3 quick checks to protect your privacy and your wallet
I make it a point to do the three important tasks below once a year. Now, you need to do the same. At the bottom, use the share icons to be the hero in your family and with your friends, too.
1. Pull your credit report
The three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) are required by law to provide you with one free credit report a year. Sweet. There are a few ways you can request a copy of yours from each agency:
- Online: www.AnnualCreditReport.com
- Phone: 877-FACTACT (877-322-8228)
- Mail: Download and complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form. Send it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
FYI, online is the fastest route. If you submit a request via phone or mail, expect to wait two weeks after the paperwork is received.
2. Look at your medical data, too
There’s another type of credit report to pay attention to: A secret “health credit report” used mainly by life insurance companies to determine how big of a risk you are.
These reports can contain mistakes, just like your financial credit reports. It’s a good idea to review them from time to time and make sure everything is on the up and up. The good news is you have the right to see your health credit report whenever you’d like.
Start with Milliman IntelliScript. They have prescription info about you if you’ve authorized the release of your medical records to an insurance company and that company requests a report. To request a copy of your report, call 877-211-4816.
▶️ There are two more companies to reach out to listed here.
3. Check into your car
Tens of millions of vehicles on the road have open recalls. Best case, they’re small annoyances. Worst case, you shouldn’t be driving it.
Your car’s manufacturer should reach out if there’s a serious recall, but there are all sorts of reasons that might not happen. Do it yourself:
- Step 1: Find your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number. Stand outside the front windshield and look down at the lower driver’s side corner of the dashboard. Some cars also have it printed on the driver-side door jamb.
- Step 2: Use the NHTSA recall checkup tool. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall lookup page. Enter your VIN into the search field, and the results will show the number and type of safety recalls that apply to your specific vehicle.
- Step 3: Update your registration. Keep your registration up to date and ensure your current address is on file so your car’s manufacturer can reach you.
✅ OK, now you have your weekend to-do list. On the upside, doing all this just takes a few minutes, and you’re going to feel like a superstar when it’s done! Remember, share this intel!
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Tags: car, family, insurance, online, phone, privacy
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