8 types of insurance to keep you protected

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes it takes us on sudden turns we weren’t expecting. The thing about unexpected situations is that they’re… well, unexpected.

While you can’t always plan for life’s curveballs, you can protect yourself in case they happen. And when they do, you can rest assured that OCCU will be at your side.

We show up in the moments that matter. Our Insurance Services team is here to listen to your needs, offer solutions and help protect you with coverage that fits both your life and your budget. We support the financial and overall wellness of your family and loved ones with a broad range of insurance options to match nearly any situation. Even if you’re already covered, we can extend your protection with an umbrella policy.

Carolyn Kucera, our senior Insurance Services representative, has been an OCCU member for more than a decade because she values the member service she receives whenever she needs help.

“Being a part of the OCCU Insurance Services team allows me to provide that same level of service to members and co-workers when it comes to their insurance needs,” she says. “With a combined 87 years in the industry, our team will work hard to find you the best coverage at the best premium. We want to connect and help you protect what is important to you for years to come.”

Because we care so much about our members, we want to know: Do you have all the coverage you need? Here’s a checklist of the eight most common types of insurance available to help protect what matters most to you:

1. Health insurance

Your financial wellness depends on your physical wellness. Without one, it’s hard to achieve the other. Health insurance supports both your financial and physical health by helping you cover costs like expensive tests, procedures, prescriptions, surgeries and other medical services you may need.

Health insurance is absolutely the most important type of insurance to have and securing coverage for you and your family should be a top priority. If you don’t have coverage through your employer, you can sign up for your own plan online at HealthCare.gov. And we’re always here to answer questions whenever you need help.

2. Auto insurance

You’ve got places to go in life. If you plan on driving there, you’ll need auto insurance. Since you can’t drive a car without it, auto insurance is something you’ll be paying for most of your life — and those premiums add up over time, which is why it’s important to get the best deal possible.

The first thing you need to do is decide how much coverage you need. Minimum liability coverage meets your legal obligation as a driver and covers any bodily injury or property damage caused to others in an accident, while full coverage provides more comprehensive coverage for you and your vehicle, including damage to your car from the weather, an at-fault accident or vandalism. If you took out an auto loan to buy your vehicle, your lender may require you to have full coverage during the life of your loan.

Not sure how much coverage to get? Our Insurance Services team can help you choose the right auto insurance policy for you.

3. Homeowners insurance

Your home is your place of safety, so it’s important to keep it secure and protected. A typical homeowners insurance policy covers repair or replacement costs for your home and its contents in case of theft or property damage caused by fire, smoke, vandalism, a weather event such as a storm or an external event such as a tree falling on your roof. It will also typically cover the cost of alternate lodgings if your home needs to be rebuilt, as well as medical expenses and legal fees if someone not living in your home is injured on your property.

Most policies don’t cover everything, however. For example, flood or earthquake damage isn’t usually covered, although you can buy optional flood or earthquake policies if you live in an area that’s prone to them. And most homeowners policies cap the amount your insurance provider will pay, so you may need additional coverage for valuables such as expensive jewelry, artwork or collectibles.

If you’re not sure how much coverage to get, our Insurance Service team can help you calculate the cost of replacing your home and determine whether you need extended coverage.

4. Renters insurance

Most landlords and apartment management teams require renters insurance before you move into a rental property. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea to protect yourself in case of robbery or property damage. You can sometimes save on your premiums by bundling renters insurance with your auto insurance. Consult our team for help finding the best deal.

5. Life insurance

End-of-life expenses can be costly, and you don’t want your loved ones to have to worry about their finances while they’re grieving. Life insurance protects your family by providing financial support when you’re gone. Financial experts recommend choosing a life insurance policy worth 10 to 12 times your annual income to provide your family with a comfortable financial cushion while they recover from their loss.

6. Travel insurance

Going on a trip? Travel can be unpredictable, and you never know if a medical emergency might crop up while you’re overseas. Plus, since many travel expenses such as flights or hotel deposits are nonrefundable, a last-minute cancellation could cost you all the money you’ve sunk into your trip.

Travel insurance offers a way to buffer yourself against the uncertainties of travel. If you’re going on a long or expensive trip, or you’re traveling far from home, you might want to consider purchasing some.

7. Motorcycle, boat and RV insurance

Just like you need auto insurance for your car, you also need insurance for your motorcycle, boat or RV. It protects you and others in case of accident or injury whether you’re hitting the open road or riding the waves.

8. Pet insurance

Your pets are family too — and veterinary care can be expensive. If something happens to your pet, it’s a relief to know you’ll be able to do everything you can for them. We’ll help you find insurance to cover expensive procedures, tests and medications for your dogs, cats and other critters.

Our Insurance Services team is here to support you and find the coverage you need to feel secure. Visit here to learn more and contact our team today.