As the calendar flips to 2025, many of us feel that familiar mix of excitement and determination. The New Year is a time for fresh starts, setting goals, and planning for the months ahead. It’s also the perfect moment to check in on the big-picture priorities that give us peace of mind—like ensuring your home, family, and lifestyle are properly protected.

At CFM Insurance, we know life can be a whirlwind. Between busy careers, raising families, and managing the demands of homeownership, it’s easy for tasks like insurance updates to fall to the bottom of the list. But the start of a new year is a natural opportunity to step back, reassess your needs, and make sure your coverage evolves with your life.

Just like CFM Policyholders Penny and Parker, who rely on their Awesome Agent Angie to guide them through life’s twists and turns, you can start the year with confidence by working with your trusted CFM agent. Whether you’re planning a dream renovation, celebrating a life milestone, or simply looking to save in 2025, our agents and experts are ready to help you protect what matters most. Let’s make this your most secure and successful year yet.

Getting Ahead of Major Changes: Stay Proactive

The insurance world, much like the rest of life, is always evolving. Penny and Parker have learned the value of being proactive, especially when it comes to their policies. They’ve made a New Year’s resolution to schedule an annual policy review with Angie to ensure their coverage limits align with their current needs.

Angie shares this advice:

“A lot can change in a year. Whether it’s new regulations, rising costs, or shifts in your lifestyle, understanding your policy and making updates as necessary can save you money and stress.”

Some key questions Penny and Parker plan to ask at their check-in that you should be asking your agent too:

• Are their coverage limits still sufficient for their home and personal property?
• Are there new risks or changes in the industry they should be aware of that could affect their coverage or premium?

Penny and Parker rely on Angie not only for her expertise but also for her ability to simplify complex insurance jargon. This year, Angie has encouraged them to explore endorsements that might better protect their assets.

She recommends homeowners stay informed about:

• Coverage Upgrades That Address Inflation or Supply Chain Impacts – Rising costs for materials, labor, and repairs mean your current coverage limits might not fully cover the expense of rebuilding or replacement after a loss. Your insurance agent is your best resource for addressing these concerns, as they stay up-to-date on industry trends, understand the evolving landscape, and can help forecast your needs.
• Endorsements like Equipment Breakdown Coverage or Service Line Coverage to protect against unexpected repair costs for major systems or utility lines.
• Potential discounts for safety upgrades, like installing a home security system, internet-connected monitoring device, or other protective measures.

Pro Tip: Bundle for Maximum Benefits

With two cars, a busy household, and several extracurriculars, Parker and Penny take full advantage of CFM’s packaging option. By combining their home and auto insurance, they’ve unlocked significant savings and streamlined their coverage under one provider.

“Bundling your insurance isn’t just about savings,” Angie explains. “It’s also about convenience. One agent, one renewal date, and one less thing to juggle.”

Prepare for the Unexpected

Life is full of surprises—both good and bad—which is why Angie has coached Penny and Parker on understanding deductibles, endorsements, and exclusions.

For example:

• Does their policy cover damage from a burst pipe during a winter storm?
• What about that fancy tech-filled home office Parker set up last year—is it adequately covered for theft or damage?
• Are they prepared to handle the out-of-pocket costs associated with their deductible?

Angie emphasizes the importance of clarity:

“Know what your policy covers—and what it doesn’t. That knowledge can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major financial burden.”

Advice from an Underwriter: Keep Your Agent in the Loop

CFM’s underwriters are the unsung heroes behind every great policy, ensuring coverage is accurately tailored to each policyholder.

“As underwriters, our job is to ensure your policy reflects your unique needs and provides the right protection. But we can only do that when we have the full picture. Keeping your agent informed about updates—like home renovations, new drivers, or life milestones—gives us the information we need to fine-tune your coverage. Think of your agent as your direct line to us—they help bridge the gap between your evolving life and the policy that protects it.”

– Melissa Hartwig, CFM Underwriter

Keeping your agent informed about life updates ensures your policy stays relevant and comprehensive. From renovations to major milestones, these changes allow underwriters to make necessary adjustments, protecting you effectively. As Melissa explained, your agent connects your evolving needs to the coverage designed to safeguard them.

What should you report to your agent? Here are some top triggers:

• Home renovations or additions: Added a backyard deck, installed a pool, or finished your basement? These upgrades can increase your home’s value and may require a coverage update to ensure they’re fully protected.
• Life events: Marriage (or divorce), the arrival of a new baby, or a child heading off to college are milestones that can impact your coverage needs.
• New drivers: If a teenager just got their license or you’ve added a driver to your household, this needs to be reflected in your policy.
• Purchasing big-ticket items: Items like jewelry, art, or expensive machinery and electronics might require additional endorsements to ensure they’re fully covered.
• Changing mortgage companies: If you’ve decided to refinance your home with a new lender—especially as interest rates drop—make sure to let your agent know. Updating your policy with the correct mortgage information ensures your lender is accurately listed as an interested party. This step is essential for protecting your property, as it guarantees seamless communication between your insurer and lender in the event of a claim. Keeping these records up-to-date also prevents delays or complications with your coverage.
• Other changes in ownership or use: Renting out your property, starting a home-based business, or purchasing additional real estate can all affect your coverage.

Keeping your agent in the loop ensures your policy is always aligned with your current situation, giving you confidence and peace of mind for whatever comes next.

Maintain Regular Contact with Your Agent in 2025

As the political and economic landscape continues to evolve, Penny and Parker know Angie will remain their go-to resource for navigating these changes. Maintaining regular communication ensures they’re prepared for shifts in premium costs, new coverage options, and opportunities to save.

Angie encourages all her clients to think of their agent as a partner:

“The New Year is a chance to start fresh. Don’t just think of insurance as a bill—think of it as an investment in your peace of mind.”

Ready to Tackle 2025?

With Awesome Agent Angie and CFM Insurance in their corner, Penny and Parker are kicking off the year with confidence. They’re staying proactive, educated, and engaged to secure their family’s future and navigate life’s uncertainties with ease.

Are you ready to take the same approach? Start by downloading the new version of CFMGo—our app that puts payments, claims, and policy updates right at your fingertips. It’s the easiest way to stay ahead and in control. Schedule a policy review with your agent today and make 2025 the year of security, savings, and smart decisions!