Ring in 2024 with an Insurance and Safety Checkup

 Posted on January 15, 2024 in Personal Injury

As we enter 2024, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions around improving our health, finances, relationships, and more. However, one resolution that is often overlooked is reviewing and updating your insurance policies. This is beneficial, especially in case of a personal injury accident.

Having proper insurance coverage is essential, but the details can easily fall through the cracks over time as life changes. Make this the year you give your policies a checkup. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can help make sure you are on track to keeping safe.

Evaluate Your Current Home and Auto Policies

Start by pulling out your home and auto insurance documents and giving them a thorough review. Check if your coverage amounts still align with the value of your home and vehicles. Have you made any substantial upgrades or improvements to your house that may impact rebuilding costs if there was a total loss? Did you purchase a new car that requires adjusted liability limits? Over time, as assets grow in value, the costs to repair or replace them also grow. Make sure your policies have kept pace.

Also consider any life changes - a growing family, new teen drivers, more valuable possessions due to inheritance, etc. These could expose new gaps in coverage. Do not let an outdated policy leave you financially exposed. Speak to your insurance agent to discuss any needed changes.

An Essential Yet Often Overlooked New Year’s Resolution

In a recent issue of Healthy Cells Magazine, Kanoski Bresney wrote an article informing readers of essential steps to avoid and prevent accidents and injuries this new year. In the article, we remind readers to take steps such as:

• Reviewing your insurance policies
• Making sure your home is safe
• Maintaining your vehicle
• Practicing safe driving habits

These four steps, while simple, can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe this new year. While no one of these steps can entirely prevent an accident or injury from occurring, being prepared for the unexpected is always a prudent solution to preparing for whatever life can throw our way.

Conduct a Home Safety Audit

While reviewing your home insurance, take the opportunity to also conduct a home safety audit. Take a walk through each room and make note of any issues or risks that may lead to accidents. Are there loose handrails? Cracked flooring? Clutter blocking walkways? These may seem minor but could present fall or fire hazards.

Also, inspect your external property - clear brush and debris from around the home, check for damaged roof shingles or siding, and examine fences and gates to secure pool areas and similar spaces. Taking preventative measures greatly reduces the risk of an incident occurring in the first place. Having documentation of your safety audit shows the insurance company you are actively managing risks.

Brush Up on Safe Driving Practices

Auto accidents are one of the greatest risks we face day-to-day. Take time to refresh your knowledge about safe driving practices for all passengers. This includes wearing seat belts properly, adjusting mirrors and seat positions for visibility, eliminating distractions like cell phones, proper hand positioning on the wheel, defensive driving techniques, and adhering to speed limits and road signs. Also thoroughly review Illinois’ driving laws and latest changes.

Contact a Bloomington, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

The new year presents a perfect opportunity to give your insurance portfolio and safety practices a checkup. Protect what matters most by verifying appropriate coverage, reducing risks, and brushing up on safe behaviors. Being proactive prevents issues down the road - a great resolution for peace of mind in 2024. A Bloomington, IL personal injury attorney can help. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.