Are You Underinsured?

Adequate insurance coverage is the foundation of a sound financial plan. No matter how well your investments perform, an unforeseen emergency such as a fire, theft or natural disaster may leave you completely unprepared not only to meet the financial needs of your retirement, but your immediate needs as well. This is why it’s vitally important that you review your homeowners and other insurance policies on at least an annual basis (and when your circumstances change) to make sure they’ll provide the coverage you need should such an event occur.

All too often, we take out a policy when we first purchase our home only to “set it and forget it” and continue to pay premiums year after year without ever stopping to understand what we’re actually paying for. The following are some questions you should ask yourself to see if you might be underinsured:

1. Have building costs gone up since I took out my policy? If labor and material costs have increased since that time, you might find yourself underinsured should you have to file a claim to repair or rebuild your home.

2. Have I made substantial home improvements? Maybe you’ve added on a master suite, a deck or home theater. If so, your policy should reflect the building costs to repair or replace such improvements should you ever have to file a claim.

3. Have the value of my possessions increased? Things like new furniture, kitchen appliances or electronics may require increases to the coverage on your contents, which is usually determined by a percentage of home value. If your home value has stayed the same, but you have more valuable stuff in it, then you may need to raise your coverage.
4. Have I acquired valuables excluded under my homeowners policy? Perhaps you’ve developed a new-found appreciation for modern art or antiques. These types of items and others often are excluded from your regular coverage and require additional riders to protect them. Be sure to ask if your policy covers reimbursement for full replacement value on all your possessions.

5. Has my net worth significantly increased? Having greater assets may leave you more vulnerable in the event of a lawsuit or other loss. If this is the case, you may want to ask your insurance agent about a personal umbrella policy that provides additional coverage beyond what is offered in home and auto policies. Such coverage is often relatively inexpensive for the additional protection it provides.

6. Is my home vulnerable to flooding? Many assume that flood damage is covered under their regular homeowners insurance, when it actually requires a special policy issued by FEMA. Your agent can help you determine whether your house is located in a flood zone.

Being underinsured can put you and your family in a precarious situation should the unthinkable happen. Be sure to review your current policies with a qualified insurance agent periodically, or when your circumstances change so that you can make the necessary adjustments to protect you and the ones you love.