Getting Organized with Hastings Mutual

Jan 6, 2021, 1:10 PM

It’s that time of year again — time to make your new year’s resolutions. There are the ones you make every year, like “lose weight” or “read more books.” 2021 might be the ideal time for something like “meet new people” (maybe later this year, when people start gathering in big groups again) or “get organized.”

We can help you with that last resolution, if you figure out what insurance information you need and where you can store it. When you purchase an insurance policy, and when it renews for another year, you receive declarations pages, which describe the coverage you have. You’re often mailed a paper version, and you can download declarations pages from our website or ask your local independent insurance agent for a copy.

Maybe you’re comfortable with using your computer, and all you need is a username and password for Hastings Mutual. I like having both electronic and paper copies of important personal records like that (you’ll lose access to the online version if the internet is down, and the print version could be damaged in a fire). Either way, you’ll need to protect your information. 

Online

Use a secure password and keep it in a safe place. Make sure your family knows how to find your password in case they need the information when you’re not around. If you have to step away from your computer, lock it so no one else can take peek while you’re gone. 

In Print

The best way to keep declarations pages and other important documents safe is… a safe. A fireproof box with a lock is not too expensive and will last for decades. Just like your online password, make sure the key or passcode to your lock is in a secure place, and let others you trust know where it is. You might even want to put the safe in the possession of someone else, so it isn’t at your home.

Don’t forget to update your documents as your situation changes — if someone new joins your family or when you purchase a new vehicle, for example. Those are great times to review your information and make sure everything from the address to the final cost of your insurance premium is accurate.

If you need to take a look at your insurance coverage here in the new year, contact your local independent insurance agent. If this is the year you made a resolution to get the coverage you need for yourself, your family, your business, or your farm, contact Hastings Mutual to get started.

The Mutual Understanding blog and Hastings Mutual videos are made available for educational purposes only. The information referred to is not an official company statement, corporate policy, or offer of coverage. Refer to your insurance policy for specific coverage. There is no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any information found by following any link on this site. Please contact your local independent insurance agent with further questions and for more details on any insurance policy-related information you read here.

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