What is umbrella insurance and who should have it

Most people are not insurance experts, but things like home insurance and boat insurance are pretty self-explanatory. The same can’t be said for umbrella insurance. It isn’t insurance on your umbrella. This probably explains why many people who could benefit from umbrella insurance don’t have it. At Slaughter Insurance Agency in Quinlan, TX, we believe that part of our responsibility as independent insurance agents is to make sure our customers know what insurance protects and why it is right for them. 

Umbrella insurance is excess liability insurance. What it does is add an additional layer to the liability insurance that you have on another policy. You can’t buy umbrella insurance unless you have a policy with liability coverage. That means you need to have a home, auto, condo, renters, boat, or motorcycle policy. Your basic policy may not have enough liability coverage to protect your assets. You can raise the liability on your policy, but then to get better coverage you need to add an umbrella policy. A typical umbrella policy begins at one million dollars. 

Who needs to have an umbrella policy? In spite of myths to the contrary, you don’t have to be wealthy to purchase an umbrella policy. If you have any assets or a job, you could end up being sued. If you lose the case and a judgment is made against you, you could have to sell your assets or have your wages garnished. It can basically ruin your life. You work hard to save and earn the money to purchase what you have and then to lose it all would be horrible. 

Umbrella insurance will take care of a judgment against you and also pay the legal fees you incur. It is well worth having to protect yourself. 

Contact Slaughter Insurance Agency in Quinlan, TX to learn more about umbrella insurance.