discuss life insurance.
5. You pay your car or home off.
If your mortgage company or lender for your home or auto changes, please reach out to us. We can make those changes quickly and efficiently. No more mortgage… that is a discount!
6. You have a new driver in the household.
Did your teenager recently pass their road test? You are required to call your insurance agent when you have a new licensed driver in the household. Teens are not automatically covered because they live in the house. They must be added to the policy as a driver. Many companies have several new programs for teen drivers that can help reduce the cost of insuring a new driver. Some of the discounts available are the good student discount, defensive driving course discount, and parent or company monitoring programs. These discounts can save up to 40% on insuring a young driver.
7. Thinking of buying….
Are you thinking of buying a dog? Call your insurance agent and ask if that particular dog is an allowed and covered breed. Some insurance companies will not cover certain breeds of dogs so it’s important to check before you bring your new furry friend home. Considering a pool to cool off in this summer? Please call us first. We can recommend the correct coverage to cover both your new pool and the increased liability a pool can bring to your home. Is a trampoline being delivered to your back yard? Just like the pool, a trampoline can bring hours of entertainment but also should be something that you ask your agent about. Most companies will insure a home with a trampoline but some have certain requirements that have to be followed for coverage to be effective.
8. Change in health insurance plan.
Your Personal Injury Protection coverage (medical coverage on your auto insurance) can be affected by a change in health insurance. Be sure to always call your agent when this occurs.
9. Remodeling and home improvement.
Significant remodeling or upgrades to your home will likely require a change in your home insurance dwelling coverage amount. Reach out to us so that we can make sure that your new upgrades are fully covered. Also, if you replace your roof or your furnace remember to call us. Those upgrades can be big discounts. Finally, if you have a new monitored alarm installed at your home simply send us the alarm certificate and we can make sure that you receive the discount.
10. New valuable property.
If you purchase valuables such as jewelry, antiques, art, silverware, furs, guns, gold, or other high value items you might need special personal property coverage. Call us… we can set you up with the correct policy to cover your most precious property at home and while you are away.
There are so many normal life circumstances that can impact your insurance coverage. Remember to call your insurance agent to report any new changes in your life. Your insurance agent would be more than happy to take your call and explain what these changes mean for your insurance coverage.
At Aitken & Ormond Insurance, we are here to help you find the right combination of coverage, price, and service.
Written by: Renee Mason Sherry