When you The bottom line is that your insurance agent and insurance![](\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg7dcEjm_wIX6O2B59iR0Vc7qcT2n-IiTgAXtZCHZLf4CqT-Y3QzC8cpNfbDp2992ye9KqoAEHrGiUxo6HuUxqvNMZVhz5TAICiXNr5q_JX03g6-OO4BQlSj9AivAO0DeyqTtglmcNgimtDLlXMN59t0qJNK2m-QaDjJWLVdigPFUi7rvCI-yYdygKpNic\/s5568\/swello-6iYtb6X1qfA-unsplash%20(1).jpg\")
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\nfirst search for home or auto insurance<\/a>, you\u2019ll likely work with an insurance
\nagent. Your agent\u2019s <\/span>role is to inform you of the coverage options available to
\nensure that the things that matter most to you <\/span>are protected.\u00a0
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There
\nare many benefits of utilizing an independent agent<\/a> for your insurance needs.
\nEstablishing a relationship with an independent agent means someone else is
\npersonally looking out for what it is that you want to insure. Independent
\nagents can shop your policy, matching your needs across multiple insurance
\ncarriers. They can also help you evaluate discounts to make sure you are taking
\nadvantage of available savings opportunities.\u00a0
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It is
\nimportant to stay in contact with your agent and keep them informed as your
\nlife continues to evolve. If your agent isn\u2019t aware of your life changes, your
\ninsurance policies<\/a> will not reflect them, potentially leaving you under or even
\nover insured. Policy renewal can be a great time to regularly check in with
\nyour agent, but feel free to contact them more often if needed.\u00a0
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Consider
\ncontacting your independent insurance agent when one or more of the following
\nlife changes happen:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n new property
<\/span><\/b>When you move or invest in a new home<\/a> or property, you\u2019ll want to
\n make sure you are covered. Let your agent know when you\u2019re planning to
\n move and give them as much information as possible about the new place to
\n get policy research started. You\u2019ll want your policy to start the same day
\n ownership transfers to you so that you are covered if any loss happens
\n from there forward. <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
\n home or property
<\/span><\/b>Maybe you make a major improvement to your home like renovating<\/a> a
\n bathroom, adding a deck, or even an addition. You\u2019ll want to let your
\n agent know when these projects are finished because they\u2019ll likely
\n increase the value of your home, maybe warranting a policy change to
\n ensure you are covered for that increase in the case of a loss. In
\n addition, if you own a piece of land and decide to build a garage or cabin
\n on the land, you\u2019ll want to reach out to your agent.
\n or divorced
<\/span><\/b>Getting married<\/a> could offer perks like discounts for bundling
\n policies, having\u00a0<\/span>multiple cars on one policy, and more.
\nYou\u2019ll want to have both of your names listed on your policies as well so
\nthat you are both covered. In addition, you\u2019ll want to consider things like
\ninsuring your wedding and engagement rings<\/a>, creating\/updating your home
\ninventory list, and potentially increasing your personal property coverage if
\nyou\u2019ll be moving in together. In contrast, you will want to let your insurance
\nagent know if you\u2019re getting divorced so that your policy can be changed to
\nreflect this.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
\n security system
<\/span><\/b>Installing a home security system<\/a> can provide you peace of mind in
\n many ways. Knowing your home and your family are safe is one of the
\n biggest benefits. Another is the potential for a discount on your
\n homeowners insurance policy. Give your agent a call to discuss what
\n systems would qualify through your insurance carrier and let them know
\n once it is installed.
<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
\n driving
<\/span><\/b>It\u2019s an exciting time when your teen gets their driver\u2019s permit and
\n starts to hit the road. Don\u2019t forget to contact your agent to add them as
\n a driver to your auto policy so they are covered if any incidents occur.
\n Adding your teen will likely increase<\/a> your auto insurance premium, but it
\n is crucial in keeping everyone protected in the event of a loss. To minimize
\n the increase in premium, you\u2019ll want to make sure they take driver\u2019s
\n safety courses and have good school grades. Both of these things could
\n qualify you for discounts with many auto insurance carriers.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
\n off to college
<\/span><\/b>When your child leaves for college, you may want to let your
\n insurance agent know. If they are attending college without a car and
\n won\u2019t be driving while they are there, depending on the distance from your
\n home, you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance policy.
<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
\n business or expand on an existing one
<\/span><\/b>Ensuring your business is properly insured<\/a> can be crucial to your
\n success. Whether you decide to operate your business out of your home or have
\n another building for it, you\u2019ll want to discuss the scope and location of
\n your business<\/a> with your agent to make sure every aspect is protected.
\n Something to take note of is the use of your personal car for business. In
\n the event of a loss, your claim could be denied if you are found to be
\n using your car for business without proper coverage<\/a> for it. <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
\n purchase
<\/span><\/b>When you choose to invest in something valuable or even if you
\n inherit something expensive, you should check to make sure your homeowners
\n or auto insurance policies have limits high enough to cover those items.
\n In the event of a loss, it would be devastating to find out those
\n valuables weren\u2019t protected. Your insurance agent will be able to advise
\n you on whether your current policies could expand to meet your needs, and
\n if not, they may ask you to consider changing your policy. <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
<\/span><\/b>Retiring can have added benefits that could apply discounts<\/a> to your
\n insurance policy premiums. Talk to your agent when you get ready to retire
\n to learn more about your options. If you\u2019re going to be driving less
\n because you\u2019ll be home more, let your agent know. Many insurance carriers offer
\n discounts because driving less decreases your chances of accidents. In
\n addition, many carriers offer a discount on homeowners policies for
\n seniors.
<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
\n a new car
<\/span><\/b>While you\u2019re in the process of purchasing a new car<\/a>, get in touch
\n with your agent. They\u2019ll be able to advise you on how much the new vehicle
\n would cost to insure before you purchase it. Your agent will also talk to
\n you about different coverage and discount options that could apply if you
\n purchase a brand new car or even one with more safety features. <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\ncarrier are there to support you. When life changes, your insurance policy
\nprobably should too. Don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to them if you are
\nexperiencing any of the events listed above or others. You can also reach out
\nto your insurance agent to better understand your policy and discuss your
\noptions. Protecting what matters most to you is a top priority to your
\ninsurance team.\u00a0
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Click the link below to find an insurance agent local
\nto you and get a free quote today.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n