Identity Theft Insurance

There’s somewhat of a debate concerning identity theft insurance. Some analysts say identity theft insurance gives a false sense of security, while others consider it an added layer of security in recovering from identity theft. While both sides of the identity theft debate are valid points, the decision to purchase identity theft insurance comes down to a personal one. Understanding the basics of identity theft insurance can help you decide whether it is right for you.

What Is Identity Theft Insurance

Identity theft insurance provides reimbursement for expenses associated with recovering from identity theft and repairing your credit record. It does not protect you from becoming a victim of identity theft, or repair your credit standing.

Is Identity Theft Insurance Necessary

When you consider a report from the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research that found that one in every 23 U.S. consumers is a victim of identity fraud, identity theft insurance offers value for the money. Its importance becomes even more significant when you factor in a report from the Identity Theft Resource Center that concluded identity theft victims spend an estimated 600 hours and thousands of dollars recovering from the crime. When deciding the necessity of identity theft insurance, think about whether you have the funds to pay over $1,000 to recover from the crime. Also consider how committed you are in taking measures to prevent identity theft. If you don’t have the time to regularly monitor your credit reports with all three credit bureaus, shred mail with your personal information on it, opt-out of credit card and magazine offers, or properly store your social security number and other identifying information, then identity theft insurance might be beneficial for you.

Coverage Provided By Identity Theft Insurance

An identity theft insurance policy typically covers expenses to restore your identity and credit. Among the covered expenses are long distance phone calls, photocopies, notary fees and certified mailing costs. Some policies also pay for legal fees, stolen money up to a certain amount, and lost wages if you have to take time out of work for court dates or other appointments related to the identity theft crime. Identity theft insurance also provides direct loss protection for safe deposit boxes, as well as ATM cards, debit cards, credit cards and other methods of transactions.

Cost For Identity Theft Insurance

Identity theft insurance is sold either as a stand-alone insurance policy or as a rider or endorsement to your homeowners policy. Coverage cost varies, depending on the deductible you select. The higher the deductible (the amount you pay before the insurance company pays its share), the lower the cost. Insurance premiums typically range between $20 to $100 a year for identity theft protection.

How To Compare Policies

Not all identity theft insurance policies are the same. When evaluating identity theft insurance policies, compare these things:

The amount and extent of coverage for the price.
Whether there is a deductible.
If coverage is capped. For example, the policy may provide lost wages, but only up to a certain dollar amount.Whether the coverage reimburses you for some of the stolen money.
Whether you are covered for lost wages.
Whether you are covered for identity thefts that occurred before the policy’s effective date, but were discovered once your policy was in force.
Policy exclusions. For example, some policies might not pay if a family member committed the identity theft.
Whether a personal counselor is assigned to your case to guide you in resolving problems associated with the crime.

Am I Already Covered?

Before deciding on an identity theft insurance policy, check your existing insurance policies. Some insurance companies include identity theft coverage as part of their automobile, homeowner’s, or renter’s policies. You also may have some form of identity theft protection through your bank or credit card company. Most cover direct losses from identity theft related to fraudulent use of their credit cards. In addition, certain credit card companies provide free identity theft assistance to its card members.