Learn Why You Should Meet Annually With Your Insurance Agent

As we go through life, making plans for expected milestones and reacting to unplanned events, it’s important to have a trusted partner to help. Many of us likely see insurance as just another service we need, like our cellphone plan or streaming service. But your insurance agent can be so much more, helping you prepare for the major events in your life and the curveballs you might not see coming.

That’s why it’s important to meet with your agent at least annually. When COUNTRY clients give us 30 minutes of their time one day per year, we can take care of them the other 364 days.

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What should I discuss with my insurance agent?

These annual meetings are like a checkup. Things are constantly changing – the markets, marriages, careers, vehicles, home updates, businesses, etc. Kids get older and priorities shift. In an annual review, we talk about all these changes, as well as your plans and priorities on the horizon, to ensure you are protected financially.

See more: Financial Future: Breaking Down the Cost of Life Insurance

Are there other times I should reach out to my insurance agent?

In addition to the annual review, there may be times you should call your insurance agent to discuss your needs, like with the following changes.

1. Your policy is up for renewal.

Don’t just automatically pay your insurance company. Take a little time to evaluate your personal situation and needs since the last time you checked on your policy. Check on your coverage periodically to ensure you’re adequately protected.

2. You’ve made major lifestyle changes.

Did you recently get married, have a baby or go through a divorce? All of these lifestyle changes can impact your insurance coverage needs. For example, if you recently got married, you may want to consider purchasing life insurance to provide financial protection for each other and discuss your financial goals as a married couple with a financial adviser. Also, reach out when your kids have changes, such as reaching driving age, going to college or if an adult child moves back home.

3. You bought or received valuable items.

If you’ve received gifts such as jewelry or you’ve bought anything new for your home, including TVs, computers or even artwork, you may need additional personal property protection.

4. You’ve made lifestyle changes to improve your health.

Making personal life changes to improve your health, such as quitting smoking, may affect your ability to purchase life insurance coverage and could improve your rate.

5. You’ve updated your home.

Contact your insurance agent if you’ve made home or property improvements such as expanding your home or replacing the roof. You may qualify for a discount on your home insurance if you’ve installed a fire or burglar alarm system or upgraded your heating, plumbing or electrical system.

As insurance agents, we know there may be a cheaper solution available. That’s why we are committed to clients and strive to provide them with the best solutions for their needs, so they can experience more that life has to offer.

For more information or to find your COUNTRY Financial representative, visit countryfinancial.com.

See more: Five Reasons to Make Adjustments to Your Insurance

About the Author: Josh Riekena serves as a COUNTRY Financial insurance agent and COUNTRY Trust Bank financial adviser in Peoria.