FOR most of us, insurance is something we take for granted. Life isn’t always smooth sailing, and many of us view having insurance as a necessary evil. We develop anxiety at the thought of going through a claims process and never look forward to paying premiums. However, cultivating an attitude of personal financial security and gratitude can help us appreciate the value of insurance when life’s unexpected events occur. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between financial security, gratitude and insurance, and how they can work together to bring us greater peace of mind.
Stress Over Life’s Uncertainties
Life is full of uncertainty. From minor inconveniences to major catastrophes, we never know exactly what each day might bring. When it comes to insurance perspective, people can be divided into two groups: those who need security in their lives to be able to sleep at night and those who do not consider the possibility of a disaster a serious matter. The stress of uncertainty affects both groups differently. While one group plans for those uncertainties ahead of time to avoid feelings of stress and anxiety in times of need, another group waits till disaster strikes before realizing their predicament and scrambles to correct the problem.
This is where insurance comes in. Insurance provides financial security against the unexpected. When we have proper insurance coverage, we can worry less about the outcome when the inevitable happens. Whether it’s health insurance to pay unexpected medical bills or homeowners’ insurance to rebuild or repair after a fire outbreak, having insurance coverage gives us more confidence to face the future.Â
Establishing the right insurance policies whether it’s for personal or business takes time and effort in the beginning but once they’re in place, we can relax knowing support will be there when the need arises. We demonstrate foresight and responsibility when we insure our cars, homes, health, life, businesses, and more. We show we’ve done our best to stay proactive by anticipating and mitigating risks. This preparation and diligence bring reassurance.
Gratitude in Times of Need
Having insurance coverage in place should make us more grateful. Appreciating that there is an option to securing personal wealth and one that would catch us when we encounter rough waters matters. We’re thankful we had the resources and wisdom to put protections in place before disaster strikes.
Insurance allows you to recover from an accident, illness, or other disaster. You need to understand how much of a lifeline that insurance was during your time of need. Appreciation grows for having the foresight to invest in insurance protection. Insurance no longer seems like just another bill but rather an integral part of your financial security and becomes an investment to minimize financial loss.
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude helps us appreciate insurance most when we need it. When faced with an unexpected loss or disaster, it’s easy to focus on the negative parts of the experience. However, maintaining gratefulness during life’s hardest moments has benefits.
Intentionally appreciating the support your insurance provides during a crisis keeps things in perspective. Consider it part of your mental health and well-being so you can focus your day-to-day activities worry-free. It’s easy to take this support for granted or think of it as just a payout you’re entitled to. Replacing this mentality with feelings of gratitude that there are options for times of despair helps you recognize the value of insurance.
Focusing on gratitude during difficult times also reduces stress. Dwelling on how unlucky you are or how unfair life is can escalate feelings of helplessness. Instead, being grateful you had protection and aid can comfort and uplift you.
Maintaining Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, insurance provides peace of mind. Knowing you’ve done your due diligence to prepare and protect yourself allows you to sleep better at night. Having strong insurance in place reduces worry about what could happen and provides confidence to enjoy life more.
As well as financial support, insurance gives the mental assurance that you and your family will be fine when or if disaster strikes. That is a comfort that money cannot buy. Knowing you’ll have access to quality healthcare, resources to rebuild and repair, or income to support loved ones when you’re gone — this is the invaluable security insurance provides.
For this reason, it is wise to visit your agent and review your policies periodically. As life changes with marriage, children, and assets, your risks and needs change as well. Reviewing your policies and limits periodically always ensures adequate protection.
Appreciating Insurance Providers and Agents
Maintaining an attitude of gratitude extends also to appreciating insurance professionals. The agents, customer service representatives, and claims adjusters handling your policies and claims are an invaluable lifeline when you need them. Despite dealing with anxious clients daily, these individuals look forward to providing care and gentle human interaction during your time of need.
Next time you see your insurance agent, take a moment to thank them for their expertise and guidance. Recognize the mountain of regulatory compliance and ongoing education they must undertake to serve you well.
Shared Responsibility
Lastly, remember that insurance is a two-way street. Paying premiums does entitle you to coverage, but following the terms of your policy is essential. Filing claims ethically, providing prompt notice of issues, and fully cooperating with your insurer will ensure a smooth process. Mutual understanding and accountability benefits all.
Maintaining an attitude of gratitude helps us recognize the immense value of insurance in our lives. Appreciating financial protection before disaster strikes motivates us to proactively secure it and invest in it. Gratitude shifts our perspective to find hope amid turmoil.
Insurance gives us stability and certainty. Gratitude gives us joy and perspective. Together they offer the means to weather life’s storms.
Jessica D. Sablan is Pacifica Insurance Underwriters Inc. operations manager overseeing the underwriting and claims department of the company. Sablan celebrates her 25th silver anniversary this year.