What
is an umbrella insurance policy?
Umbrella insurance is a type of personal liability insurance
that can be a real lifesaver—or rather, life savings-saver—if you
ever find yourself liable for a claim that's more than what your regular
liability insurance will cover. Essentially, it means that if you get sued for
a large sum, your umbrella insurance will pick up where your homeowner's, auto,
or other personal property insurance leaves off.
You may think your current coverage is more than enough, but with the costs of medical expenses, extended lawsuits, and other legal fees being what they are, you may be surprised how quickly things can add up. By investing in an umbrella policy, you will gain peace of mind knowing your current assets—as well as any future earnings are fully protected.
Who
needs an umbrella insurance policy?
We currently live in a lawsuit happy world and the reality is,
since accidents that result in high costs can happen to anybody, obtaining an
umbrella policy is recommended for almost everybody.
The good news is, since umbrella insurance typically extends to
cover every member of the household, you only need one policy to protect your
whole family. Even if your spouse or children don't have auto or property
insurance in their own names, they'll stay "dry" under your big, family-sized
umbrella.
10 Common reasons for having an umbrella policy
- You have inexperienced drivers in your household
- You have a significant amount of net worth
- You want to protect against potential loss of income
- You own property (especially investment property)
- You own a business
- You own pets (specifically large dogs)
- You coach youth sports
- You have children (especially teenagers)
- You participate in activities that could easily injure others
- You own items that could lead to injury lawsuits
How Much Umbrella Insurance Do I
Need?
When
selecting the right amount of coverage, there are things to consider.
- Value of
your assets: An
umbrella policy should cover at least your net worth—this is
generally what you stand to lose in a lawsuit.
- Potential
future income loss: Your
future income could also be at risk in a big lawsuit. Even if you have a
limited income now, consider your potential future income. For instance,
if you're a medical student, you should consider your future earning
potential.
A
long legal proceeding is stressful and can potentially ruin a reputation,
whether or not the lawsuit was baseless. Purchasing an umbrella policy won't
ease the stress, but it can save everything you've worked so hard to build.
How
Much Does Umbrella Insurance Cost?
According to the insurance
information institute, a $1 million umbrella policy typically costs $150 to
$300 annually. However, the cost of insurance varies by location, along with
factors such as your home's age and construction, safety and security features
and your age and claims history.
If you would like to receive more information on making smart money moves for your future, be sure to contact us today!
