I make it a point to complete the three important tasks listed below once a year. Now you need to do the same. Sure, that’s a few more items on your to-do list, but you’ll feel good knowing you accomplished it.
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1. Get your credit report
With all the data leaks, hacks, and new scam tricks, this is a must-have. You can often spot problems in your credit report that you might otherwise miss.
The three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) are required by law to provide you with a free credit report once a year. Great. There are several ways you can request a copy of your report from each agency:
◾ On-line: www.AnnualCreditReport.com
◾ Phone: 877-FACTACT (877-322-8228)
◾ Email: Download and complete the Annual Credit Report Request form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
For your information, online is the fastest way. If you submit a request by phone or mail, expect a waiting time of two weeks after the documents have been received.
2. Also look at your medical data
There’s another type of credit report to watch out for: a secret “health credit report” used primarily by life insurance companies to determine how much of a risk you are.
These reports can contain errors, just like your financial credit reports. It’s a good idea to check them from time to time and make sure everything is in order. The good news is that you have the right to view your health credit report at any time.
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They have prescription information about you if you have authorized the release of your medical record to an insurance company and that company requests a report. To request a copy of your report, call 877-211-4816. Expect to share:
◾ Full name
◾ Postal address (and email address if you wish to receive your report by email)
◾ Your phone number (in case the company needs to call you with questions)
◾ Date of birth
◾ The last four digits of your social security number
◾ Insurance company
Next up is ExamOne
ExamOne is a Quest Diagnostics company. They can determine your health risk based on lab tests performed over the years. To contact ExamOne and receive your report, call 844-225-8047.
Finally, there is the MIB Group
The company, formerly known as the Medical Information Bureau, tracks everyone who has applied for individually written life, health or disability insurance in the past seven years. To take a look at your MIB report, call 866-692-6901.
FYI, it can take a while to get some of these reports, so plan ahead. They are free, so it won’t cost you anything to review them. I would recommend looking at them even if you aren’t applying for life insurance, just to make sure there aren’t any errors.
3. Check in to your car
There are open recalls for tens of millions of vehicles on the road. In the best case, they are just minor annoyances. In the worst case, you shouldn’t drive the car.
Your car’s manufacturer should contact you if there is a serious recall, but there are many reasons why that might not happen. Do it yourself:
◾ Step 1: Find your 17-digit vehicle identification number. Stand in front of the windshield and look at the bottom corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side. On some vehicles, the designation is also printed on the driver’s side door jamb.
◾ Step 2: Use the NHTSA Recall Checkup Tool. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall search page. Enter your VIN in the search box. The results will display 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 make sure your current address is on file so your car’s manufacturer can contact you.
What to do if your vehicle is affected by a recall?
Recall service work is usually performed at your car dealership. Call to schedule an appointment. The recall number is convenient, but your dealer can also look up recall information in their records.
Recalls can be due to potentially dangerous problems, so schedule an appointment for service as soon as possible. Dealers usually offer a shuttle service so you can drop off your car and pick it up when it’s ready. Your dealer can even arrange to have your car towed if the recall is so serious that you shouldn’t drive it anymore.
And remember: The dealer will perform any repairs to your car due to the recall free of charge. This includes parts and software. A win!
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Get up to speed on the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the country’s biggest weekend talk show. Kim takes calls and offers advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.
