The end of the year is a natural time to reflect, reset, and prepare for what’s next. That applies to your insurance policies, too. As your life and business evolve, so do your risks – and your coverage should keep pace.
The Ingram Agency encourages all our clients to conduct a proactive, year-end policy review. Here’s what to look at before you flip your calendar to January 2026.
1. Property Values and Replacement Costs
Rebuilding and replacing property is more expensive than it used to be. Ongoing inflation and rising material and labor costs may have made your current policy limits outdated. If your home, office, or commercial property suffered a total loss tomorrow, would your insurance cover today’s actual replacement cost?
Action: Review your coverage limits and confirm they align with current market values instead of the price you paid years ago.
2. New Purchases or Upgrades
Did you make significant purchases this year – like a new vehicle, business equipment, art, jewelry, or home renovations? You should add these to your policy for your peace of mind.
Action: Notify us of upgrades or acquisitions to avoid gaps in coverage.
3. Business Operations or Revenue Changes
If your business has grown, downsized, or changed its primary operations, your risk profile has shifted. A boost in revenue, new service lines, or even remote work could affect your liability or property coverage needs.
Action: Reassess your commercial policies to reflect your current operations and exposure.
4. Vehicle Usage and Drivers
Do you drive more or less often than you used to? Have you purchased a vehicle to use strictly for business purposes? Do you need to add a new driver to your policy? These changes could impact your auto insurance coverage and rating.
Action: Update your policies to reflect accurate vehicle use, mileage, and authorized drivers.
5. Liability Limits and Umbrella Coverage
Your assets and exposure may have grown this year. As you accumulate more, you also have more to lose. Reassessing your liability limits – and considering an umbrella policy – can provide extra peace of mind and protection.
Action: Discuss whether your current limits still match your net worth and risk tolerance.
6. Employee Count and Payroll Estimates
Accurate employee and payroll data is crucial for properly classifying your workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
Action: Provide your agent with updated year-end figures to ensure correct premiums and avoid audit surprises.
7. Claims or Near-Misses This Year
Even if you didn’t need to file a claim, a close call can teach valuable lessons. Review incidents like minor fires, near-accidents, or break-in attempts to identify areas for improvement and potential policy adjustments.
Action: Talk through near-misses with your agent. Prevention is the purpose of insurance, but protection is your backup plan.
8. Anticipated Changes in the New Year
Planning a business expansion? Buying a second home? Hiring new employees? Don’t wait until after the change happens – being proactive ensures seamless coverage.
Action: Share your plans with us, so we can adjust your coverage accordingly.
Keep Your Coverage Aligned With Your Life
At The Ingram Agency, we believe insurance should evolve with you – not stay on autopilot. Our founder works directly with clients to understand what’s changed and what’s ahead. We treat every policy like it’s our own, offering deep industry connections, top-tier carriers, and customized solutions.
Let’s get your insurance ready for the new year before Jan. 1. Contact us to schedule your year-end checkup today.