Gary Serdoz

What's new in December? Year End Insurance Checklist: What to Review Before 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your insurance policies and make sure you’re properly protected heading into 2026. Insurance needs can change over time due to life events, market shifts, or new legislation, so a year end checkup can help you avoid surprises and maximize your coverage. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through your insurance review.

1. Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage

• Check your coverage limits: Ensure your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage still meet your needs.

• Update your vehicle information: Add or remove vehicles, or update mileage and usage details.

• Look for discounts: Ask about safe driver discounts, bundling policies, or winter driving safety incentives.

• Verify your deductible: Adjust your deductible if you want to balance your costs and out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Evaluate Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance

• Assess your home’s current value: Make sure your dwelling coverage reflects any renovations or market changes.

• Review personal property coverage: Update the value of your belongings, especially if you’ve purchased new valuables.

• Check for adequate liability protection: Consider increasing liability limits if you host gatherings or have a pool.

• Winterize and protect: Confirm coverage for winter-related damages like frozen pipes or storm damage.

3. Update Your Health Insurance Information

• Open enrollment reminders: Don’t miss your health insurance open enrollment period.

• Review your plan benefits: Compare options to ensure you have the optimal coverage for your current health needs.

• Check for changes in deductibles: Understand how changes might affect your out-of-pocket costs.

• Consider supplemental insurance: Look into dental, vision, or critical illness plans if needed.

4. Reassess Your Life Insurance Policy

• Review beneficiary designations: Update if there have been changes in your family or financial goals.

• Check coverage adequacy: Make sure your coverage aligns with your current income, debts, and future obligations.

5. Don’t Forget About Specialty Insurance

• Umbrella insurance: Provides extra liability protection beyond your standard policies.

• Disability insurance: Review your coverage to protect your income if you become unable to work.

6. Review Your Insurance Documents and Contact Information

• Ensure all your contact information is current for your insurance providers.

• Keep digital and physical copies of your policies and claim procedures.

• Understand the claim filing process and emergency contacts.

We are celebrating 31+ years in Madison Heights! We have proudly served Detroit and its suburbs - Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Troy, Clawson, Hazel Park, Ferndale, Warren, Sterling Heights, and the surrounding communities as a State Farm Agency. Personalized customer service is our top priority and our office has achieved the Crystal Excellence Legion of Honor Award. My team and I are prepared to assist customers with all of their insurance needs - auto, home, life, health, and small business - let us be your 'Good Neighbor' and we will be there for your life's moments. Check out our 5-Star reviews on Google - and see how we will treat you like family!

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