When to Upgrade Your Auto Insurance

Whether you’re buying the Pro version of the latest iPhone or splurging for the penthouse suite at your favorite hotel, everyone loves an upgrade.

The term “upgrading” is not often associated with insurance products. Instead, the industry uses words such as “riders” and “endorsements” to describe enhancements made to an insurance policy.

Regardless of the terminology, did you know you can (and regularly should) upgrade your automobile insurance?

There are several instances when upgrading your auto insurance might be a good idea:

When you purchase a new car: If you buy a new car, you may need to upgrade your insurance coverage to reflect the increased value of the vehicle.

When you marry: Marriage often means sharing your possessions with your partner, including vehicles. Upgrading your insurance to include each other as drivers extends the full benefits of your insurance policy to spouses.

When you have children: Although it will be years before your child will be legally allowed to drive, consider upgrading your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to provide added protection when your child is walking, running, or riding their bike anywhere vehicles are present.

When you move to a new state: Auto insurance requirements vary by state. So, if you move to a new state, you will need to update your insurance coverage to meet that state’s minimum requirements, which may require upgrading coverage limits.

When you want additional coverage: If you want additional benefits, such as roadside assistance or rental car coverage, upgrading your insurance policy is often the best alternative to purchasing separate coverage.

Life moves pretty fast, and upgrading insurance policies often falls last on our daily to-do list. This is why it is always a good idea to review your auto insurance coverage at least once a year to ensure it still meets your needs.