Insurance Resolutions for the New Year: A Coverage Checklist for 2026

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset — not just your routines and goals, but your insurance coverage too. Life changes quickly, and even small updates over the past year can mean your policies no longer fully protect you.

Reviewing your insurance in January can help you avoid gaps, overpaying, or unpleasant surprises later in the year.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you start 2026 with confidence!

1. Review Your Auto Insurance

Ask yourself:

  • Did you buy or sell a vehicle in 2025?

  • Add a teen driver or remove one?

  • Change your daily commute or start working from home?

With growing traffic around Greenville and surrounding areas, making sure your liability limits and deductibles still make sense is key. January is also a great time to check for bundling discounts or safe-driver savings you may qualify for.

2. Check Your Homeowners or Renters Coverage

Have you:

  • Renovated your home?

  • Purchased new furniture, electronics, or appliances?

  • Added outdoor features like a fence, shed, or deck?

Upstate weather can be unpredictable — from ice in the winter to heavy spring rains and hot summer days — so it’s important to confirm your dwelling and personal property limits are accurate. Renters should also double-check coverage, especially if they’ve moved or upgraded belongings.

3. Consider an Umbrella Policy

Umbrella insurance provides extra liability protection beyond your auto and home policies. If you’ve experienced any of the following, it may be time to add one:

  • Increased assets or savings

  • A new business venture or rental property

  • Teen drivers or frequent guests in your home

Many people are surprised by how affordable umbrella coverage can be for the added peace of mind it provides.

4. Business Owners: Update Your Commercial Coverage

If you own or operate a business in the Upstate, January is the ideal time to review:

  • Business Owner’s Policies (BOP)

  • General liability limits

  • Workers’ compensation

  • Bonds or Errors & Omissions coverage

Growth is great — but growth without updated insurance can leave you exposed. Even adding equipment, hiring staff, or expanding services can require adjustments to your policy.

5. Schedule a Policy Review (Even If Nothing Changed)

Even if you think everything stayed the same, insurance rates, discounts, and coverage options change every year. A quick annual review can help:

  • Identify savings opportunities

  • Close coverage gaps

  • Ensure policies align with your current lifestyle and goals

Think of it as preventative maintenance — much easier than dealing with issues after a loss!

Start the Year Protected

Your insurance should grow with you, and the new year is the best time to make sure it does.

Call Edwards Insurance today or request a free policy review on our website to start 2026 knowing you’re properly covered — at the right price — for whatever the year brings!

Fall Safety & Insurance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

As the leaves change and temperatures cool, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home—and your insurance—for the months ahead. Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or welcoming trick-or-treaters, here are a few smart steps to keep your home safe and your coverage ready.

1. Fireplace & Heating Safety

Home fires increase during colder months. Before lighting that first fire, make sure your chimney is clean and inspected. Also check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Many homeowners policies cover fire damage, but prevention is always the best protection.

2. Halloween Liability Risks

Trick-or-treat night is fun, but it also brings more foot traffic to your property. Keep walkways clear, add lighting, and secure pets to prevent accidents. If something does happen, liability coverage on your homeowners policy can help protect you.

3. Storms & Roof Maintenance

Strong autumn storms can mean fallen branches, heavy rain, or even early ice. Now’s the time to inspect your roof and gutters. Taking small steps today can save big headaches later—and ensure a smoother claims process if damage occurs.

4. Auto Insurance & Shorter Days

With fewer daylight hours, accidents tend to increase in the fall. Make sure your auto insurance has the right liability and collision coverage to protect you and your family. Ask about bundling your home and auto for extra savings.

Final Tip: Reviewing your insurance every fall helps keep your coverage aligned with your lifestyle. If you’ve had big changes this year—like a new car, new home, or new driver in the family—now’s the perfect time to update your policies.

Contact Edwards Insurance Agency today for a free coverage review:

What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

No one ever plans to be in a car accident, but knowing what to do immediately afterward can make a big difference — for your safety, your claim, and your peace of mind. At Edwards Insurance Agency, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in a collision:

1. Check for Injuries 

First and foremost, check yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Your safety and health come first.

2. Move to a Safe Location 

If the accident is minor and your car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

3. Call the Police 

Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police and get an official report. This report can be crucial when filing an insurance claim.

4. Exchange Information 

Gather key information from the other driver(s), including:

  • Full name and contact details
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Driver’s license and license plate number
  • Make, model, and color of the vehicle
  • Location of the accident

5. Document the Scene 

Take clear photos of all vehicles involved, any damage, the surrounding area, and any relevant road signs or signals. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company 

Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the information you’ve collected. Our team at Edwards Insurance is always available to help guide you through the process.

7. Seek Medical Attention 

Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable. A prompt medical evaluation can protect your health and strengthen your claim.

8. Keep Records 

Save all documents related to the accident, including the police report, medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with your insurance company.

9. Understand Your Coverage 

Review your insurance policy so you know what is covered and what to expect. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Edwards Insurance agent — we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Accidents can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. We are here to be your partner in protecting what matters most. If you have questions or need to file a claim, contact us today. We’re always ready to help!

Business 101: Essential Coverage Every Small Business Owner Needs

Running a small business is an exciting venture, but it also comes with risks. One unexpected event can lead to financial strain or even jeopardize the future of your business. That’s why having the right insurance coverage is crucial. While every quote is tailored to your business’s specific needs, there are few essential types of business insurance that every small business owner should consider.

General Liability Insurance

This is the most fundamental coverage every business needs. General liability insurance protects against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury (such as slander or libel). Whether a customer slips in your store or you accidentally damage a client’s property, this insurance helps cover legal fees and settlements.

Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions Insurance)

If your business provides professional services, this coverage is essential. Professional liability insurance protects against claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver a promised service. This is especially important for consultants, lawyers, accountants, and healthcare providers.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Most states require businesses with employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs if an employee is injured on the job. It also protects business owners from potential lawsuits related to workplace injuries.

Commercial Property Insurance

If you own or lease physical space, commercial property insurance is a must. It covers damage to your building, equipment, inventory, and furniture due to fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Even home-based businesses should consider this coverage to protect business-related assets.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, client visits, or transporting equipment, commercial auto insurance is necessary. It covers damages resulting from accidents, theft, or vandalism involving business-owned vehicles.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) combines several types of essential coverage into one comprehensive package at a lower cost. This is a great option for small businesses looking to simplify their coverage.

Investing in the right insurance coverage can mean the difference between a minor setback and a business-ending crisis. While every business has unique needs, these essential insurance policies provide a solid foundation for financial protection and peace of mind. Schedule a consultation with one of our agents at Edwards Insurance to customize a plan that fits your business’s specific risks and requirements. We’re always here to help!