Why January Is the Perfect Time to Review Your Policies with Your Insurance Agency
Ray Cogan
Your Insurance Agent Can Help You Plan for 2025.
The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to reset and refocus on our personal and professional priorities. It’s a time for resolutions, planning, and improvements. The new year is also the perfect opportunity for many to review an often-overlooked part of their financial well-being: insurance policies.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, a business owner, or simply looking to protect your family’s future, reviewing your insurance coverage with your trusted insurance agency should be at the top of your January to-do list. January is an ideal time to take action and see how your insurance agent can help you plan for 2025.
1. The New Year Brings Changes in Your Life
Life changes and so do your insurance needs. Whether you’ve moved, started a new business, welcomed a new family member, or made significant changes to your home in the past year, your insurance policies might need an update to reflect your current situation.
For example:
- If you recently renovated your home or added a new room, your homeowners' insurance policy may need adjustments to ensure adequate coverage for the increased value.
- If you purchased new equipment for your business or expanded operations, your commercial policy may need to reflect these changes.
- For growing families, it’s worth considering whether your current life insurance policy offers enough coverage to protect your loved ones.
- By reviewing your policies now, you can ensure your coverage is up to date and that you’re not caught off guard in the event of a claim.
2. Avoid Surprises During the Year
The beginning of the year is an excellent time to eliminate uncertainty. Insurance is meant to provide peace of mind, but outdated policies can leave gaps in coverage. Imagine discovering that your car insurance doesn’t cover an accident because your vehicle’s use has changed, or that your business policy doesn’t fully protect against an increasingly common risk like cybercrime. These surprises can be avoided with an annual policy review.
Working with your insurance agency, you can clarify the fine print, understand your deductibles, and verify your coverage limits to ensure you’re fully protected.
3. Rates and Discounts May Have Changed
Another reason to revisit your insurance policies in January is to explore potential cost savings. Insurance rates change regularly, and you may qualify for discounts or new programs that weren’t available when you first purchased your policy. ***
For example, if your home has had a new security system installed or your driving record has improved, you might qualify for lower premiums. Bundling policies, such as combining auto and home insurance with the same provider, can also lead to significant savings.
Your insurance agent can help identify these opportunities and ensure you’re not overpaying for coverage.
4. Prepare for the Year Ahead
The new year is also a time to think about potential risks in the year ahead and how you can proactively mitigate them. Your insurance agency is an invaluable resource when it comes to planning for the unexpected.
- For instance: If your area is prone to winter storms, make sure your home insurance policy covers potential damage from snow and ice.
- If your business is expanding, consider whether you need additional liability or property insurance.
- For those nearing retirement, it’s an excellent time to assess health and life insurance needs to ensure a smooth transition.
January provides the perfect opportunity to think strategically about your coverage and to work with your agent to make adjustments based on your goals for 2025.
5. Tax Season is Around the Corner
Finally, reviewing your insurance policies in January can set you up for success as tax season approaches. Certain types of insurance, such as business liability or health insurance for self-employed individuals, may be tax-deductible.
By working with your insurance agent early in the year, you can ensure you have all the necessary documentation and a clear understanding of how your policies impact your taxes.
Additionally, reviewing your policies now ensures there are no gaps that could lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses later in the year, helping you stick to your financial plan.
How to Get Started
- Reviewing your insurance policies may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Your insurance agent is there to guide you through the process and make it as simple as possible.
- Schedule a Policy Review Appointment: Reach out to your insurance agency and schedule a time to go over your policies.
- Prepare Your Questions: Think about any changes in your life or areas of concern, such as new assets or potential risks, and discuss these with your agent.
- Ask About Discounts and Updates: Don’t hesitate to ask about ways to save or improve your coverage based on new offerings.
- Keep Records Up to Date: Make sure your agent has the latest information about your home, vehicles, business, or other insurable assets.
When it comes to protecting what matters most, working with a local insurance agency can make all the difference. Local agents understand the unique needs of their community and can provide personalized service that online providers often can’t match.
If you’re in Maryland, you can find helpful resources and guidance from local insurance agencies to get started. For example, the Maryland Insurance Administration provides a wealth of information to help residents make informed decisions about their coverage. Learn more here.
Make 2025 Your Best-Protected Year Yet
Now is the time to make sure that you have the right insurance coverage for the year ahead. Reviewing your policies now can save you time, money, and stress down the road. At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of insurance and find the best solutions for your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to update your existing policies or explore new coverage options, our experienced consultants are ready to assist you.
Contact us today to schedule a policy review and take the first step toward a more secure future. Visit us at www.lindquistinsurance.com
to learn more about our services and how we can help you protect what matters most in 2025 and beyond.
We serve Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C.
*** For more information about insurance rates, visit the State of Maryland website.
Whether you're grilling in the backyard in Annapolis or planning a mountain getaway from Frederick, our team is just a phone call or email away. Let’s have that conversation now, so your summer, and every season after, is secure.
Contact us today for an appointment with our experienced insurance specialists.
Serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD
At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup.
We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.
Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .
At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.
Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote.
We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.
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