Insurance rates for all types of coverage generally are high. One of the best insurance values available,
however, continues to be an umbrella policy.
Liability insurance protects the policyholder from claims and lawsuits made against him or her by
others. Car accidents, falls, dog bites, medical malpractice and many other careless acts are covered by
some form of liability coverage.
Liability insurance policies vary widely in the type and amount of protection they provide.
For example, many Arizona drivers have only $15,000 per person in liability coverage for injuries
they cause others. If you cause a $50,000 injury, a $15,000 auto liability policy leaves you substantially
unprotected.
A single umbrella policy can expand your protection for claims made against you in connection with
most careless acts, whether your carelessness occurs in a car or elsewhere.
Umbrella insurance derives its name from its expansive nature. It acts as an umbrella, extending
a comprehensive shield over you. It generally picks up where your other insurance policies stop and
gives added protection up to $1 million or more.
Umbrella policies can be bought for personal and business protection, including personal injury.
These policies tend to be relatively inexpensive because they insure only the upper limits of coverage.
Claims against umbrella policies occur far less often than against basic liability policies, such
as auto and homeowners. For this reason, greatly expanded coverage is very affordable.
To be eligible for umbrella coverage, you may be required to increase the liability limits on your
basic policies. Some degree of increase may be a good idea whether you elect to take the umbrella
option or not.
With the help of an umbrella policy, you may be able to extend your insurance protection for personal injury and other losses to $1 million
or more for very little additional cost.
Your insurance agent will not charge you to explain available umbrella protection and quote you
a rate.
There certainly is no harm in asking. |
