Hopping online from the convenience of our laptops, tablets and phones has made life immeasurably more straightforward when we need to get things done no matter where we are. Heck, if you're that inclined, you could even buy your insurance online while you're lounging by the pool-side at a luxurious getaway retreat.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. Indeed, when it comes to buying insurance — whether for yourself, your possessions or your business — a quick purchase could backfire spectacularly in the event of a claim if you find you're not really covered for what you thought you were.
"If we're being honest, most of us would admit that we don't fully understand the risks we face at home and in business."
Buying insurance should be a three-step process at least. And here's how we recommend going about it:
- UNDERSTAND YOUR RISKS
Whether at home or in business, to properly be insured you need to be aware of the unique risks you face. It's easy to buy one-size-fits-all policies, but will they really offer the protection you need in the event of a claim? Don't count on it.
- WHAT INSURANCE WILL BEST PROTECT ME FROM THESE RISKS?
Once you know your risks, you need to make sure any insurance you purchase to offset them actually covers you against them. Quick example: if your home is near the bush, don't buy policies that won't respond if a nearby tree is blown onto your house in a storm.
- CONSIDER THE PRICE
Only when you're confident that the insurance you're looking for will really cover your needs should you jump in and buy. That's when price becomes a factor, but only a factor. If you make your insurance purchases based solely on price and not about risk, you run the risk of not being properly covered. Like most things in life, things are cheap for a reason. Insurance can be the same.