Before your renewal ends up in the bottom of the paper pile …

Here are a few steps to follow. And you still won’t need to bore yourself to tears trying to read it all.

   POSTAGE  by Rob Stamp

I’m as guilty as anyone when it comes to setting aside important paperwork, promising to dig right in at the first opportunity. Yeah, you know how that always end up. We’ve now officially lost count for how many people call us when it’s time to renew the tags on their car, but can’t because they don’t have proof of insurance. Their current ID cards got lost in the shuffle somewhere. We don’t mind faxing or e-mailing them because we’re here to service our customers. But, what if we’re with a customer, away on an appointment or out for lunch? Most folks only call when they need it right away. So, as soon as you recognize the upcoming renewal in your mail, be sure to locate the ID cards, tear them out and put them in their respective vehicles. That way, you’ll always know where to find it when you need it.

You can spend a little more time with the rest of the mailing later. This doesn’t all have to be done at the same time; most renewals generate at least a month in advance. Just be sure to pay some attention to it before burying it in the stack.

• Remove auto insurance ID cards and put them in the appropriate cars.
• Read cover letter from the company calling your attention to any important changes to your policy.
• Scan coverages and deductibles. This is a good time to ask yourself if you want to drop any coverages or add optional coverages, like towing or rental, that you may now have a need for. Have you acquired expensive jewelry items or fine arts that should be scheduled on your homeowners policy?
• Identify any lienholders or mortgage companies, like banks or credit unions, listed on the policy that may no longer hold an interest in your vehicle or property. Financial institutions rarely inform us when a loan has been paid off, so you need to.
• Call us or send us an e-mail regarding anything you don’t understand. Again, that’s why we’re here.

Feel free to initiate a review of your policy. We do them as a matter of routine, but may not always be aware of any significant changes that ought to be addressed.

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