Things I’ve learned as an American expat in the UKoGBaNI #39

Snail mail

Some businesses still operate mostly through the post/mail.

Peter and I have spent the past few days researching insurance companies because we apparently have to provide proof of house insurance to our mortgage lender before we can close on our house. During this process, we were working to get the best deal by moving our jewelry, auto, and renter’s and home insurance policies to one insurance company. Everyone’s favorite task! Am I wrong?

During this process, it came to light that our jewelry policy expired sometime around the spring of 2014 when we were living in west London. Back then (and possibly still!), the insurance company that held our jewelry policy operated like it was 1992 and only sent out communications – such as renewal notices – in the post, and now we realize that our renewal notice got lost somewhere over the Atlantic and therefore I’ve been walking around with uninsured jewelry for over two years.

The lesson learned here is to keep tabs on companies providing you important services because walking around with uninsured jewelry is risky.

For the next learning in my Expat Learnings mini series, go here. Alternatively, go here to read this mini-series from the beginning.