Insurance provides us with peace of mind. It allows us to relax in our homes even with inclement weather on the way. It lets us feel comfortable as we get in our cars and head out for a road trip. It works like a security blanket – always there when we need it. However, there are many kinds of insurance and many aspects of life that require specialty policies to help keep your property or your business protected. That’s what umbrella insurance is all about.
Muller Insurance is an independent agency with over 100 years of experience, serving clients in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and other states. Here, we explain umbrella insurance.
What Is Umbrella Insurance?
Umbrella insurance is a form of liability insurance that helps cover some aspects of your life or business that your basic policies won’t cover. This extra coverage offers another form of security that helps prevent you from being sued for different reasons.
If you are sued for damages exceeding the liability limits of your standard coverage, your umbrella policy will kick in and pay the excess. This helps prevent you from having to take money out of your savings or sell your assets to make up the difference. In general, umbrella insurance is a smart idea for those who have valuable or potentially hazardous items or property owners with unique risks.
What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?
As the name suggests, umbrella insurance covers a wide range of circumstances and situations. Some of them may apply to nearly everyone, and some are more likely to make sense for only certain people or businesses. Some examples include:
Vehicular Accidents
When you get into an accident with your car, boat, or other vehicle, you may be liable for damages. Not only will you have to pay for damage to their vehicle or home, but you’ll also need to cover any injuries they sustain – both physical and emotional. You also may have to pay for broken electronics, jewelry, and other items ruined during the accident. While auto insurance may help, a big and expensive incident will likely require far more than your auto policy covers.
Potentially Dangerous Items
If you own items that have a higher risk of injury, umbrella insurance can help protect you should injury occur. Some examples of these items are swimming pools, trampolines, and guns. It is also smart to consider this additional coverage if you have a dog. The dog’s breed will likely affect the cost of the policy.
Physical Sports
Those who participate in sports that could result in serious injury to other athletes should consider umbrella insurance. Activities like hunting, skiing, and surfing are just some examples of sports that could create the need for liability insurance.
Landlords
Being a landlord has plenty of advantages. Tenants must obtain renters insurance, but there might be disputes about who is at fault in certain situations. Umbrella insurance can help should any lawsuits arise.
Posting Reviews
Those who often provide reviews for products or businesses like restaurants are at a higher risk of being sued for libel or slander. If you write or say something that could be regarded as false and negatively impacting a business, you could find yourself on the wrong end of a lawsuit. Explore umbrella insurance policies for protection.
Volunteering
Volunteering is rewarding but can result in a lawsuit. For instance, those who coach kids’ sports might want umbrella insurance to protect against injuries, parental complaints, accusations, and more.
However, there are several important things that umbrella insurance doesn’t cover. This includes intentional or criminal acts, injuries you’ve suffered, and damage to your belongings.
How Do I Know How Much Insurance I’ll Need?
Given the wide range of reasons one might consider umbrella insurance, it can be difficult to estimate how much coverage you need. This will vary based on your other insurance policies, the amount of expensive assets you own, and your lifestyle.
At Muller Insurance, we provide an independent agent who works closely with each client to help determine which plans fit your needs and budget. We work with some of the top companies, including:
Get an Umbrella Insurance Quote Today
Because it is such a versatile form of insurance, umbrella insurance is a smart choice for those who have a lot to lose or those who may put others at risk. Muller Insurance has been helping communities throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., for over 100 years. We work hard to provide each client with an affordable policy and can even bundle policies together to help you save. If you’re ready to get yourself or your business protected, request a quote today. To learn more, contact us with our ready-to-fill form or call 201-659-2403.
