November and December are big months for “yes” moments. Holiday proposals. Special jewelry gifts. Family pieces passed down at gatherings. It’s exciting, and also a good time to make sure the details behind the scenes are up to date.
I learned that lesson early, thanks to a story close to home. My best friend said “YES” on December 24, 1999. It was one of those Christmas Eve moments you never forget- happy tears, family cheering, the whole thing. Then, just a few months later, the ring was missing.
Luckily, it turned up. But the experience left a lasting impression: the ring hadn’t been added to the insurance policy. We had done the memorable part (the proposal), but not the unglamorous part (making sure it was properly covered). That’s surprisingly common, especially when life is busy and you assume you’ll “get to it later.”
Here are three quick check-ins that can help you avoid coverage gaps during the holiday season.
1) If you’re giving (or receiving) jewelry, don’t assume it’s fully protected
Many people assume jewelry is “automatically covered” under a home or renters policy. Sometimes it is, but coverage can be limited.
Before the holiday rush:
- Make a simple list of what you own now (and what you’re about to buy)
- Save receipts and any appraisals you have.
- Take a few photos for your records.
Also, values can change over time. My friend Steve Tobin at Tobin Jewelers here in Mequon can help with quick, updated appraisals so the amount insured on your policy is based on today’s value, not a number from years ago. That appraisal is often the missing piece that helps your agent match coverage to what you actually own. Tobin Jewelers can also help make that 25 year anniversary special as well – Thanks Steve!
2) Beneficiary information: easy to overlook, important to review
Beneficiary designations are one of those “set it and forget it” items, until life changes. Marriage, divorce, a new child, a death in the family, retirement, or even a shift in who you’d want to handle things can all mean it’s time for an update.
A basic review includes:
- Who is listed as primary beneficiary?
- Do you have a contingent (backup) beneficiary?
- Are names current and spelled correctly?
- Does it still reflect your wishes today?
This simple step can reduce confusion and delays for your family later.
3) Meet with your local agency for a quick “coverage check-up”
Most gaps aren’t caused by one big mistake. They happen because life changes quietly over the years: home renovations, new valuables, a teen driver, a work-from-home setup, or simply buying more “stuff” than you had when you first set your policy up. A short review can help confirm your policy still matches your real life.
If you’d like a local option, our team at Yarbrough & Associates is available for a conversation. The goal is to keep what you’ve built protected as life evolves.
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