When was the last time you looked at your insurance policy? Be honest. If the answer is somewhere between “During the Bush administration” and “Wait, I have insurance?” — you’re not alone. Most people treat insurance paperwork like that box of Ikea screws left over after you built your coffee table: mysterious, slightly stressful, and best ignored.
The problem is that neglecting your insurance policy is like letting a pet snake loose in your living room. At first, it’s “fine.” You don’t see it. You don’t think about it. Then one day, bam, you’ve got a very slippery issue on your hands.
Let’s break down why ignoring your policy is more dangerous than you think and how a little regular review can save you from a nasty bite. Read on to learn about how to avoid falling behind on your policy’s protective qualities — whether you’re looking for auto insurance, homeowners insurance, or business insurance in the PNW.
Imagine setting a pet snake free in your Belltown loft. At first, you don’t see it. You go about your life, sip your oat milk latte, maybe binge another rainy-day Netflix series. But then one morning, you hear something hiss near the couch. That’s what it means to say someone is neglecting their insurance policy.
Think of your insurance as a snake: calm and contained when managed properly, but a menace if you forget about it. A locked terrarium? Safe. Doors left wide open because you were “busy”? Now you’re wondering if that hiss came from the radiator or under the couch. That’s what happens when you don’t review your insurance policy. Everything seems quiet … until life decides to test your coverage. Not reviewing insurance can be a major problem.
People put off reviewing their insurance the same way they put off going to the dentist: “I’ll get to it someday.” The problem? “Someday” usually arrives the morning after a car accident, a storm that rips off half your roof, or your teenager borrowing the car and discovering gravity in new and exciting ways.
Washington life changes quickly. One year you’re renting in Tacoma, the next you’re buying a craftsman in Spokane. Or maybe you went full PNW cliché and bought a van for weekend trips to the Olympic Peninsula. If your coverage hasn’t been updated, those new risks aren’t covered when trouble hits. And that means you’re going to have to drain your emergency fund to cover the loss instead. Not fun.
Life changes, but dusty policies don’t. Maybe you bought new furniture, started a home business, or added another driver to your auto policy. If your coverage hasn’t kept up, you may discover at the worst possible moment that your policy is woefully inadequate.
Insurance gaps are like the cracks under your front door: easy for problems to sneak in. Didn’t add flood coverage? Surprise, your basement is now an indoor pool. Didn’t update your business policy when you hired staff? Congratulations, you’re now personally liable for workplace accidents.
Flooding basements in Everett, windstorms that take down trees in Olympia, or a landslide near Issaquah can wreak havoc. If your home policy doesn’t reflect those realities, you could be footing the bill alone. And that’s a bill big enough to eat your Pike Place Market salmon budget for years. Speaking of which, are you sure that flood was actually covered? You might want to check the riders on your policy. And if you’re wondering what that means, maybe you need a hand with translating the language of “insurancese.”
There are a myriad of reasons why you should update your insurance policy. Maybe you started a small coffee-roasting business in your garage. Or added a teenage driver who just learned stick shift in your old Subaru Outback (fingers crossed!). Life evolves in the Northwest … so why shouldn’t your insurance?
Got married? Bought a house? Adopted six cats and started a home candle business? Your insurance should grow with your life, not sit frozen in time like a VHS tape in 2025. You need to make sure you don’t have any gaps in that candle business — just in case. That’s the importance of an insurance review.
Regular updates keep you one step ahead. Instead of scrambling after a claim denial, you’ll rest easy knowing your policy actually reflects your current life. You know, not who you were five years ago. That’s one of the benefits of regular policy updates – keeping up to date with your life.
So, there are five key reasons why you need to review your policy regularly (of course, regularly doesn’t necessarily mean every single day of the week — maybe every few months, or once per year). Here’s what to do to avoid insurance policy mistakes.
Insurance isn’t just about people; it’s also about things. New electronics, jewelry, cars, or business equipment all shift your coverage needs. Especially if you’ve acquired valuable property in the recent past. In fact, by taking the time to review your policy today, you might uncover the hidden benefits of your policy that you didn’t know about!
Risk evolves. Wildfires, flooding, or even new teen drivers suddenly appear in your life, and your old policy may not account for them. This is especially important to think about if you decide to move to a new property.
Sometimes reviewing isn’t about spending more. It’s about saving. Bundling policies, installing home security, or driving less might qualify you for discounts. You might be surprised at what kinds of discounts you can get as a homeowner — be sure to check in with your agent about exactly what’s on offer.
Nothing’s worse than filing a claim and learning your payout won’t cover half the costs. Regular reviews help prevent financial heartbreak when disaster strikes. The last thing you want to deal with is realizing at the last minute that your claim is a no-go.
Reviewing once a year keeps your coverage fresh, relevant, and safe like a financial hygiene routine. Think of it like a nice Seattle shower, cleaning off your roof and gutters. Or drinking a delicious espresso in the morning.
So, how do you know when to review your insurance policy? Life events are your cue. Bought a new Tacoma? Opened a food truck in Ballard? Finally moved out of your parents’ basement in Wenatchee? Update your policy. And if you think all this stuff just happens automatically, you might want to stop listening to your Uncle Joe about those insurance myths…
If your life looks different than it did last year, your policy probably should too. Milestones like marriage, a new baby, or major purchases are prime moments for a coverage check. Be sure to give your agent a call when you make some major changes!
Make it easy: Set a yearly reminder. Some people do it at tax time, others around New Year’s. Whatever works. Just don’t let another year slip by. Once a year, grab a coffee and check your coverage, alright? Maybe even put it in your calendar, or on a Trello board.
At Vern Fonk, we know Washington quirks because we are Washingtonians. Rain or shine (well, mostly rain), we help you keep your coverage current so you’re not caught off guard. Whether you need a new policy or you’re updating your existing insurance policy, we can help with our expert PNW know-how. Get a quote online today, give us a call at (800) 455-8276, or visit one of our offices today!
Yes. If you buy a new boat for Lake Chelan or finally splurge on that log cabin near Leavenworth, you don’t have to wait for renewal. Update your policy anytime.
Many providers offer online updates, but talking with an agent can help you avoid mistakes. Sometimes clicking boxes on a screen won’t catch the nuances of your situation.
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