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Insurance Check-up New Year Resolution
Insurance isn’t a “buy it and forget it” product. As your life changes, your insurance needs may change too.
An annual insurance check-up gives you a chance to review your current policies, make sure you have the coverage you need, look for gaps, and see whether there may be opportunities to save.
Make it an annual habit. Pick a time each year to review your insurance. The beginning of a new year is an easy reminder to check in and make sure your coverage still works for you.
Has Anything Changed This Year?
You don’t have to wait for your annual review if something important changes in your life. A major life event is a good reason to take another look at your coverage.
Marriage or Divorce
A New Child
A New Home
A New Vehicle
Job or Income Changes
Home Improvements
New Debt or Obligations
Lifestyle Changes
Review Your Home, Auto and Property Coverage
Your property and insurance needs can change from year to year. An annual review can help you make sure you’re not paying for coverage you no longer need — or missing protection you do need.
Take a few minutes to ask:
- Have I bought or sold a vehicle?
- Have I renovated, remodeled or added onto my home?
- Have I purchased valuable items that may need additional coverage?
- Have my driving habits changed?
- Do my current deductibles still make sense for my budget?
- Could I qualify for new discounts or save by combining policies?
It can pay to compare. Reviewing your coverage and rates can help you determine whether you’re still getting the protection and value you need.
Don’t Forget
Review Your Life Insurance, Too
When you first purchased life insurance, you probably considered your family’s needs, income, financial obligations and future goals. Those things can change over time.
During your annual review, consider:
- Has your family grown or changed?
- Does your current coverage amount still meet your family’s needs?
- Have your income, debt or financial obligations changed?
- Are your beneficiaries still correct?
- Has your address or other important information changed?
- Have you made significant health or lifestyle changes?
- When does your term policy expire?
Your insurance professional can help you review your current policy and determine whether changes may be appropriate.
Four Questions to Ask During Your Insurance Check-Up
1. What coverage do I have?
Make sure you understand what each policy covers — and what it doesn’t.
2. How much coverage do I need?
Consider whether changes in your home, family, income or responsibilities have changed your needs.
3. Can I lower my premiums?
Ask whether different coverage options or available discounts could help lower your costs.
4. Are my deductibles and discounts still right?
Review your deductibles and make sure you’re receiving any discounts you may qualify for.
More Than Home and Auto
AGCU Insurance offers more than 20 types of insurance. Depending on what changed in your life this year, you may need coverage you didn’t need before.
- Auto, Motorcycle and Scooter
- Boat, ATV and Recreational Vehicle
- Life Insurance
- Home, Condo and Vacation Home
- Wedding Insurance
- Landlord Policies
- Renters Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Valuable Items Coverage
- Flood, Sinkhole and Disaster-Related Coverage
Check for Ways to Save
An insurance review isn’t only about coverage. It’s also a chance to make sure you’re getting a competitive price.
Depending on the policy and carrier, discounts may be available for things like multiple vehicles, multiple drivers, newer vehicles, paperless billing, combining policies, good students and more.
AGCU Insurance offers free coverage check-ups, so you can review both your protection and your potential savings.
AGCU Insurance
Start 2027 With a Free Insurance Check-Up
Take a little time now to make sure your coverage still fits your life. An AGCU Insurance professional can help you review your policies, answer your questions and explore your options.
866-508-2428 or 417-447-9356
insurance@agcu.org
AGCU Insurance directly serves members in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. If you live outside these states, contact AGCU Insurance for information about available options.
A Resolution Worth Keeping
Life rarely stays exactly the same from one year to the next. A quick insurance review can help make sure your protection keeps up.
Banking with a Purpose.
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Your Ultimate Pre-Vacation Checklist: Financial and Practical Tips
Your bags are packed, your itinerary is set, and you’re counting down the minutes until you take off for your dream summer getaway. Before you head out to the airport, though, read through this checklist of important things to remember, especially when it comes to your finances.
1. Notify Your Credit Union About Your Vacation Plans
Give us a call at 866-508-2428 before you set off on your vacay. Let us know your vacation destination so we can honor any card transactions you make while in another state. If you’re traveling overseas, ask us about foreign transaction fees and best practices for using cash and cards. We’ll help you make the best decisions for managing your money while you’re away.
2. Check Your Auto Insurance Plan
If you plan on renting a car, check with your auto insurance provider to find out if rental cars are covered in your policy. This can save you from purchasing unnecessary additional coverage. Contact AGCU Insurance to learn more about your insurance options
3. Pay Your Bills
Before heading out, make sure all of your monthly bills are paid up. You don’t want to be busy paying bills during your vacay or risk getting late fees. Log in to your AGCU account, or open one here to set up automatic payments for peace of mind.
4. Automate Your Email
Set up an automatic email response that lets people know you’re out of the office. This avoids appearing unprofessional or unresponsive and keeps your contacts informed.
5. Hold Your Mail
If you’ll be gone for a while, ask the USPS to hold your mail at the post office until your return. You can do this online and prevent your mailbox from overflowing.
6. Unplug Electronics
Pull the plug on all small appliances and electronics before you leave to prevent vampire energy leakage and potential fire hazards.
7. Clean Your Home
Before your departure, give your house a thorough cleaning. Dispose of any perishable food items from your refrigerator to avoid coming home to unpleasant odors. Consider eating or donating food that will expire while you’re away. You’ll be greeted by a spotless, clean-smelling house upon your return, and you’ll help avoid an invasion by ants or other critters.
8. Inform Your Mobile Service Provider
If you’re traveling abroad, check with your cellphone company about possible overseas service plans that allow you to use your smartphone for calls, texts, and internet access when on vacation.
9. Turn Off Your Water Supply
Avoid coming home to a flood by turning off your water supply before leaving. This simple step can prevent major water damage. This tip is especially helpful if you’re house is in a climate where pipes can freeze
10. Adjust Thermostats
If you have the AC blasting throughout the summer, remember to adjust your thermostat before leaving. Turning it off completely is unwise, as you’ll want some air to circulate to keep humidity under control and avoid mold growth. Also, set your hot water heater to vacation mode/setting.
11. Use a Timer for Lights
Keep the prowlers out by setting your lights to go on and off in different rooms and at different times of the day throughout your vacation.
12. Confirm Your Reservations
It’s a good idea to confirm your flight, hotel room, car rental, and attractions before setting out on your trip. This ensures you have everything in order and can avoid any last-minute surprises.
13. Exchange Currencies in Advance
If you’re traveling internationally, exchange some currency before you leave. This saves you from the hassle of finding a currency exchange service upon arrival and often provides better exchange rates.
14. Secure Your Home
Make sure all doors and windows are locked securely before you leave. Consider installing a home security system or using a security service to monitor your home while you’re away.
15. Inform a Neighbor or Friend
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home. They can collect any packages, check your property, and ensure everything looks normal. Provide them with your contact information in case of emergencies.
16. Manage Your Subscriptions
If you receive any newspaper or magazine deliveries, pause these subscriptions to avoid them piling up and signaling to others that you’re not home.
17. Prepare for Emergencies
Leave a copy of your itinerary and important contact numbers with a trusted person. Make sure they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.
18. Double-Check Travel Documents
Ensure all your travel documents, such as passports, visas, and driver’s licenses, are up to date and easily accessible. Make copies of these documents and keep them in a separate location from the originals.
19. Check Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. This can help you avoid unexpected weather-related issues and ensure you have the right clothing and accessories.
20. Pack a First Aid Kit
Include a basic first aid kit in your luggage. This should contain bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you may need.
21. Back Up Important Data
If you’re taking electronic devices like laptops or tablets, back up important data before you leave. This ensures you don’t lose any vital information in case your device is lost or damaged.
23. Set Up Mobile Banking Alerts
Enable mobile banking alerts to monitor your accounts for any unusual activity. This allows you to quickly respond to any potential fraud or issues while you’re away.
24. Pack Smart
Make a list of all essential items you need to bring and check them off as you pack. Remember to include chargers for your devices, travel-sized toiletries, and any other necessities.
25. Review Health and Safety Guidelines
Check the health and safety guidelines for your travel destination, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Be aware of any vaccinations, health advisories, or safety concerns.
26. Plan for Pets
If you have pets, arrange for their care while you’re away. This could mean hiring a pet sitter, boarding them at a kennel, or asking a friend or family member to look after them.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. Safe travels!
Banking With A Purpose
Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU.
Learn More About Banking with a Purpose
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