Helpful resources
A better conversation
starts well prepared.
Use this checklist to organize your thoughts before an insurance consultation or a discussion with your insurer.
Your consultation preparation checklist.
You do not need every answer before asking for help. A clear description of the issue, relevant dates and a few focused questions can make the starting point more useful.
Write down your main question. What would you like to understand or decide? Keep the starting point to a few sentences.
Identify the insurance topic. Note whether the question concerns a personal policy, a business policy, an upcoming renewal or a change in circumstances.
List what has changed. A new property, vehicle, location, activity or responsibility may be relevant to the discussion.
Record relevant dates. Use the dates on the actual policy, renewal notice or correspondence. Flag any deadline immediately.
Keep the right documents available. Identify the policy, declarations, endorsements and notices that may be relevant, without sending them in the first inquiry.
Mark wording you do not understand. Note the section or page and prepare a specific question about it.
Confirm the scope and cost. Understand which service is being offered, what it can address and any fees before agreeing to proceed.
Confirm the next action. Ask who is responsible, which channel to use and what confirmation is needed.
Questions worth bringing.
Which documents are needed to understand this issue? Does this term apply to my particular situation? What needs to be confirmed directly with the insurer? Has any information changed since the current policy began? Is there a date by which I need to act?
Keep answers and any follow-up instructions with your own records. Do not treat an informal conversation as confirmation that a transaction has been completed.
Official information and next steps.
For official New York insurance consumer and licensing information, visit the New York State Department of Financial Services. External websites are operated by their respective owners.
For questions about an actual policy, claim or transaction, use the contact details on the policy or the insurer’s official website.
This checklist is general preparation information, not a recommendation to buy, change or cancel coverage. Read the actual contract and seek the appropriate licensed or professional advice for your circumstances.