Your Post-Wedding Insurance Checklist

If you have wedding bells ringing this spring, you’re not alone — according to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 2 million Americans tie the knot every year. Your big day will be one of the most exciting moments of your life, and it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of white dresses and wedding cake. But in order to make sure your new life together starts off right, there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to your insurance.

If you or a loved one is saying “I do” this year, follow this guide to successfully combining households — because there’s nothing like signing a bunch of official documents to make a marriage feel real!

1. Cover Your Ring

“A lot of people assume that jewelry is covered under their property insurance policy,” says Christy Henderson, a Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Denton. “It is — but only up to an extent. Many times, the most it covers is up to $500.”

If that number doesn’t quite cover the symbol of your new union, consider meeting with your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent to discuss your new property.

2. Take Inventory

In fact, it could be time to take a look at some of your other belongings: Antiques, artwork, and utility or farm vehicles all might necessitate separate insurance policies too. Now that what’s yours is also theirs, it’s a good idea to take stock of what the two of you have together and make sure you have the right coverage for all of it — and that you’re not doubling up on any policies you could be combining.

3. Change Your Addresses

If your new state means a new address, ensure that your policy reflects that. The wrong address could cause an insurance company to deny your claim.

4. Change Your Name

If you or your spouse is taking the other’s name, make sure you update that too.

5. Join Your Auto Policies

One of the first things you’ll want to do after saying “I do” is to make sure you and your spouse have been added to each other’s auto policies. This process is typically quick — and it can save a lot of hassle in the long run.

“Some people don’t do this because they’re afraid it will make their premiums go up,” Henderson says. “But that’s not always the case — often you’re actually considered less of a risk if you’re married.”

You may also be able to carry only one policy together and list multiple vehicles under it. Your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent can help you get the best coverage most efficiently.

6. Combine Property Insurance Policies

If you own a home, consider adding your new husband or wife to your policy (if you’re renting, this applies to your renters insurance policy too). This ensures that your policy coverage extends to your spouse’s personal items.

7. Update Your Beneficiaries

When it comes to your life insurance, health insurance, 401(k)s, and annuities, it’s important to make sure your beneficiary information is up to date.

“I see couples all the time who have been married four or five years, and nobody has done a beneficiary review,” Henderson says. “They may have a kid, and the beneficiary of the husband’s policy could be his mom, sister, or even his ex.”

8. Consider Life Insurance

If you don’t have a life insurance policy yet, consider getting one for the sake of your spouse and your dependents. Now that you’re building a family, it’s more important than ever to make sure that family is protected into the future.

9. Review All Your Coverage

One of the best things you can do after this important life event is to sit down with your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent for a comprehensive 360 Review of all your policies and coverage. With their help, you can avoid insurance pitfalls and ensure that you’re getting the most efficient, effective, and necessary coverage for your new family.

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.