Breathe a sigh of relief. You just popped the question and now the whirlwind has REALLY begun. Wedding planning is likely more than you bargained for, but your insurance doesn’t have to be. With nuptials come new insurance needs but also potential to save. Here are some need-to-knows as you get a head start on life together!
Ring Insurance
Your most prized possession now lives on your left hand. If it’s not already insured, then lets make this priority #1. You have a couple of options when it comes to insuring your engagement and wedding rings.
If you do not know the value of your ring, and have not yet had it appraised, then that will be your first step! Without an appraisal you cannot secure an insurance policy.
If you already have renters or homeowner’s insurance, then you can contact your insurance agent and add coverage for your rings through an extension (or rider).
Otherwise, you can contact an independent provider like us! Ask about independent coverage options and potentially get consultation on whether or not pursuing renter’s insurance may be a financially more feasible choice for you.
Whenever you are choosing your policy, there are a few questions you want to make sure you ask.
- Can you choose who repairs your ring?
- If you’re insured for replacement (instead of a cash payout), where can you purchase a new ring?
- How will you need to prove the ring vanished if you make a claim?
- Are there any circumstances that aren’t covered?
- Will you continue to be insured when out of the country?
- Are you covered for damage or just loss/theft?
- Will the policy adjust according to inflation?
Health Insurance
Up to this point, your health insurance has been separate. During engagement, you should begin to look into your options for health insurance once you are married.
Insurance companies do have a window for enrollment each year, however certain life events constitute an exception to the rule for changes to your policy. These “Qualifying Life Events” include marriage, so now is the time to start gathering more information!
Do one or both of your employers provide health insurance plans? Ask your HR manager to walk you through what options are available for adding a spouse to your plan. If your employer provides your insurance, there is often an opportunity to add a spouse or family plan for an additional fee. Take the time to ask both of your employers for your options and then sit down together to evaluate which policy and pricing makes the most sense for you.
If you have independent insurance policies, contact an experienced insurance consultant to help you evaluate all of your options. Working with an independent insurance provider allows you to gather information from a variety of insurance providers based on your specific needs.
Henry Insurance Service is locally owned, and we do not work for an insurance company. We work for you. We represent hundreds of different insurance companies. We can compare coverage and prices offered by these companies to find the best possible value. We do business face to face and are here for you, as your advocate.
Home & Rental Insurance
Marriage often comes with a move. Into your place, theirs, or a new home together. There are a variety of reasons to re-evaluate your home and renters’ insurance once you’re married.
First of all, a move or addition of tenants always constitutes notifying your insurance agent. Your current insurance policy only applies to the residence that you registered your policy under. Additionally, your rate varies by your property depending on location, crime rates, cost of living etc.
It is also likely that you will need to reevaluate your current coverage based on increased value of belongings. Chances are you’ll get wedding gifts, furniture, and other new additions to your home that add to your coverage needs. You’ll want to update your inventory of your home with your agent to ensure you’re protected.
If you’re engaged or newly married and need help navigating these new insurance considerations, we’d love to help! It is our joy to help you protect what matters, especially in new and joyful seasons. One of our expert agents would love to help you learn about your options and get the best value to meet your needs. Reach out to talk to an agent this week!
