Your Complete Insurance Review Checklist for 2026

Why an Annual Insurance Review Matters

Most UK households are paying for insurance that no longer fits their circumstances, carrying gaps in cover they are unaware of, or simply overpaying because they have not shopped around recently. An annual insurance review - ideally timed around your renewal dates - is one of the most effective ways to save money and ensure you are properly protected heading into a new year.

Car Insurance Checklist

• Compare quotes at least 3 to 4 weeks before renewal (prices are often lowest at this point)
• Check your no-claims bonus is correctly recorded and transferable
• Review your annual mileage estimate - overestimating increases your premium
• Consider whether telematics cover would save you money based on your driving habits
• Check your voluntary excess level is still appropriate to your financial situation
• Verify all named drivers are still relevant and no new drivers need adding

Home Insurance Checklist

• Check your buildings sum insured reflects current rebuild costs (use the ABI rebuild calculator)
• Review your contents value - did you make significant purchases in the past year?
• Ensure any new high-value items are scheduled or your single-item limit is sufficient
• Confirm your home security has not changed (alarms, locks) and any improvements are declared
• Check whether you need to add or remove business use, lodger, or holiday let cover
• Compare quotes on GoCompare, Compare the Market, and MoneySuperMarket

Life and Protection Insurance Checklist

• Review your life insurance sum insured against your current mortgage balance and family circumstances
• Check whether your critical illness policy still covers your family's financial needs
• Consider income protection if you do not have adequate sick pay from your employer
• Update nominated beneficiaries if your personal circumstances have changed

Travel and Pet Insurance Checklist

• If you have an annual travel policy, check the trip duration limit is sufficient for your longest planned trip
• Declare any new pre-existing medical conditions that developed during the year
• Review pet insurance type - if your pet is ageing, consider whether lifetime cover is now more appropriate

Business Insurance Checklist

• Review turnover estimates for professional indemnity and employers' liability policies
• Add or remove cover for new activities, staff, or equipment acquired during the year
• Check cyber insurance covers your current level of data processing and digital exposure

Action Points

• Set calendar reminders 30 days before each policy renewal date
• Keep a simple spreadsheet of all policies, renewal dates, and premiums for easy comparison
• Use the FCA's register to verify any insurer or broker you deal with is authorised
• Consider a whole-of-market insurance broker for complex or non-standard needs