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Small Steps: Review Your Insurance Policies for Better Cover

28 March 20254 min readBy Jarrod Kirkland
Small Steps: Review Your Insurance Policies for Better Cover

Key Takeaways

  • 1Most people set up insurance and never review it again, even as their lives change.
  • 2Being under-insured leaves you exposed when you need support most.
  • 3Being over-insured means wasting money that could be used more effectively.
  • 4A quick 30-60 minute insurance review could save hundreds in premiums or provide greater peace of mind.

If you haven't reviewed your insurance in the last couple of years, you're not alone. This month's Small Steps action is to pull out your policies and see whether they still stack up.

If you haven't reviewed your insurance in the last couple of years, you're not alone. Most of us set up our cover, start the monthly payments, and never think about it again. But as life changes-whether it's a new baby, a home renovation, or a change in job-your insurance should change too. This month's Small Steps action is to pull out your policies and see whether they still stack up.

Are You Still Properly Covered?

Life doesn't stay the same, so your insurance shouldn't either. You might now have more to protect, or your financial situation might mean you're paying for cover you don't need.

Some common examples of changes that might require an insurance review:

  • Home improvements: If you've upgraded your kitchen, added a deck, or renovated a bathroom, your contents or house insurance sum might be too low.
  • New kids or dependants: If you've had children, your life and income protection insurance may no longer provide adequate support.
  • Big purchases: A new TV, laptop, or electric bike? Your contents insurance may need updating.
  • Changing jobs or income: If your salary has changed, your income protection insurance might need adjusting.

On the flip side, many people find they're over-insured-paying too much for outdated or duplicate policies they no longer need.

Where to Start

You don't need to tackle all your policies at once. Start with the most relevant ones-typically contents, health, and income protection.

Look at:

  • The sum insured: Does this reflect your current assets or income?
  • The excess: Are you paying too much out of pocket in the event of a claim?
  • The premium: Could this be reduced by adjusting your policy?
  • The scope of cover: Does it include the things you actually care about?

Why It Matters

Being under-insured can leave you exposed when you need support the most. Being over-insured means you're spending money that could be used more effectively elsewhere.

A quick insurance review might only take 30–60 minutes but could save you hundreds in premiums or provide greater peace of mind.

Need Help With Your Insurance?

Our expert advisers will help you find the best adviser for you. Get in touch to be connected with a professional insurance adviser.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I review my insurance policies?

You should review your insurance at least every couple of years, or whenever you have major life changes like home renovations, new children, big purchases, or income changes.

What life changes require an insurance review?

Home improvements, new children or dependants, big purchases like TVs or electric bikes, and changes in job or income all warrant reviewing your insurance coverage.

What should I look for when reviewing my insurance?

Check the sum insured (does it reflect current assets or income?), the excess amount, whether the premium could be reduced, and whether the scope of cover includes what you care about.

Disclaimer

The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always do your own research and seek personalised advice from a qualified financial adviser or mortgage adviser before making financial decisions. All investments carry risk and past performance is not indicative of future results.

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