Important Family Changes to Discuss with Your Insurance Agent
August 15, 2020
Family Changes Can Mean Insurance Changes
Your family life is important. Insurance is designed to protect the things that you cherish the most – meaning that when your family changes, your insurance structure may need to change as well. While family changes often come with their own set of challenges, adjusting your coverage after a marriage/divorce, the loss of a covered family member, or the birth/adoption of a child should be simple. Whether you’re considering a change to your family or have recently made a change, continue reading below to see what types of changes may affect your insurance coverage and why.
Inception or termination of a marriage or domestic partnership - There are a few different ways that these changes can affect your policies.
When considering your automotive coverage, chances are good that you will need to have the person being added or removed correctly accounted for as it regards them being an authorized operator of your vehicle. Your car insurance rates may be impacted.
Your homeowner’s insurance is most likely to be affected if the person being added or removed possess items that require additional or special coverage. The original value of your homeowner’s policy is likely to remain unchanged.
Life insurance is a relatively direct relationship pending the type of policy you have – because there are so many variations of life insurance, it’s always best to discuss with your agent if you have any family member changes in your household.
Children, dependents, and legal wards - Dependents under your insurance policies can bring great change – be sure to alert your insurance agent to any changes to the status of children and legal wards.
Automotive insurance is likely to be the most affected by changes to qualified dependents. When offspring reach driving age and become permitted or licensed to drive they should be added to your automotive policy. In some cases, this leads to a significant raise in automotive premiums because of the learning curve associated with young drivers. Thankfully, as with adults, there are courses and qualifications that children can earn in order to merit a decrease in insurance premiums.
Homeowner’s insurance is likely to remain unchanged with the addition of legal dependents; again unless the dependent is bringing items that require additional coverage beyond your base policy.
As discussed above, it’s always best to discuss your Life insurance policy with your agent due to the variations of life insurance available to ensure you and/or any dependents are properly covered.
Death and loss of life - Loss is always hard for a family. Some insurance types require modifying after the loss of life of someone who was covered.
Automotive coverage, as an example, needs the deceased person removed from the active drivers. Homeowner’s policies will also need the deceased removed from the policy in the event of claim so your carrier doesn’t issue a check you cannot cash.
As a general stipulation, filing a life insurance policy claim with most policies needs to occur within 90 days of the death being claimed. Your agent should work alongside you to assure that your policy is paid in full to you in a timely manner.
Keeping your insurance records accurate and extended to everyone who needs coverage is vital to the health of a family. No matter what the situation is, your insurance agent should be eager to help you receive as many benefits as possible. If you would like help navigating the changes to your insurance that follow changes to your family, give us a call at 607.734.8799.
When it comes to insurance, it’s tempting to shop around for the lowest price — after all, who doesn’t want to save a few dollars each month? But insurance isn’t like buying a gallon of gas or a cup of coffee. The cheapest policy might save you a little upfront, but it can cost you much more in the long run. Coverage limits, exclusions, and customer service vary greatly from one company to another, and a bargain policy may leave you uncovered when you need it most. A good insurance policy should give you peace of mind, not just a smaller bill. That means choosing a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs — your home, your car, your lifestyle, and your risks. A knowledgeable local agent can help you understand what’s included (and what’s not) so you don’t find out the hard way after a claim. At Wallin Insurance, we take the time to make sure you’re properly protected, not just “barely covered.” Another key difference between cheap insurance and the right insurance is service. When something goes wrong — whether it’s a fender bender or storm damage to your home — you want a team that answers the phone, knows your name, and helps you through every step. As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers to find the right fit for your budget and your coverage needs. We’re also your advocate when it’s time to file a claim, not just a voice on the other end of a 1-800 number. At the end of the day, buying insurance isn’t about finding the lowest price — it’s about finding the right protection and a trusted partner. At Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business who’s here to help you make confident, informed decisions so you’re covered when it matters most.
When it comes to protecting your home, car, or business, the coverage you choose is important—but so is the person behind it. Buying insurance locally isn’t just about convenience; it’s about building a relationship with someone who truly understands your needs. At Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business, and here’s why choosing a local agent matters. 1. Personalized Service You Can Count On A local agent knows the community and the unique risks that come with it. At Wallin Insurance, we take the time to get to know our clients personally—understanding your lifestyle, your priorities, and your concerns—so we can recommend coverage that fits your life. When questions arise or claims need attention, you can call us directly and speak to someone who knows you, not just a faceless hotline. 2. Quick and Easy Claims Assistance When the unexpected happens, speed matters. Our local agents guide you through the claims process quickly and efficiently, helping you get back on your feet without unnecessary stress. Being right here in your community means we’re invested in helping our neighbors—our clients—every step of the way. 3. Support Local Businesses and Give Back Working with Wallin Insurance means supporting a local business that actively gives back. We proudly support a variety of charities, including delivering Meals on Wheels to community members in need. Choosing us isn’t just about insurance—it’s about contributing to a stronger, more caring community. 4. Tailored Advice You Can Trust We don’t just sell policies—we build relationships. At Wallin Insurance, we help you understand your options, identify discounts you may not know about, and make sure you have the right coverage for your specific situation. That personal guidance is something you won’t get from a big online insurer. 5. Peace of Mind Knowing there’s a friendly, familiar face to turn to when life throws the unexpected your way is invaluable. With Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business—someone who truly cares about protecting your home, family, and future. Final Thoughts Insurance is more than just a policy—it’s protection for what matters most. Choosing Wallin Insurance means personalized service, faster claims help, and the confidence of working with someone who genuinely cares about you and our community. And remember, with Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business.
Why You Should Bundle Your Home and Auto Insurance When it comes to protecting the things that matter most, like your home and your vehicle, having the right insurance coverage is key. But did you know that combining your home and auto policies with the same insurance company can provide significant benefits? Bundling is one of the easiest ways to save money and simplify your insurance experience, all while ensuring you have strong protection in place. One of the biggest advantages of bundling is the potential for cost savings. Many insurance companies offer discounts when you purchase multiple policies through them. These savings can add up quickly, making it a budget-friendly way to secure the coverage you need. Plus, it’s a smart financial move to maximize value without sacrificing quality protection. Bundling also adds convenience. Instead of juggling multiple policies, payments, and renewal dates with different companies or agents, everything is streamlined. This makes managing your coverage easier and less stressful, especially when it comes to filing a claim. With just one agency handling your policies, you’ll also have a single point of contact for questions or assistance, saving you time and frustration. Lastly, bundling can help ensure better coverage coordination. When one insurance agency oversees your insurance portfolio, they can identify gaps or overlaps in your protection. This holistic approach helps ensure that you’re fully covered in the event of an accident, natural disaster, or other unexpected event. At an independent insurance agency, we can compare multiple carriers to find the best bundling options for your unique needs, giving you peace of mind and the best possible value.
We Have a Mural to Prove It
Auto insurance companies are facing unprecedented rate increases due to inflation and the increasing cost of repairs. One of the most simple ways to assure your auto insurance rate is providing the best value is to take a defensive driving course - which is available to you online ! For residents of New York, the Improv Traffic School is currently offering their top-rated, fully-online defensive driving course for under $30, making it easier and more affordable than ever to both become a better driver, and save on auto insurance premiums. Some benefits of taking the course include: A guaranteed reduction of up to 10% on insurance rates - The certificate is recognized by all New York State auto insurance companies. Reduction in points on your license - For people with points attached to their driving record, the Defensive Driving Course can help eliminate those marks on your driving history. A fully online learning environment - The course can be completed from the comfort of your own home, with an instant awarding of your certificate upon completion. No final exam - Anxious test-takers, worry not. The Improv School’s course is content-oriented, making the focus more about taking in information than being able to reiterate the contents of the class. The course is designed to benefit you. If your defensive driving certificate is near its expiration date, now is the perfect time to renew without going out of your way. For folks who have previously completed a Defensive Driving Course, the Improv School also offers a 3 Year Renewal Course in order for you to retain your discount. If an online course does not sound like the right choice for you, there is a classroom-style Defensive Driving Course for your consideration. The classroom-based course offers all of the same benefits as the online equivalent, including the reduction of up to 10% on your insurance rates. Whether you’ve been seeking a way to lower your premiums, or simply desire to improve your driving habits, learning more about defensive driving strategies is a simple and efficient way to start.
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