5 Simple insurance resolutions you can actually stick to
Whether you’re a new year, new me-kind-of person or an adamant “I don’t do resolutions” type, the start of a new year provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on our current habits to determine whether they’re still serving us – and this applies to our insurance, too.
“Even if you doggedly refuse to set yourself up for failure by writing down your goals only to have them fall by the wayside as the year picks up steam, it is worth adopting a few simple insurance “resolutions” that will ensure that your most valuable assets are protected in 2026,” says Magdaleen Pieters, Senior Short-term Insurance Adviser at Consult by Momentum.
“Unlike a New Year’s resolution which requires consistency and ongoing effort – like healthy eating, for example – most of these begin with a simple once-a-year review, rather than constant attention,” she says.
Pieters shares her top five insurance resolutions that are worth embracing in 2026.
Resolution 1: I will stop under-insuring my life
Inflation doesn’t just affect groceries; it quietly erodes the value of your insurance too. Many people are still insured based on what their home, car or belongings cost several years ago, not what it would cost to replace them today.
“We work long hours to build a life and buy assets that give us quality of life. An uninformed or outdated decision can mean losing a significant portion of that – sometimes over something as small as a few rand difference in premium.”
The new year is a good moment to check whether your cover still reflects your real life…not the one you had before inflation, lifestyle changes or major purchases.
Resolution 2: I will read and understand my policy
“I know this is a stupid question, but…” is a phrase Pieters hears often – and one she immediately shuts down. “There’s no such thing as a stupid question. Short-term insurance policies are legal documents, filled with conditions, exclusions and requirements, and it’s important to understand these before something goes wrong, as when it comes to claim stage, you might be in for a shock.”
Understanding your policy isn’t about mastering jargon; it’s about knowing what’s covered, what isn’t, and what’s expected of you. And if you’re not sure, ask your financial adviser – that’s what they’re there for, adds Pieters.
Resolution 3: I will insure the stuff I actually use
Our lifestyles may have changed but oftentimes our insurance policies haven’t kept up. Work-from-home tech, laptops on the move, bikes, cellphones and other everyday essentials often fall through the cracks.
“We earn an income, and with that income we buy assets – not just things, but quality of life for ourselves and our families. If those assets aren’t correctly insured, the loss can be immediate and severe,” says Pieters.
In short: look at how you actually live today, identify the items that matter most, and make sure your cover reflects reality.
Resolution 4: I will stop paying for cover I no longer need
Just as under-insurance is risky, over-insurance can also cost you money. Policies often accumulate outdated cover over time – items you no longer own, risks that no longer exist, or limits that no longer make sense.
“Situations change. Something that worked in your household three years ago may no longer be relevant. And something that wasn’t a concern two months ago may now be a big deal. A regular review helps identify what should stay, what should change, and what can go – and may even end up saving you money.”
Resolution 5: I will stop trusting ChatGPT more than my adviser
We live in a world of instant answers…and instant panic. Turning to the internet can leave you overwhelmed, misinformed or convinced the worst is inevitable.
“Every client is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. A professional opinion – from someone who knows you, understands your priorities and has seen situations play out in real time – will always outweigh generic online or AI advice, which don’t operate with the same human lens and context.
“At the end of the day, what clients are really buying isn’t just insurance; it’s peace of mind that only professional consultation, support and advice can provide. And that is something that no search engine or chatbot can do,” concludes Pieters.
