7 Common Insurance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

According to reports, 43% of working-age adults in the US held inadequate health coverage in 2022.

Are you confident that you have adequate insurance coverage? It’s an important question to ask yourself, especially if you want to keep your hard-earned money safe. The truth is, many people make mistakes when it comes to buying and maintaining their insurance policies.

These errors can lead to financial problems and headaches down the road.

Fortunately, there are simple steps that you can take to avoid these costly insurance mistakes. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at seven common insurance blunders and what you can do to steer clear of them.

If you are ready to start protecting yourself and your assets, keep reading for our tips and advice on how to avoid these seven common insurance errors.

1. Choosing the Wrong Insurance Policy

When selecting an insurance policy, people often underestimate the importance of choosing the right one. There are a variety of policies available and it is important to do your research and understand which one is right for your situation.

Selecting the wrong insurance policy can be costly and detrimental. Avoid common insurance errors like underestimating the value of your assets or selecting the minimum coverage to save money. Instead, research various plans, compare rates, and evaluate your needs to choose a policy that provides adequate coverage for your specific situation.

One common mistake is choosing an insurance policy based on price alone. While it is important to be aware of the costs, the most important factor is the coverage you receive.

Make sure to read the details of the policy and ensure you know exactly what is covered and what is not.

Additionally, it is important to understand all the exclusions and limitations in the policy. Another mistake is generalizing insurance policies.

While two policies may look similar, they can vary greatly in pricing and coverage. Make sure to carefully review the details of the policy and select the one that best meets your needs.

2. Not Reviewing Policies Regularly

Not reviewing insurance policies regularly is a common mistake when dealing with insurance.

Policies, both health and life, usually change at least yearly and require regular attention to make sure coverage is up-to-date and successful for your needs.

Changes in your life, such as a new car, a new home, or a business venture, require adjustments in coverage. Be proactive and consult your insurance agent to avoid gaps in coverage that could lead to financial loss.

Review any policies annually or at the very least, when changes or updates occur to the policy. Understanding what is covered, what is not, and exclusions should be part of the yearly check-in.

Don’t forget to look at price and see if there are better options out there for you.

3. Overlooking Discounts and Bundling Options

Many insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, such as auto and home, or multiple vehicles. These discounts make the policies more affordable and provide a variety of coverage types.

Additionally, discounts are often available for having a higher credit score or for making payments electronically. It’s important to shop around to ensure that you’re getting the best rate and the most coverage for the money.

Furthermore, it never hurts to ask your insurance company for potential discounts or additional discounts, such as those available for safety features, good driving records, and anti-theft devices.

4. Failing to Understand Policy Details

Insurance policies can be complicated, making it easy to misinterpret the terms and coverage.

According to reports, roughly 96% of Americans don’t understand fundamental aspects of their car insurance policies.

It is important to read through the entire insurance policy carefully in order to understand what it covers and what it does not cover. You need to ask questions if there is something that you do not understand, and you also need to make sure that you are aware of any exclusions or limits.

If you receive a renewal notice, take the time to read it thoroughly and make sure that any changes are accurate and that the coverage is still suitable for your needs.

5. Not Having a Clear Understanding of Deductibles

One of the most common insurance mistakes is not having a clear understanding of deductibles. A deductible is the amount the insured must pay out-of-pocket before the insurer will make a payment on their behalf.

A higher deductible may reduce your monthly premium, but it will increase your out-of-pocket expenses when you file a claim. Conversely, a lower deductible may result in a high monthly premium.

Deductibles can range in amount from $50 to thousands of dollars, depending on the coverage and the insured’s risk profile. It’s important to understand the deductible amount you are responsible for when signing a contract with an insurer.

If you are unable to afford the cost of the deductible, you may be in a situation where you’re unable to access the coverage you signed up for. To avoid this mistake, ask your insurer what the deductible amount is and how it affects your specific coverage.

Don’t forget to verify if there are multiple deductibles for variations in coverage. Knowing the deductible amount prior to signing a policy is an important step in avoiding insurance mistakes.

6. Doing Business with Unreliable Insurers

Choosing an insurance policy from an unreliable provider can potentially result in a number of negative events, such as poor customer service and difficulty determining coverage.

To avoid these issues, research insurers, read reviews, and talk with an insurance agent to identify the best options before making your final selection.

7. Failing to Plan Adequately for Life Changes

Life changes, such as divorce, remarriage, or having children, are often accompanied by new insurance needs. Failing to plan for these occurrences can lead to confusion and financial strain.

It’s important to plan proactively and adequately for the future to avoid these issues. Work with your insurance agent to discuss changes and adjustments that may be required in policy coverage.

Avoid These Insurance Mistakes

These 7 common insurance mistakes can be costly in both money and headaches. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming you have enough coverage or skipping important details in your policy. Take the time to review your insurance policies and make sure you are fully covered.

If you need assistance, Tom Needham Insurance Agency is here to help. Do not make the mistake of leaving your insurance coverage to chance. Contact us today for a complete analysis of your insurance needs and let us help you avoid these common insurance errors.