Remember, it's a good idea to understand what your identity protection plan covers. This will help you determine what steps to take when submitting a claim. While plans vary by company, in general, identity theft protection plans typically offer these services:

Credit and dark web monitoring: Your plan provider may monitor the use of your personal information and alert you when suspicious activity takes place, says the FTC. This may help you get ahead of potential problems before they get worse. To help ensure maximum protection, work with your plan provider to be sure you've shared all necessary accounts and information for monitoring.
Identity restoration: Some plans may include access to a restoration specialist that helps restore your identity and guide you through how to protect it moving forward.
Expense or stolen funds reimbursement: If your identity is stolen, some identity protection plans may reimburse you for different expenses associated with restoring your identity (such as administration or legal fees). Some plans might even reimburse you for funds that were stolen as a direct result of identity theft (such as money stolen from your bank account). However, remember that not all identity protection plans will reimburse you for direct losses stemming from identity fraud.

Your protection plan might help pay for restoration costs up front, but these details also vary by plan. If your plan helps cover costs on a reimbursement basis, be sure to keep receipts as you'll need to submit them to your plan provider later.

Also, keep in mind that protection plans usually have a maximum payout outlined in the terms and conditions. This means any costs you incur beyond that limit would be your responsibility.

Becoming a victim of identity theft can be frustrating and take both a financial and emotional toll. But, if you have an identity theft protection plan, you're not alone when it comes to restoring your identity. Take time to understand what your identity theft protection plan covers so you can be better prepared if you ever need to file a claim.