New Year, New Review: Why January Is the Best Time to Review Your Insurance

The start of a new year is a natural time to pause, reset, and look ahead. Many people use January to review finances, set goals, and plan for the months to come. One important task that often gets overlooked during this time is reviewing insurance coverage.

Insurance is not something most people think about unless a problem arises. But waiting until something goes wrong can lead to confusion, stress, or coverage gaps. January offers a unique opportunity to review policies proactively, ask questions, and make sure coverage still aligns with your home, property, and lifestyle.

At Oakwood Mutual, we encourage policyholders to think of insurance as an ongoing conversation rather than a once-a-year obligation. A January review helps set the foundation for a smoother, more confident year ahead.

Why January Makes Sense for an Insurance Review

January tends to be a quieter month after the rush of the holidays. It is also before spring storm season begins and before summer projects and travel pick up. That timing alone makes it ideal for reviewing coverage without the pressure of an active claim or emergency.

There are a few key reasons January stands out.

First, many life changes happen at the end of the year. Home improvements, new purchases, changes in family size, or shifts in how a property is used can all affect insurance needs. These changes are easy to forget once routines resume.

Second, winter weather has a way of exposing vulnerabilities. Frozen pipes, roof issues, power outages, and heating problems can highlight risks that were not obvious before. Reviewing coverage while those concerns are fresh can help prevent surprises later.

Finally, starting the year with clarity provides peace of mind. Knowing what your policy covers and how it works allows you to focus on living your life instead of worrying about what might happen.

What to Look at During a January Insurance Review

An insurance review does not need to be complicated. In fact, most productive reviews focus on a few core areas.

Your Home and Property

Homes change over time, even when it feels like nothing major has happened. Small updates can add up and affect coverage.

Consider whether you have:

• Completed renovations or upgrades
• Added a deck, fence, or other structure
• Purchased new appliances or systems
• Made changes to heating, plumbing, or electrical components

Oakwood has previously shared guidance on how renovations can impact coverage in our blog on home renovations and insurance. That post explains why updates should always be part of the insurance conversation.

Detached structures deserve special attention as well. Sheds, barns, detached garages, and other outbuildings are often overlooked. Our blog on the hidden risks of outbuildings explains why these structures can create unexpected gaps if they are not properly addressed in a policy.

Your Personal Property

January is also a good time to think about what is inside your home. The holidays often bring new electronics, tools, furniture, or sentimental items. Over time, the value of personal property can grow beyond what was originally insured.

Creating or updating a home inventory is one of the simplest ways to prepare for the unexpected. Oakwood’s Home Inventory Guide walks through how to document belongings and why it makes claims easier and less stressful.

A quick photo or video walkthrough of your home can be enough to make a meaningful difference.

Reviewing Risk Before Storm Season Returns

Indiana weather can be unpredictable, especially as winter transitions into spring. January provides a window to review risks before storm season ramps up.

Oakwood’s Spring Storms blog outlines common weather-related risks such as wind damage, fallen trees, and water intrusion. Reviewing coverage now helps ensure you are prepared long before severe weather becomes a concern.

Roof condition is another area worth reviewing early in the year. Ice, snow, and wind can all stress roofing materials. Our roof damage and insurance claims blog explains how roof age, maintenance, and damage type can influence coverage.

Tree growth and placement should also be part of the conversation. Trees close to homes or power lines can increase risk. 

Why Talking to Your Agent Early Matters

One of the biggest benefits of a January insurance review is the ability to talk through questions calmly, without pressure.

Local Oakwood Mutual agents understand Indiana homes, farms, and rural properties. They can help identify risks you may not notice and explain coverage in plain language.

An early conversation can help you:

• Confirm what is covered and what is not
• Adjust coverage to reflect changes
• Plan for upcoming projects or purchases
• Understand how your policy works before a claim is needed

Our blog on finding an agent and preparing for your meeting offers tips on how to make the most of these conversations.

A Fresh Start for the Year Ahead

January sets the tone for the year. Taking time to review insurance coverage now helps prevent stress later and supports better decision making throughout the year.

A review does not mean something is wrong. It simply means you are making sure protection keeps pace with life. Homes evolve. Families change. Risks shift. Insurance should evolve too.

At Oakwood Mutual, we believe informed policyholders are better protected policyholders. Starting the year with a review helps ensure that when the unexpected happens, there are fewer questions and more confidence.

If it has been a while since you reviewed your coverage, now is the perfect time to start that conversation.