Another data breach... Are identity theft protection services worth it?

SEATTLE -- Every other week it seems like we are reporting another data breach. If you haven't been a victim, just wait. Most experts say, it's not 'if' but 'when' your data will be stolen.

So Q13 asked PEMCO Insurance, are identity protection services worth it?

"Maybe," Andrea House, an underwriting channel manager at PEMCO said. "It all depends on what you're looking for or how concerned you are, and then whether or not you have free access already."

Let's break down that maybe. House explained, true identity theft is rare. That's when someone steals your entire identity and begins opening accounts in your name. But, House said, when it does happen it can be a nightmare.

Identity protection services typically cost between $100 to $300 per year. With identity protection services you may get: monitoring, recovery and reimbursement.

"Monitoring can alert you to fraudulent type activity, things that are out of the norm for you," House explained. "In regards to recovery, having councilors available to you to help you through that process to regain and reclaim your name is beneficial. And then there is that reimbursement piece where they can help with costs associated with reclaiming your name."

Many people mistakenly think identity protection services stop identity thefts before they happen, that's not possible. House said no company can promise you that.

House also pointed out ways to protect yourself without having to pay a penny.

"That's the first thing, you should look to see what free identity services you have available to you," House said. "Most credit unions, banks, even insurance companies provide this service to customers."

PEMCO is one of the insurance companies that provides identity monitoring and recovery to its customers for free.

You can also protect your identity yourself with free tools:


    If you suspect you've been a victim of identity theft, the FTC has put together an entire website to help you report and recover. Click here.