Members of the armed services can be deployed on short notice, leaving little time to address their personal or business affairs. Insurance coverage, in particular, is often affected when someone moves out of state or spends an extended period of time away from home. Before you purchase any insurance policy, it is a good idea to ask the agent or broker specific questions about how the company will handle issues related to the deployment of their policyholders who are in the military. Each company’s guidelines can vary. By shopping around, you may be able to find an insurer who takes the specialized needs of service members into account. It might be difficult to handle routine business like paying premiums timely or renewing policies when you’re deployed. Talk to your agent before you leave to learn when a policy is up for renewal and to make arrangements to pay your premiums. You may be able to renew a policy early or have your premiums paid by automated bank draft. Some insurance companies might also allow you to suspend certain coverage while you’re deployed. Most insurance companies use payment history and continuity of coverage as factors to determine their rates and eligibility standards. If your insurance lapses or expires while you’re away, you could come home to find companies unwilling to insure you or only willing to do so at a higher rate.