Insurance isn’t a fun topic to talk about. It’s always making you think about money you need to spend or the possibility of things taking a turn for the worse.
Figuring out your car insurance or group coverage now, however, will pay off. You never know what’s going to happen every time you step out the door. Accidents don’t wait until you’re ready, after all, and the last thing you need getting in the way of your goals are thousands of dollars in bills. Today many Americans, particularly Millennials, are struggling to figure out how to keep themselves covered while prioritizing their rent, food and savings. If you’ve found yourself in a similar position — or want to know if there’s any updated information you should be aware of — the list below is for you.
Empower yourself by making sure you have some coverage going forward.
The first part of this list is for car owners. One of the most common, and devastating, accidents facing Americans today is the car crash. It’s estimated there are six million car accidents in the country every year, with a major reason why this is such a frequent occurrence is the lack of responsibility drivers show on the open road. Distracted driving is on the rise, with some studies finding drivers are over 20 times more likely to crash if they are texting or attempting to change the radio dial while driving. Drunk driving, road rage and vehicle negligence are just a few of the dangers you face every time you step behind the wheel.
Car insurance companies see hundreds of claims every single week. The three most common brought to their attention are fender benders, theft and whiplash. While the former can be expensive, the latter can be incredibly painful and even put you at the risk of developing a disability. Recent data has suggested the average driver will have an auto accident claim once every 15 to 18 years. You invest in automobile insurance because you know there’s no such thing as being too prepared. Would you rather spend a little money now on a plan or thousands of dollars in the future when you make a poor turn?
Owning a home is a massive responsibility and one that only gets harder when you set yourself up for failure. A 2016 survey provided by the Insurance Information Institute found nearly 80% of homeowners insurance policyholders understanding their insurance plan to provide coverage for possessions stolen during a burglary. Another 90% of American homeowners have basic homeowners insurance. There’s always more to discover, however, as not all plans cover the event of a flood, storm damage or the events of a fire. Better to be safe than sorry.
Say you don’t have a home, but are considering investing in renters insurance. Is it worth the plunge? Recent studies have found the percentage of renters with renters insurance rising from 30% to just over 40% between 2011 and 2016. Much like homeowning insurance renters insurance is designed to give you a leg up if you find yourself having a particularly bad day. It can shave off recovery costs, protect you against damages and give you the peace-of-mind you need while getting through your workweek. There are multiple plans designed to fit your budget and make sure you’re covered, so meeting with insurance companies this year is a priority you should put high on your to-do list.
Last, but not least, we have group coverage for health insurance. Health insurance is a tricky topic, due in no small part to there being no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Where one person may need life-saving medication another may need physical therapy for chronic pain. A 2015 Insurance Barometer Study found those with no life insurance believing it to be three times more expensive than it actually is. The CDC also estimated nearly 30 million people to be without healthcare insurance back in 2016. Even a quick conversation about group coverage can waive away any lingering misconceptions.
Take care of yourself and your future. See how group coverage could help you live a little easier.