Comments on The Basics of Umbrella InsuranceTypePad2008-04-25T12:45:00ZNAhttps://www.freemoneyfinance.com/tag:typepad.com,2003:https://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2008/04/the-basics-of-u/comments/atom.xml/B.Barth commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e2017c316a5922970b2012-08-22T16:48:55Z2012-08-22T16:48:55ZB.BarthJust purchased policy and my company said I had to increase my auto and boat liability levels to get $1M....<p>Just purchased policy and my company said I had to increase my auto and boat liability levels to get $1M. The home insurance was at the appropriate level. The cost for my wife and I was $445. See ranges from $300. to $600. in the thread. My insurance company is in TX and I live in Indiana.</p>Dave Eby commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e20168e62133d9970c2012-01-26T18:15:10Z2012-01-26T18:15:10ZDave EbyJust remember that the insurance company usually has a choice to provide the insured a legal defense or not. The...<p>Just remember that the insurance company usually has a choice to provide the insured a legal defense or not. The legal defense normally does not come out of the policy limits but is paid in addition to them. </p>
<p>Here's the catch. If the insurance company chooses to pay the policy limits it is off the hook for your legal defense. </p>
<p>Get enough coverage to feel certain you will not be left swinging in the wind. It may be better for the insurance company to pay the $100,000.00 policy limit than defend a bus full of injured folks and pay the policy limits anyway. The reason they want to defend you is to keep the law suit as low as possible since they have to pay it.</p>
<p>Personally I like State Farm's umbrella as it includes uninsured motorist coverage that protects me and my family against the knucklehead that does not carry adequate coverage.</p>
<p>BTW FYI was an agent/agency owner from 1975 to 1998, public adjuster for about two years and even spent a year teaching Florida licensee wannabes.</p>David Nehring commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e201538f1568c4970b2011-06-10T03:04:06Z2011-06-10T03:04:44ZDavid Nehringhttp://profile.typepad.com/davidnehringI ran off the road. Reason, the guy sitting next to me was intoxicated and grabbed the wheel. The police...<p>I ran off the road. Reason, the guy sitting next to me was intoxicated and grabbed the wheel. The police<br />
were called, I had not been drinking, there were no citations issed but he was taken to the hospital for a slight head laceration from the windshield. Being <br />
"drunk" he doesn't remember any of this! He was "drunk" a week ago, I called the police and filed a report for physical and mental abuse, he was taken to jail. Anyway the front of my car is totaled. Am I liable for his injuries, I really have no assets. Need some advice??<br />
Thanks: David</p>Wondering on the East Coast commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e2013485a6f76d970c2010-07-23T23:19:34Z2010-07-23T23:19:34ZWondering on the East CoastIn order to get my umbrella policy from Geico I had to up my auto insurance coverages to the maximum...<p>In order to get my umbrella policy from Geico I had to up my auto insurance coverages to the maximum so I'm paying a LOT on auto insurance to qualify for $150 policy. It helps me feel secure but I'm slowly becoming aware that I'm paying alot for the protection.</p>FMF commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e2013480eda055970c2010-05-17T12:46:51Z2010-05-17T12:46:51ZFMFhttp://www.freemoneyfinance.comTony -- I'm not sure if it's required by all companies, but my insurance company forces me to have coverage...<p>Tony --</p>
<p>I'm not sure if it's required by all companies, but my insurance company forces me to have coverage of a certain level on my cars before I can buy umbrella insurance from them (same company).</p>Tony commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e2013480e35bcf970c2010-05-15T14:54:33Z2010-05-15T14:54:33ZTonyTo have a house or car covered by an unbrella is it necessary that it also be insured by the...<p>To have a house or car covered by an unbrella is it necessary that it also be insured by the same company as the unbrella company? I am talking about the basic home owners insurance and auto insurance.</p>Sudi gill commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e20120a6321189970b2009-10-29T02:37:30Z2009-10-29T02:37:30ZSudi gillI had my auto and home insurance through Liberty Mutual and recently switched my auto to Geico. When I tried...<p>I had my auto and home insurance through Liberty Mutual and recently switched my auto to Geico. When I tried to get an umbrella policy added with Lib Mut they declined my request stating I needed both auto and home with them. It doesn't seem legal that they can refuse...anyone know the law out there?</p>Zac commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e20120a5b42633970b2009-10-02T03:59:37Z2009-10-02T03:59:37ZZacMy policy in Oklahoma is $600 for 1 million coverage.It jumped when my son turned 16.<p>My policy in Oklahoma is $600 for 1 million coverage.It jumped when my son turned 16.</p>mel commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e553b238b488332008-07-23T02:34:41Z2008-08-29T21:22:46Zmelhttp://www.claroconnect.com/An insurance agent should be able to provide you with help in determining what your risk is and how much...<p>An insurance agent should be able to provide you with help in determining what your risk is and how much coverage you need. However, many people will want to discuss this with a full-service financial planner or advisor who is knowledgeable about the topic (or who has resources or team members who are) to give you an impartial answer. Same for rental properties, find a financial advisor with specific experience there.</p>Joey commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e55221092a88342008-05-02T14:53:49Z2008-05-02T14:53:49ZJoeyAny advice on selecting the amount of umbrella insurance to carry?<p>Any advice on selecting the amount of umbrella insurance to carry?</p>Jana commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e5522009d588342008-05-02T01:19:42Z2008-05-02T01:19:42ZJanaWho can advise the best way to protect rental properties? We now own 4 rentals in addition to our home...<p>Who can advise the best way to protect rental properties? We now own 4 rentals in addition to our home and will be buying 2 more. Would a financial planner or a CPA be the right people to go to for advice?</p>sow commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e5521d692588342008-04-30T20:22:38Z2008-08-29T06:41:36Zsowhttp://www.stewardsofwealth.com/Duane, I have to disagree. If you have rental properties, or any other asset, and they are under your personal...<p>Duane,<br />
I have to disagree. If you have rental properties, or any other asset, and they are under your personal name and not an LLC, then you may be a juicier target for litigation. If you have equity in those properties, then they can access it. Keeping them in an LLC separates them from your personal assets. This is one way the rich protect themselves.</p>Duane commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e5521d52b088342008-04-30T19:44:20Z2008-04-30T19:44:20ZDuaneAnother consideration for umbrella insurance is for people with rental properties. Much of the advice literature tells people to set...<p>Another consideration for umbrella insurance is for people with rental properties. Much of the advice literature tells people to set up an LLC or other structures to insulate their personal net worth from the business. At some point this makes sense, but most people with less than five homes can more easily protect their interests with an umbrella policy.</p>Kurt commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e55212d49f88342008-04-25T21:05:18Z2008-08-27T12:32:16ZKurtBeen thinking about this for a while. This reminded me I should really do it. $200/yr for $2,000,000 in coverage?...<p>Been thinking about this for a while. This reminded me I should really do it. $200/yr for $2,000,000 in coverage? Sold. How does state farm make any money?</p>Rick commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e55212818688342008-04-25T18:37:57Z2008-04-25T18:37:57ZRicksow: You won't get any heat from me for those positions. I agree with you on the home equity. And...<p>sow: You won't get any heat from me for those positions. I agree with you on the home equity. And I'm always interested in new thoughts and opinions. I've never heard the opinion before about keeping your savings in a life insurance policy, but it definitely sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing.</p>baldzac commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e5521259da88342008-04-25T17:34:48Z2008-04-25T17:34:48ZbaldzacElaborating on what my insurance agent explained to me - when you're going after someone of average means, it's easy...<p>Elaborating on what my insurance agent explained to me - when you're going after someone of average means, it's easy to threaten litigation and it's not even that hard to file a lawsuit, but it's quite another matter to take it through trial, go through discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, etc., when in the end you might get a modest judgment or nothing at all. By threating a lawsuit against a target of average means, what you're really gunning for is a settlement from whatever insurance they do have.</p>
<p>Anyway, I think it's worth highlighting that the NY times article cited in this post (a) mostly talks about quite wealthy people and (b) quotes only lawyers and insurance agents, who have a vested interest in selling these instruments (especially the lawyers). I would like to know of any impartial advice about whether it really makes sense for those of us with, at best, middle-of-the-road wealth.</p>
<p>I guess the peace of mind might be worth it. But, say you're exchanging some heated words with someone after a fender bender. Whatever you do, don't let it slip - "Go ahead and sue me, I've got umbrella insurance!"</p>sow commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e551fb070088332008-04-25T16:06:27Z2008-04-25T16:06:27ZsowHere are some thoughts to consider. The reason we have an umbrella policy is for asset protection, of course. I...<p>Here are some thoughts to consider. The reason we have an umbrella policy is for asset protection, of course. I don't think it matters whether or not you have a "high net worth." If someone has been seriously injured and wants money to cover damages, if it's worth their while to get any money from you, I think they would. </p>
<p>But asset protection doesn't stop here. There are other strategies that you can take in order to further protect yourself more than just an umbrella policy. For example, if someone gets injured on your real property (like your home), he/she can easily find out who owns that property. If you have equity in that house, guess what, it's not protected from litigation. Consider getting it under a revocable trust. Also, consider keeping the equity outside of the home (which I've taken heat for on this blog =)). If someone goes after your assets, they also pick up the debt along with it. Think they'll want to go after your house if you're mortgaged to the tilt!?</p>
<p>Also, your Qualified Retirement Accounts are at risk too. This is one of the reasons why we don't put money in these and utilize our Whole Life insurance policies (another thing I've taken heat for). The cash value in these policies are protected from creditors (in most states).</p> commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e551faa9e088332008-04-25T14:09:07Z2008-08-29T12:17:17ZFMF - That's a good question. It seems like the kind of thing your typical back-of-the-phonebook, 1-800-INJURY lawyer would try...<p>FMF -<br />
That's a good question. It seems like the kind of thing your typical back-of-the-phonebook, 1-800-INJURY lawyer would try very hard to find out, though. Maybe he'll Google you and find you bragging about having umbrella insurance on your blog :o)<br />
Seriously though, my agent telling me that was enough to dissuade me that day, but it's been a nagging thought for me ever since so I'm curious to know what others think for those of us with more average net worths.</p>Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e551fa9d9b88332008-04-25T13:43:14Z2008-08-30T03:04:31ZBeyond Paycheck to Paycheckhttp://totalcandor.com/blogAn umbrella policy can be a good idea even for those without "stellar net worth," especially if they have significant...<p>An umbrella policy can be a good idea even for those without "stellar net worth," especially if they have significant earning potential. With all the frivolous law suits out there and related large judgments, an umbrella policy can be good protection for many people.</p>
<p>My wife was once in a car accident - she was fine, it was a five collar collision on a highway near NYC. One person was mildly injured (or she claimed, whiplash - hard to prove or disprove). Regardless: Although my wife's car was the third one hit (her car was stationery at the time it was hit), she was (like others, presumably) sued for $5 million. She drove a several-years old Honda Civic. She didn't look like she had money. Years later, the suit was thrown out, but we were glad we had an umbrella policy (even though it wasn't $5MM!)</p>
<p>Rule # 1 of insurance: don't risk a lot for a little. That's an umbrella policy in spades.</p>FMF commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e55211da9a88342008-04-25T13:37:49Z2008-04-25T13:37:49ZFMFhttp://www.freemoneyfinance.comBaldzac -- How would someone know you had an umbrella policy before deciding to go after you?<p>Baldzac --</p>
<p>How would someone know you had an umbrella policy before deciding to go after you?</p>baldzac commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e55211d96488342008-04-25T13:36:06Z2008-04-25T13:36:06ZbaldzacI once asked my insurance agent about an umbrella policy, and he noted that if you don't have a net...<p>I once asked my insurance agent about an umbrella policy, and he noted that if you don't have a net worth way up there (mine is less than 500k which is the limit of my auto and homeowners) with a lot of cash sitting around, having an umbrella policy can be putting a bullseye on yourself for a lawsuit. That is, if you have a not-that-high net worth then you might not really be worth going after in an expensive trial, but if on top of that you have a fat multimillion-dollar umbrella policy, it potentially you look a lot juicier.</p>
<p>I'm not exactly sure what I think, but I'm not sure why my agent wouldn't be giving me his honest opinion in advising me NOT to take out a policy.</p>
<p>So, just some food for thought if you DON'T happen to have a stellar net worth. </p>Glenn commented on 'The Basics of Umbrella Insurance'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e55211d57888342008-04-25T13:30:00Z2008-08-29T17:16:11ZGlennGood post. I have had an umbrealla policy for years. Your post now has me thinking about possibly upping it...<p>Good post. I have had an umbrealla policy for years. Your post now has me thinking about possibly upping it a bit, since there are many high paid executives driving high end cars in Dallas;-)</p>