Do I need to shred old health insurance cards?
Asked by: David Buckridge | Last update: March 20, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (3 votes)
Should you shred old health insurance cards?
Old insurance documents and paperwork contain sensitive data that can make it easy for identity thieves to violate your privacy, so avoid placing whole documents in your recycling or trash. Instead, shred documents using a cross-cut shredder (one that shreds in two directions, producing small, confetti-like pieces).
Is there any reason to keep old insurance cards?
Once you have a new policy in hand, the old one can usually be tossed — unless there is an open claim that still needs to be resolved. In this case, it is a good idea to keep all documents, including car repair and medical care receipts, until the claim has been closed and all payments have been received.
Do you need to shred insurance cards?
Keep insurance policies while they remain active
Any time you receive any new/updated policy information, consider shredding the outdated documents. And while most states accept electronic versions of your auto insurance card, you may want to keep a printed version in your glove compartment just in case.
How long should you keep old health insurance documents?
As a rule of thumb, it's advisable to keep medical documents for at least 1-3 years after payment or the resolution of any insurance disputes.
Why shredding your documents the right way is so important
How to dispose of old medical records?
- Hard copy paper and microfilm: Destroy paper using cross cut shredders which produce particles that are 1 mm × 5 mm (0.04 in. ...
- Mobile devices generally: Manually delete all information, and then perform a full manufacturer's reset to reset the mobile device to factory state.
Should I keep my 20 year old tax returns?
Three years is the general recommendation
The general rule for keeping copies of your tax records is to store them for at least three years. Having a paper trail is the best way to protect yourself if the IRS scrutinizes your financial history.
Should I shred 20 year old bank statements?
Yes, you should shred 20-year-old bank statements. They're well beyond the recommended retention period of 3-7 years for tax and audit purposes. Shredding ensures your personal and financial information remains confidential, protecting against potential identity theft or fraud.
Is shredding really necessary?
As a general rule, you should always shred unneeded documents that contain your Social Security number (SSN), signature, account numbers, phone number, birthdate, passwords, PINs, and full address.
Can I throw away old credit card statements?
You'll put yourself at risk of fraud or identity theft if you simply throw away private documents, such as financial statements. Invest in a cross-cut shredder that will eliminate all traces of your personal information, or search for free shredding events in your community.
Do you need to keep health insurance card with you?
Keep it with you all of the time—just like a drivers license. If you have to be admitted to the hospital, call your insurance company right away.
How long should you keep bills before shredding?
One year is the standard, in case of billing errors or disputes. I'd probably go ahead and make it a little longer. Keep them for one year. Really, I think you should just get the electronic statements where available.
Is there any reason to keep old utility bills?
Keep for a year or less – unless you are deducting an expense on your tax return: Monthly utility/cable/phone bills: Discard these once you know everything is correct. Credit card statements: Just like your monthly bills, you can discard these once you know everything is correct.
Which documents should you shred?
- Address labels from junk mail and magazines.
- ATM receipts.
- Bank statements.
- Birth certificate copies.
- Canceled and voided checks.
- Credit and charge card bills, carbon copies, summaries and receipts.
- Credit reports and histories.
Should I shred old cards?
It's important to destroy old credit cards until they're rendered unusable. To destroy plastic cards, cut with scissors or shred and dispose of the pieces in separate bags. To get rid of metal credit cards, return them to your credit card issuer for safe disposal.
What papers can I throw away?
- Cell phone.
- Cable, telephone, internet and other streaming service statements (unless you're deducting them for work or home office-related expenses)
- Brokerage statements.
- Credit card bills.
- Pay stubs.
- Social Security statements.
- Utility bills.
What happens if you don't shred documents?
If there's ever a doubt, have it professionally shredded. The financial and reputational risk of having an identity stolen is too great to not put in the little bit of extra effort it takes to shred a document. And the peace of mind is priceless.
Do credit card receipts need to be shredded?
After paying credit card or utility bills, shred them immediately. Also, shred sales receipts, unless related to warranties, taxes, or insurance. After one year, shred bank statements, pay stubs, and medical bills (unless you have an unresolved insurance dispute).
Is it safe to put old bills in recycling?
Protecting Your Personal Information
So although throwing your utility bill in the trash or recycling bin may seem harmless– it's a major risk.
Is it safe to put old bank statements in recycling?
It could be old bank statements, invoices, CVs, and anything else with personal data. They must be disposed of responsibly to protect the individuals and businesses whose private information they contain – they can't be recycled with paper.
Do I need to keep bank statements for 7 years?
7+ years. Although this depends on your filing circumstances, the IRS may ask you for supporting documentation for three to seven years after you file a return. Therefore, it's a good idea to save any document that verifies the information on your tax return for seven years or more.
Should I shred old utility bills?
Destroy Immediately
After paying credit card or utility bills, shred them immediately. Also, shred sales receipts, unless the items purchased have warranties. Sales and cash withdrawal receipts from ATM's, junk mail credit card offers.
At what age are tax returns no longer required?
At What Age Can You Stop Filing Taxes? Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. People who are 65 or older at the end of 2024 have to file a return for tax year 2024 (which is due in 2025) if their gross income is $16,550 or higher.
What year tax returns can I destroy?
In most cases, the IRS recommends keeping tax documents for at least three years after filing your return and/or paying taxes. However, there are situations where it's best to keep tax records longer (including state tax documents).
How many years can IRS go back to audit?
Generally, the IRS can include returns filed within the last three years in an audit. If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don't go back more than the last six years. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed.