When your identity is stolen, often times the only worry by the victim is for their money and personal information. However, if you thought it is bad for someone to pretend to be you and use your personal information, accessing your bank account or credit cards, then imagine what could happen if they were able to set up insurance policies, take out loans, and buy a home, all in your name…
In order to better protect yourself against identity theft and such schemes, it is important to start with your insurance policy. While some homeowner’s policies already include identity theft coverage, most often this coverage is a stand-alone policy or endorsement. But, for an additional $25 to $50 per year, you can get coverage to reimburse you for the cost of restoring your identity and repairing your credit reports if you have become a victim of identity theft.
While the proper insurance policy can help if your identity is stolen, it is critical that you protect it by taking the following steps:
- Avoid throwing away ATM receipts in public containers, as well as leaving them where they could be found or taken. Shred them at home and dispose of properly.
- Exercise caution when shopping online and only shopping with trusted sites.
- Install anti-spyware and antivirus programs on your electronic devices. Be sure to update these in order to ensure they are working properly.
- Regularly and consistently monitor your bank account and credit card statements.
- Perform annual credit checks.
- Use strong passwords for all of your accounts. Avoid duplicating these passwords for all of your accounts as well.
- Shred all documents that contain personal financial information, passwords, account numbers, etc…
- Minimize the personal information you carry with you in your wallet or purse in case it is stolen.
If you need help ensuring your insurance policy is protected from identity theft, contact Brazelton Insurance Group today.