Why buy an Umbrella policy?
You may say, “I already have Home, Auto and/or Watercraft insurance, why do I need a Personal Umbrella Policy?” The answer is simple; umbrella policies provide increased liability coverage. While you may have some liability coverage, in the event of an accident, the base policy coverage will provide only a limited amount of protection for bodily injury and property damage.
No matter who you are or what you do, liability exposure is a part of everyday life and everyone is at risk. The reality is, you don’t have to be a millionaire to be sued like one.
What could be at risk?
Any assets you have could be at risk if you are found to be liable for damages. Consider if you have any of the following that may need coverage:
- Future wages
- Pension
- 401k
- Savings accounts
- Vehicles
- Real estate holdings
- Potential inheritance
What does an Umbrella Policy cover?
In addition to increasing liability limits, a typical Personal Umbrella Policy provides:
- Worldwide coverage
- Protection against claims that may not be fully covered by your underlying policies. (for Homeowners, Auto and Watercraft Liability)
- Coverage for defense costs and attorneys’ fees associated with claims against you that are covered by your Personal Umbrella Policy but not covered by your primary policies (these expenses are paid in addition to your policy limit.)
Who's covered by an Umbrella Policy?
- You and your spouse
- Resident relatives
- Anyone under 21 living with you for whom you are responsible
Examples of real claims:
A 17-year-old driver collided head-on with another vehicle, killing two people and seriously injuring another. The court found the teen negligent and ordered him to pay $1.5 million. His parents’ Auto policy had a $300,000 liability limit, but they also carried a $2 million Personal Umbrella that covered the remaining costs.
A rotted oak tree fell onto a couple’s vehicle as they were driving down a country road. The woman’s hip was shattered in the accident. The property owner’s settlement cost was $775,000.
A local homeowner owed a $700,000 settlement when a 30-year-old man suffered permanent vocal cord paralysis after crashing an all terrain vehicle (ATV) on the resident’s property.
A three-year-old girl was attacked by her grandmother’s dog. She lost vision in her eye and received permanent scarring. The out-of-court settlement was $750,000.
A motorcyclist crashed into the side of a vehicle when a vehicle driver turned in front of him. The motorcyclist was left totally disabled from the accident. The vehicle driver’s settlement was $3,775,000.
A 17-year-old girl was attempting to pass on the right shoulder of the road when she lost control and crashed into a 30-year-old driver’s vehicle. The man suffered a severe closed head injury. A jury awarded the man $2,091,500.
Protect yourself from the unknown. Check your insurance liability policy limits and consider adding a Personal Umbrella.
Liability Risk Exposures
Not everyone is exposed to the same liability risks but there are several common risks such as:
- Swimming pools
- Dogs
- Guns
- Boats
- ATVs / Snowmobiles
- Defamation
- Owning a Vehicle
Liability Risk Statistics
- 60% of people in the U.S. own a dog, and 1 in 5 dog bites are serious enough to require medical attention.
- 90% of lawsuits stem from auto accidents.
- More than 1/3 of homes in the U.S. with children have at least one gun and most are left unlocked and unloaded.
Benefits of the Personal Umbrella Policy:
Financial advisors suggest policyholders carry at least $1,000,000 in additional liability coverage. With the Pioneer State Mutual Personal Umbrella Policy, you can have $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 in additional coverage (beyond the base policy liability limits), often for just a few cents a day. A Personal Umbrella Policy is a high value product for little cost, considering the security and protection it provides you and your family.
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This brochure is intended to be a broad summary of the insurance coverages provided by a Personal Umbrella policy. The information here is subject to policy terms and exclusions, and does not replace your policy language. Read your full policy carefully and ask your Independent Insurance Agent if you have specific questions.