Is your Insurance A Perfect Fit ?

Nearly 60% of U.S. households are inadequately covered. It doesn’t have to be about adding costs; sometimes lifes little changes can save you money.

Insurance policies, like good clothing, provide the most comfort when they fit well.  Having the wrong policy coverage can be like trying to squeeze your perfect size 10 into a Paris Hilton size 1! According to the Insurance Information Institute, at least 32 million households in the United States own insurance policies that aren’t right for them. In fact, in 2006, 58% of homes were undervalued in their policies by an average of 21%. Now that’s pretty scary, isn’t it?

But how can you tell if your insurance policy doesn’t fit correctly?

A good time to test it is when you undergo a major change in your life. For example, if you’ve recently gotten married or divorced, it may be time to update your homeowners and life insurance policies. You could be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance if you’ve just walked down the aisle.

And don’t forget to update your life insurance protection when you have a new baby —  33% of households with new additions are so busy with their bundles of joy that they forget to do so.

While getting married and having kids are the life events that may prompt insurance changes, there are several other instances when you should review your policies.

• Have you recently  renovated your home? Major home improvements, such as adding a new room or expanding a kitchen, should be properly insured. You’ll want your hard work reflected — and covered — in your homeowners insurance.
• When your teenager gets a driver’s license: It’s usually cheaper to add your teen to your current auto policy than to buy a separate one. If he has his own car, your company may offer a multipolicy discount. Good grades or honor roll? Many companies offer discounts for earning at least a B average in school,(provide proof) so ask about it or you may not get it.
• Inherited or purchased valuables such as jewelry or art ? Your homeowners policy may provide only limited coverage for expensive items such as electronics, antiques or jewelry. You might want to supplement your policy with a rider that provides additional insurance for valuables. Be sure to get the items professionally appraised and keep the paperwork so you know what they’re worth and you can provide documentation to your agent.
•  Renting ? Your landlord is responsible only for insuring the structure of the building, not the possessions in it. Fully  1/2 of renters do not have insurance on their belongings. Its a cheap buy, you can cover $40K for roughly $40/month. Get renters insurance to cover theft and other damages. This one is really a No-Brainer!
• Retiring? Your auto insurance premiums could drop considerably (read, no more long commutes to work). And, ahem, another way maturity pays off, as well: companies often offer discounts for drivers above the age of 50. (Make being “carded” a compliment!
• If you have recently changed employment or get a significant raise (or decrease) in your salary: Does your new employer offer life insurance coverage? If not, and your old employer did, you’ll have to get an individual policy. Major salary changes may also affect your life insurance policy, so review your needs and talk to your  HR department and your agent.Life insurance is not the type of insurance that many people think about on a daily basis. Although your everyday activities may affect your life insurance, it is not required by law and many people don’t think about obtaining it until they have married or have had children. Life insurance policies are for those that still live after someone has died. If you have a family and help to support them financially, obtaining life insurance is a good plan to have. If something happens to you, your loved ones will not be left without financial support.There are two major forms of life insurance that you should know about before making your decision to obtain it. They serve the same purpose, but they offer the purchaser of the policy some different features.
  • Term Life insurance offers the purchaser a low monthly life insurance rate, or premium, in exchange for a limited term for the policy’s existence. Term life insurance policies can be purchased for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 year terms, depending on the needs of the purchaser and the beneficiaries. Many people purchase this type of life insurance to protect their family while children are growing up or before they have reached retirement. Getting a term life insurance quote from several different term life insurance companies is a good idea so that you’ll have a better understanding of what sort of term life insurance rates you’ll be paying and what sort of policy you can get in return.
  • Whole life insurance offers an unlimited life insurance policy to the holder. This policy does not expire, so it will continue throughout your lifetime. Some of the whole life insurance rate that you will pay each month will go towards an investment, although this can sometimes be an expensive route to investment. Whole life insurance policies are generally a good idea for those who want to have money set aside to pay for taxes on their estate after they pass away, or intend to hold onto it for longer than 20 years.

 Both kinds of life insurance have pros and cons, but they are generally for two separate groups of policyholders. Be sure to discuss with your insurance agent or life insurance company to see what type of life insurance plans they offer. Your term life insurance rate or your whole life insurance rate will vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including general health, the length of the policy, and who it covers. It’s a good idea to get several term life insurance quotes or whole life insurance quotes so that you get the best deal for your financial situation.

Still not convinced that you even need life insurance? Its the cornerstone of good financial planning. While you purchase it primarily to provide for your loved ones after your death it can be a good source for charitable giving and an additional savings source thats not taxable!

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