When the calendar flips to a new year, most people think about resolutions, finances, or health goals—but one critical area often gets overlooked: insurance coverage.
While many homeowners and drivers review their policies, several types of insurance are frequently overlooked, leaving people vulnerable to unexpected risks. Reviewing these at the start of the year can save money, reduce stress, and prevent potential financial disasters.
Here are five insurance areas that often slip under the radar—and why a quick check matters.
1. Identity Theft Insurance
Identity theft can happen to anyone, and it’s not always covered under standard homeowners’ insurance or renters’ policies.
- Protects against the costs of stolen identity resolution
- Covers legal fees, lost wages, or fraudulent charges
- Worth considering if you’ve recently moved, opened new accounts, or had a data breach
Even though it’s low-cost, many people forget to review or add this coverage until it’s too late.
2. Pet Insurance
Pets are family, but vet bills can be surprisingly expensive.
- Review your pet insurance coverage each year to ensure it keeps up with inflation and new treatments
- Check if routine care, vaccinations, and chronic conditions are included
- Adjust coverage if you’ve added a new pet or adopted a senior animal
Pet insurance is often purchased once and forgotten, even though premiums and coverage options change annually.
3. Travel or Trip Cancellation Insurance
Even frequent travelers forget to check their coverage year-to-year.
- Make sure policies align with your planned trips for the year
- Check for exclusions, medical coverage limits, and cancellation rules
- Consider coverage for weather-related delays or global health events
Reviewing travel insurance ensures you won’t lose money due to last-minute cancellations or unexpected emergencies.
4. Electronics and Gadget Insurance
From smartphones to gaming consoles, replacing electronics can be costly.
- Check warranties and insurance on devices purchased last year
- Review accidental damage and theft coverage
- Update coverage if you added expensive devices or upgraded hardware
Many people rely solely on store warranties or credit card protections, which may not fully cover repairs or replacements.
5. Identity-Based or Specialty Business Insurance
Small business owners often forget specialty coverage until something goes wrong.
- Examples: cyber liability, equipment breakdown, or professional errors and omissions
- Review coverage for any new services, technology, or client types
- Ensures protection from lawsuits, data breaches, and operational interruptions
Even businesses that already have general liability insurance may overlook these critical additions.
Why These Policies Are Easily Overlooked
Most people focus on the “big three” (home, auto, life) and forget that smaller, specialized policies can have a huge financial impact if ignored. Reviewing them early in the year:
- Prevents coverage gaps
- Helps you take advantage of new discounts
- Aligns coverage with lifestyle or business changes
Take Action: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Start 2026 by reviewing these often-overlooked policies. Even a short annual check can protect your identity, your pets, your electronics, and your business.For Arkansas residents, the team at G&G Independent Insurance can help you complete a personalized coverage review—including home, auto, life, and business insurance. Get a free quote today or use our 2026 Arkansas Insurance Checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
