Car Insurance: What to Review Before Year-End
As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to sit down and do an end-of-year insurance review. Whether you’ve upgraded your car, experienced major life changes, or simply want to make sure you’re getting the best value, a quick annual check can protect you from major financial surprises down the road.
Below, we break down the most important things to evaluate—especially when it comes to your car insurance coverage.
Why End-of-Year Insurance Reviews Matter
Many drivers set up their auto insurance policies and never revisit them. But things change throughout the year: your driving habits, your vehicle’s value, your commute, your household, and your financial situation.
A year-end insurance review ensures you’re not:
Here’s what to look at before the new year begins.
1. After-Market Features & Upgrades You Should Report
Not all vehicle upgrades impact your premiums the same way. Some safety-enhancing features might actually help lower your insurance costs.
Report these upgrades to your insurer:
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Dashcams
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Anti-theft systems or advanced car alarms
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Parking sensors or upgraded safety tech
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Blind-spot mirrors or visibility-enhancing additions
These types of upgrades reduce risk, and some insurers offer discounts for them.
What not to expect discounts for:
Performance upgrades (lift kits, turbochargers, custom rims) usually increase your risk profile and can raise premiums. That’s why an annual policy review is essential—your insurer needs accurate information to price your risk correctly.
2. When to Adjust Your Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is one of the most important parts of your auto insurance policy. It protects your assets if you cause an accident.
You should consider increasing your liability limits if:
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Your income or assets increased this year
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You bought a home or built significant equity
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You got married or combined finances
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You added a teen driver to the household
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You’re still carrying only state minimum coverage
For most drivers, state minimums are dangerously low. Increasing liability coverage is typically very affordable and dramatically increases your financial protection.
3. When to Update Collision or Comprehensive Coverage
As your vehicle ages, its insurance needs change. Collision and comprehensive coverage are most valuable on cars that still hold significant value.
Consider reducing or dropping collision/comprehensive if:
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Your car is older and has depreciated significantly
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Your deductible is close to the car’s value
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You’re comfortable replacing or repairing the vehicle out of pocket
Consider adding or increasing coverage if:
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You purchased a new or newer vehicle
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You refinanced your car or still have a loan
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You moved to an area with higher crime, theft, vandalism, or weather-related risks
A yearly review helps ensure you're not overpaying—or under-protected.
4. Additional End-of-Year Car Insurance Tips
Check Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This is one of the most important parts of your policy. In cities like Los Angeles or other major metro areas, a shocking percentage of drivers are uninsured or underinsured. This coverage protects you when the at-fault driver can’t.
Update Your Mileage & Commute
If you changed jobs, started working remotely, or drive much less than before, you could qualify for lower premiums.
Verify All Drivers in the Household
Anyone with regular access to your vehicle should be listed. Incorrect driver lists can lead to denied claims.
Ask About Discounts
You may qualify for:
Review Your Deductibles
Make sure they match your current financial comfort level. If money is tight, lowering deductibles may offer peace of mind. If you want to save on premiums, raising deductibles could help.
A Year-End Review Can Save You Thousands
An end-of-year insurance coverage review is one of the easiest ways to protect your finances and make sure your policy reflects your current life. From liability limits to after-market upgrades, a few small changes can make a huge difference if an accident happens.
If you’d like personalized guidance or have questions about your coverage, Goldberg Injury Lawyers is here to help drivers make smart, informed decisions year-round.