How Does Umbrella Insurance Protect You?
All the good financial planning and investing means little if a liability judgment against you could wipe out your assets. Umbrella insurance is meant to solve this problem. It gives you liability protection over and beyond your current limits on your homeowners policy, auto insurance policy, and other insurance policies. And it usually costs little.
What Exactly Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?
As a homeowner, you may have someone visiting your home. If they slip and fall, you could be held liable for their injuries and any other damages. An umbrella policy is extra assurance that their bills will be taken care of without you having to pay for it all yourself.
Even though your current homeowners policy should cover injuries and damages, there are cases where injuries are so extensive that there isn't enough insurance to pay for them. This is where an umbrella policy kicks in. Here are a few examples:
Property Damage
With an umbrella policy, any damage or loss to someone else’s property will be covered. That could mean your kid playing baseball and accidentally shattering someone’s window, to damage to a vehicle where you are the party at fault.
Bodily Injury
Let's assume your dog bite someone. You could be thankful that you have an umbrella insurance policy. Or maybe you have guests visiting and they slip and fall on your property. Those injuries also will be covered under this type of policy.
Personal Liabilities
This type of insurance also comes in handy under other personal liabilities. If you are ever sued for slander or libel, or someone accuses you of malicious prosecution, your expenses will be covered.
Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?
Adding this additional insurance coverage is important to consider if you are someone that has a lot going on, whether you entertain a lot, or have a business to run or have other situations that could put you in a position to compromise your investments. If you use your automobile frequently to transport things or you simply drive a lot, having an umbrella insurance policy to supplement your auto insurance policy could be just the thing you need. Or, if you drive lots of people from place to place - such as your kids and their friends - you could be liable if someone gets hurt. Even if none of the above apply to you, the insurance is generally well-worth the relatively small cost of this coverage.
Understanding how an umbrella insurance policy can protect your net worth is something you should discuss with your insurance agent or financial planner.