Annual Insurance Review Checklist for Rosemount & South Metro Families

by Sentinel Assurance Group | Sep 24, 2026 | auto insurance, boat insurance, home insurance, Jewelry Insurance, Sentinel Assurance, umbrella insurance

Your Annual Insurance Review Checklist: What’s Changed This Year?

A lot can happen in twelve months. Your teenager got their license. You finished the basement. You traded in the minivan, started a side business, or finally bought that boat you’ve been eyeing at the lake.

Your insurance policy doesn’t know about any of it unless you tell us.

Most home and auto policies renew automatically, which is convenient. But it also means the policy on renewal day is built on information from last year, or the year before. A quick annual review helps make sure your policy details are still accurate and that your coverage still fits the way you live now.

Here’s the checklist we use with clients across Rosemount, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Eagan and Farmington. Take ten minutes before your renewal date, jot down anything that’s changed, and bring it to your next conversation with us.

Why an Annual Review Matters

Insurance is priced and written based on the details you’ve given us: who drives, where vehicles are kept, what your home looks like, and what you own. When those details change and the policy doesn’t, a few things can happen:

You might be paying for something you no longer need.
You might have a gap you don’t know about until you file a claim.
Your bills or documents might go to an old address or a lender you no longer use.

An annual review isn’t about selling you more coverage. It’s about keeping your policy accurate. Sometimes that means adding something, and sometimes it means removing something.

Your Renewal Review Checklist

1. Contact, Billing and Payment Preferences

Let’s start with the easy ones:

Has your phone number, email or mailing address changed?
Do you have a new bank account or card for payments?
Would you like to switch to paperless billing, autopay or a different payment schedule?

These seem small, but a missed bill or an outdated email can create headaches no one needs.

2. Vehicles and How You Use Them

Did you buy, sell, trade or lease a vehicle this year?
Has the place where a vehicle is parked overnight changed? (For example, a car now kept at a college apartment or a second home.)
Is anyone commuting farther? Maybe a new job means more time on Highway 3 or Cedar Avenue.
Is any vehicle used for business, deliveries or rideshare?

That last question is an important one. Coverage for business or rideshare use varies from policy to policy and carrier to carrier, so it’s worth a conversation with your agent before you start driving for work or an app.

3. Household Members and Drivers

This is where the biggest changes often happen, especially for South Metro families with teens.

Has anyone moved in or out of your home?
Has there been a marriage, divorce or new dependent?
Is there a new driver in the house, or a teen about to get their permit or license?
Do you have a student away at college?

Students living away from home, new drivers, and changes in who lives with you can all affect how your policy is set up. Your agent can walk through the options available with your carrier.

4. Your Home and Property

Did you move, refinance or change mortgage lenders?
Have you finished any renovations, additions or major updates? Think finished basements, kitchen remodels, a new roof, or updated electrical, plumbing or HVAC.
Did you add a new feature like a pool, deck, fence, detached garage, trampoline or solar panels?
Are you renting out any part of your home, even occasionally?

Renovations and upgrades can change what it would cost to rebuild your home. It’s worth reviewing whether your dwelling coverage still reflects your home as it is today. Some updates, like a newer roof or updated systems, may also be worth mentioning when your policy is reviewed.

If you’re renting out space, including short-term rentals, talk with us first. Rental use can change how a homeowners policy applies.

5. Valuables and Recreational Items

Did you make any large purchases this year, like jewelry, art, collectibles or high-end electronics?
Did you buy a boat, ATV, snowmobile, golf cart or camper?
Do you have updated appraisals, receipts or photos of valuable items?

Standard homeowners policies often have limits for certain types of personal property, such as jewelry. If you’ve added something valuable, it’s worth asking whether it should be listed separately on your policy. Recreational vehicles and watercraft usually need their own coverage too, so check before you head up north for the season.

6. Work, Business and Liability

Has your job changed, or are you working from home more often?
Did you start a business or side hustle, whether that’s from home or out of a truck?
Did you get a new pet?
Have you taken on anything that might increase your liability, like a rental property, a pool, or hosting more gatherings?

Home-based businesses and side gigs are common, and many people assume their homeowners policy covers business equipment or business-related liability. That isn’t always the case. If you’ve started something new, let’s talk it through.

This is also a good time to ask about umbrella coverage. An umbrella policy can add a layer of liability protection above your home and auto policies. It’s especially worth discussing for families with teen drivers, rental properties or growing assets.

What to Have Ready for Your Review

To make your review quick and productive, gather what applies to you:

Household info: Updates on who lives with you, new or upcoming drivers, and any major life changes
Billing info: New payment method, bank details, or mortgage lender information
Vehicle and property info: VINs, loan or lease details, and a list of home updates with approximate dates
Valuables and liability info: Appraisals, receipts or photos of valuable items; rental details; business details; pet information; and any questions about umbrella coverage

You don’t need everything on this list. Just bring what’s changed. We’ll take it from there.

The Advantage of Reviewing with an Independent Agent

When you work with an independent agency, your review isn’t limited to one company’s options. Sentinel works with several carriers, so if your needs have changed, we can look at what fits best, not just what’s easiest to renew.

And because we’re right here in Rosemount, off County Road 42, we know the South Metro. We know what it’s like to add a new driver in Lakeville, finish a basement in Apple Valley, or start a small business in Farmington. We’re your neighbors, and we’re here to help you understand your options so you can make the decision that’s right for your family.

Schedule Your Annual Review

Your renewal is a natural checkpoint. Instead of letting your policy roll over on autopilot, take a few minutes to walk through this checklist, then reach out.

Contact Sentinel Assurance Group to schedule your annual review. We’ll go through what’s changed, answer your questions, and help make sure your policy still reflects your life today.

Call: 651.237.5180| Email: info@mysentinels.com | Online: www.mysentinels.com/contact

This article is for general educational purposes and doesn’t change or replace the terms of any insurance policy. Coverage depends on your specific policy, carrier and circumstances. Please review your options with a licensed Sentinel agent.

Create great fishing memories 🎣

by Sentinel Assurance Group | May 10, 2023 | boat insurance

No matter what season is winding down, the next season is just another reason to spend on the water in the boat with rod in hand. One of the best ways to enjoy boating and fishing in Minnesota is to share the fun with others – especially your kids or grandkids.

Amy & Danielle both LOVE to fish, here are a couple of pics from the trip we took up to Lake of the Woods last fall for some Walleye fishing!

While expert anglers tend to know the ropes of both boating and fishing on Minnesota lakes and rivers, there are still many mishaps that can occur if the excursion is not well-planned and strategically executed. This is especially crucial when you have little ones along for the ride.

The next time you’re gearing up to go after the ‘big one,’ make sure that it’s as enjoyable as you anticipate by considering the following guidelines.

Only if weather permits. Check the weather forecast in detail, using your favorite app, before you head out onto the water. In many climates, weather can change quickly and drastically, ushering in unexpected storms that could scare your children and put you all in harm’s way

Dress yourself – and your little ones – for the adventure. Though it may seem obvious, it can get slippery out on the boat or the dock! Ensure stable footing for all by making sure you and your kids are wearing shoes that grip boat floors and slick rocks and docks.

Make safety a game. It’s important to be equipped with everything you need for safety and protection – from flashlights and sunscreen to plenty of water and life preservers – but you can also make it fun for the kids. For example, make them the keepers of the radio or the person who makes sure everyone is wearing a hat or sunglasses for protection from the sun.

Be hyper-vigilant about dangerous items. The sport of fishing is accompanied by some sharp items – hooks and knives to name just two. Make sure you have these items in a locked tackle box to ensure no one accidentally gets hurt.

Follow boating rules. Make sure your boat is in good standing by adhering to all the laws of the lough. To find these, research the body of water you’re going to be fishing on before you head out.

At Sentinel Assurance Group, we hope your family fishing outings become lifetime memories!

10 Tips to Get You Ready for Boating Season 🚤

by Sentinel Assurance Group | May 3, 2023 | auto insurance, boat insurance, specialty insurance

Spring is here in Minnesota (well, sort of!), and summer is right around the corner. It’s time to think about getting your boat out on the water.

Actually, first things first: It’s time to think about getting your boat ready to get out on the water. From the engine and propeller down to your trailer, a little preparation as you get your boat out of winter storage can help you start off the season right — and get the most out of your time on board.

Here are 10 tips from Discover Boating to get you started:

Check your safety gear. Do you have enough life jackets? Are they in good shape? What about onboard fire extinguishers? Are your navigation lights working?
Consider adding safety items. Should disaster strike, an emergency position indicating radio beacon can help rescuers find you and your boat. And, if you have an enclosed space on the boat, you should have a carbon-monoxide detector.
Examine your fuel system. Any leaks or damage should be addressed immediately.
Look at all belts, hoses and cables. Those that appear brittle or cracked most likely need to be replaced.
Check fluid levels, such as engine oil. Change or add as needed.Have your battery and electrical system checked. Look for corrosion on your electrical connections.
Make sure your propeller isn’t banged up. Dings and distortion can cause vibration, as well as damage your drive train.
Look at the hull for blisters and cracks. Repair or patch damage, and make sure to use an environmentally safe solution when washing the exterior and interior.
Don’t forget the trailer. Treat your trailer with as much care as you show your boat. Inspect the hubs occasionally, and check your lights before every trip. If you go boating in salt water, give the trailer a very good rinse afterward.
Don’t forget insurance, either! It’s a good idea to check your coverage as you head into boating season, too. Just give us a call here at Sentinel Assurance Group, and we can help you with a quick insurance review.

There’s nothing quite like a sunny – and safe – day on our local lakes and rivers in Minnesota. We’ll see you out there!