Dan Baird

Summer is the right time to take a close look at your insurance program. Make sure it truly fits your needs. Warmer weather can bring different risks than the rest of the year, this is a great opportunity to review your fire exposure, and consider how seasonal factors like severe storms, heat-related issues, and other weather-related hazards will affect your home and belongings.

If you are a homeowner or renter, you might want to evaluate not only your personal property coverage, but also your liability coverage to protect your assets and income and make sure the liability limits are sufficient should something go wrong. You want to understand what you’re buying, and to review policy options available. For example, the coverage limits, deductibles and the claim process. Policies can be adjusted to different needs and situations.

Summer also gives you time to reflect on financial goals and life updates. Should there be a plan for home improvements, a major financial purchase, or a life change like getting married or expanding your family. Being proactive puts you in a better position rather than making a rushed decision or wishing you had made updates before a problem confronts you. It may be that the probability of something happening is low, that is a good thing; however, what you don’t know is severity. A bridge is built to withstand a hurricane, not just a rainstorm. Do not underestimate severity and avoid being underinsured when it matters.

Overall, summer feels like the perfect moment to prioritize insurance needs, to ask the right questions, and take proactive steps to protect yourself against unexpected events throughout the year.