Stop Guessing. Start Protecting. Insurance Tips for Women Who’ve Worked Too Hard to Lose It All
Note: This episode was not recorded with any political agenda — whether we’re talking about newly enacted tariffs or the topic of climate change. The purpose is simple: to help you better understand how to protect your less liquid assets, such as your home and vehicles.
We’re living in a time when natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more destructive. On the East Coast, hurricanes strike with increasing regularity. Tornadoes cut across the central U.S. And on the West Coast, wildfires and earthquakes are ever-present threats — not to mention the challenges people are facing around the world.
Earlier this year, I shared a post on Disaster Preparedness - check it out here.
But after reading story after story about families who thought they were set — their mortgages paid off, their retirement homes secured — only to be blindsided by what their insurance did and didn’t cover, I knew it was time for a deeper conversation.
So, I reached out to my friends at Purse Strings to help connect me with someone who could truly break it down — and explain the real deal when it comes to insurance — in a way that feels clear, approachable, and empowering for our Go Long community.
Meet Leslie West. She is a licensed agent for State Farm in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin, and lives in Rockford, Illinois. Leslie has both a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Anthropology and a Masters of Science in Sociology from Illinois State University. She is a Board Member of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as Rosecrance, Inc. Leslie also serves as a Commissioner for the Rockford International Airport.
The full episode can be found here on YouTube. See below for other areas you can find the discussion.
NOTE: None of this is meant to be financial or legal advice and this show doesn’t constitute an advisory-client relationship.
Major Topics Covered
Insurance is about managing risk, not covering everything.
Understanding your policy is crucial before filing a claim.
Each state has unique insurance regulations and requirements.
Regular reviews of your insurance policy can uncover gaps in coverage.
Natural disasters significantly impact insurance rates and availability.
Renters insurance is essential for protecting personal belongings.
Bundling insurance policies can lead to discounts and savings.
Specialty items may require additional coverage beyond standard policies.
Communication with your insurance agent is key to understanding your coverage.
Claims can affect your insurance rates, so be cautious when filing.
Quick Takeaways
Leslie: Before filing a claim, talk to your insurance agent to understand your coverage. Any claim that you file can impact your insurance rates, so be cautious when filing. Even if you withdraw the claim, your rates may rise.
Jill: Review your insurance coverage every 12 to 18 months in addition to major life events. You want to understand what your coverage actually is plus you want to ensure that you’re updated on what you need (i.e., do you still have 4 people in your household on your auto insurance, any specific needs for when your kid goes to college).
“Insurance covers things that are sudden and accidental… If something is an ongoing maintenance issue — like a slow leak or seepage — it’s probably not covered.” — Leslie West, Owner of Leslie West Insurance Agency
Ways to Connect with Leslie
Reach out via email
Ways to Connect with Go Long
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Go Long recommends listening to the entire podcast for context, but knows you are all busy people so below you will see timestamps. This episode is also available on YouTube.
Looking for an accountability partner who isn’t going to judge whatever the habit is that you are trying to change?
Timestamps
00:00: Introduction to Insurance and Risk Management
03:11: Understanding Insurance Coverage and Misconceptions
05:58: The Importance of State-Specific Insurance Knowledge
09:01: Navigating Claims and Understanding Deductibles
12:03: The Impact of Natural Disasters on Insurance
15:08: Reviewing Your Insurance Policy Regularly and Specialty Items
18:02: How Do You Prove Ownership of “Regular” Items in Your Home
20:00: Multiple Deductibles - What Does That Mean For You
25:47: Renters Insurance
28:00: Bundling - Better Deal for You?
29:30: Insuring Your Business
32:02: The Importance of Talking To Your Agent and Wrap Up
