Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Umbrella Policy

It's Not Raining. 

Why do I need an Umbrella?


Webster describes an umbrella as "a protecting force or influence." That describes a Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) also.  It protects your assets when your home or auto policy coverage has been exhausted. 

Fun Fact: The first Umbrella policies were sold in 1949, so they have been around awhile! 

When do you need a PUP?

Insurance covers you in the case of a sudden and accidental loss. Most people do not plan to have an accident or cause damage to someone else's property. But it does happen. In Texas, all drivers are required to have Liability insurance. But when you have an accident that is more expensive than the coverage you have, what are your options? Without an umbrella, you will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket. 

What extras will a PUP cover?

Umbrella policies will cover a multitude of extras. It can cover a lawsuit that is a direct result of an accident on your property. It can cover damage you cause to someone else's property, such a car accident. It can cover Medical expenses for someone who was injured at your home. It can also cover defamation of character judgments, which can be very helpful in today's social media world. 

What will a PUP not cover?

Umbrella policies will  cover Liability (when you cause loss or harm for another person). They will not cover your own property or your business. There are Commercial Umbrella policies that would cover your business liability. They will also not cover any intentional acts. Insurance generally covers sudden or accidental loss; NOT intentional acts that result in loss. So if you intentionally run into some one's house, you will not be covered- by any insurance actually.

What do I need to know?

Carriers require specific liability limits on your home and auto before they will issue you a personal umbrella. You will need to have $500,000 in Home Liability. You will need to have $250,000/$500,000/$250,000 in Auto Liability. Or some carriers will offer a lower rate if you have $500,000/$500,000/$500,000 for your liability limits. Check with your agent fr your current limits and what it will cost to increase them if you need to. Liability isn't usually expensive to increase. 

What does a PUP cost?

Personal Umbrella policies vary in pricing depending on what you own, who drives on your policy and your claims history. If you have a home, two autos and no young drivers or claims, you will be paying around $350 annually. The price will increase if you have young drivers (under 25) or older drivers (over 75). It will also increase if you own rental properties. You will also have to carry a certain amount of Liability coverage (usually $300,000) on your rental properties. If you have a checkered claims history or motor vehicles violations, the premium will be higher as well. 

Call your agent to see if you are a good candidate for a Personal Umbrella Policy. If they cannot answer your questions, call us!

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 
* Visit our website

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683  


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