Alex Castro for BI
It was already a hectic day when my insurance broker left a frantic voicemail telling me that my homeowner's insurance had lapsed. I felt nauseous and naked. Suddenly, any leak, fire, or tree branch falling onto the hundred-year-old Hudson Valley house that's been in my family for nearly 40 years could wipe out my bank account. I spiraled in shame. How did I let this happen? Did I forget to update a credit card? Did I miss a bill? Did I do something wrong with the policy? But when I checked my records, even the Travelers website, there was nothing.