I Have A Pool. Is Umbrella Insurance a Good Idea?

Posted on May 29, 2026May 18, 2026 by admin

Owning a swimming pool can be a great source of enjoyment, but it also introduces additional risk. Pools increase the likelihood of accidents involving slips, falls, and other injuries, which can lead to costly liability claims.

At L & S Agency Inc., servicing Buffalo, NY, we help homeowners understand how owning a pool can affect their insurance needs. Even with a standard home insurance policy, liability limits may not always be sufficient to fully protect your assets.

What Is Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is a policy that provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of your home insurance policy. If a liability claim exceeds your homeowners’ insurance limits, an umbrella policy may help provide additional financial protection.

This type of coverage is designed to help safeguard personal assets in the event of serious injury claims or lawsuits.

Who Should Consider Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance may be appropriate for homeowners whose assets exceed their existing liability coverage limits. It is often considered by individuals who want added protection against large liability claims.

Homeowners who frequently choose umbrella insurance include those with swimming pools, trampolines, or other features that may increase the risk of injury on their property.

Why Pool Owners Often Choose Umbrella Insurance

If you own a pool, umbrella insurance can help provide added protection in the event of a lawsuit related to a pool-related injury. Serious injuries can result in medical expenses and legal costs that exceed standard liability limits.

L & S Agency Inc., servicing Buffalo, NY, works with multiple insurance carriers to help homeowners compare umbrella insurance options. Whether you are reviewing your home insurance or exploring umbrella coverage, our team is available to answer your questions and help you choose coverage that fits your needs.

Does Umbrella Insurance Pay For Legal Fees?

Posted on February 27, 2026February 12, 2026 by admin

Umbrella insurance is a valuable tool for individuals facing liability lawsuits in Buffalo, NY. These policies can help cover many of the expenses associated with lawsuits, but it’s essential to understand your policy’s details rather than make assumptions.

Legal Fees

Most umbrella insurance policies cover legal defense costs, but they may not allow you to hire just any lawyer. Typically, the insurance company will require you to choose from a list of approved attorneys. Additionally, legal fees must not exceed your policy’s coverage limits. Before hiring a lawyer, it’s crucial to consult with an agent at L & S Agency Inc. to ensure your legal expenses are covered.

Judgments

Umbrella policies often help cover judgments against you in liability or defamation lawsuits, protecting your assets. However, every policy has limitations and exclusions. For instance, claims involving malicious intent are commonly denied.

For example, if someone slips and falls on your property, your umbrella policy may provide coverage. However, if you intentionally harm someone, such as punching them, and they sue you, this is considered malicious intent, and your policy will not cover the claim.

Business Lawsuits

Another common exclusion is coverage for business liability lawsuits. Umbrella insurance is typically designed to cover personal liability, including bodily injury and property damage. These policies often supplement other insurance, like home or auto policies, once their coverage limits are reached.

However, umbrella insurance does not usually cover lawsuits against businesses. If you own a business, you’ll need a commercial insurance policy to protect your company in the event of a lawsuit.

An experienced representative at L & S Agency Inc. can help you better understand how umbrella insurance works, including its limitations and exclusions. We’ll work with you to ensure you have the protection you need. Contact us today to learn more! We proudly serve the Buffalo, NY area.

Should You Add Umbrella Insurance to Your One-Day Event Insurance Policy?

Posted on November 28, 2025November 12, 2025 by admin

Insurance for a one-day event in Buffalo, NY, is a wise investment. A lot can go wrong at a large event with lots of people, even if you’re cautious and take proper safety measures. However, even event insurance on its own may not be enough for the occasion. The liability insurance coverage that comes with a regular policy could have a limit that’s well below what you need to cover payouts, especially if there’s an accident or mishap resulting in a severe injury or lawsuit. Umbrella insurance can make up the difference if you need high coverage limits. It’s purchased as part of your event insurance policy and kicks in once you’ve reached the event policy limit, extending coverage for costs such as legal fees, settlements, and medical bills.

Which Events Need Umbrella Coverage?

Not all events need umbrella coverage. Small events and with minimal physical activity may fare well with a regular insurance policy. However, if there is a heightened risk of accidents at your event, purchasing umbrella insurance may be in order. A sporting event, for instance, could be a high-risk occasion, with people running around and engaging in competition increases the risk of an accident. A large gathering could likewise be risky due to the sheer number of people.

Call L & S Agency Inc. for Expert Advice

Are you hosting an event in or around Buffalo, NY? If so, our team at L & S Agency Inc. can offer expert advice and assistance to help you pick the right forms of coverage. Call us to learn more about our event insurance and umbrella insurance policy options, or to get quotes for the policies of your choice.

Excess Liability vs. Umbrella Insurance: What’s the Difference?

Posted on August 29, 2025August 25, 2025 by admin

If you are familiar with umbrella insurance, you might assume that excess liability coverage is just another name for the same type of policy. While this is an understandable assumption, the two are technically different. Here, we at L & S Agency Inc. explain the basics of how this coverage works and who it is best suited for.

The Basics of Excess Liability vs. Umbrella Insurance

Excess liability coverage is more restrictive than umbrella insurance. As the name suggests, excess liability provides additional protection but is limited to the terms of your existing policy. For example, if you are involved in a car accident and cause $300,000 worth of damage, but your car insurance policy only covers $100,000, excess liability can cover the remaining $200,000 to protect your personal finances. However, excess liability does not extend coverage beyond the scope of your primary policy.

Umbrella insurance, on the other hand, offers broader protection. For instance, if you are in a car accident and make a flippant remark about the other driver’s skills, and they decide to sue you for slander, umbrella insurance may help cover legal fees if your car insurance policy does not include slander coverage. Umbrella insurance provides additional protections on top of your current coverage, making it more versatile.

Which One Do I Need?

The choice between excess liability and umbrella insurance depends on the type of policy you have and your specific needs. If your primary policy is comprehensive, excess liability may be sufficient. However, if you want broader coverage for scenarios not included in your existing policy, an umbrella policy is a better option.

At L & S Agency Inc., we understand that insurance policies can be complex. That is why we help residents of Buffalo, NY, understand their coverage options and make informed decisions. If you are ready to go the extra mile for protection, contact us today for a quote!

Reasons You Should Get Umbrella Insurance if You Have Children

Posted on May 30, 2025May 27, 2025 by admin

At L & S Agency Inc., we frequently encounter individuals who are underinsured, particularly parents. Many people in Buffalo, NY, may not realize the various ways they can be underinsured once they have children in their home. This oversight could potentially cost you thousands of dollars down the line if you don’t enhance your insurance policy now. Here are three reasons why parents need to consider umbrella insurance.

Teenagers Behind the Wheel

As soon as you have a teen driver in your home, it’s crucial to update your auto insurance. New drivers pose increased risks, both for themselves and other road users. We frequently see people left with totaled vehicles after their teen driver gets into an accident while they are underinsured. It’s essential to address this even while your teen has their driver’s permit.

Hosting Friends at Home

It’s comforting to know your children are safe at home when they invite their friends or classmates over for a sleepover or a party. However, accidents can happen. Ensure your home insurance includes a rider that protects you if one of your kids’ friends gets injured while on your property.

Visiting Friends’ Homes

Your kids are also likely to attend social gatherings at their friends’ houses, where accidents could occur. If your child is negligent and causes damage to someone else’s property, you are likely not covered. Consider adding a clause to your home insurance policy that protects you if your child is liable for damages while they are away from home.

If you have children in Buffalo, NY, L & S Agency is here to help you secure the appropriate level of insurance for your needs. Contact us today to learn about how we can assist in updating your policy.

How Umbrella Insurance Helps Rental Property Owners

Posted on February 28, 2025February 21, 2025 by admin

Most people have insurance policies to cover their most significant assets or possessions, such as their home or vehicle. However, many wonder if they have adequate coverage to protect their investments if something unfortunate happens. That’s why so many people in the Quinlan, TX, area rely on the friendly and experienced team at Daniel Carinici Agency LLC for all their umbrella insurance needs and questions, like what types of options umbrella insurance offers.

Landlord and Umbrella Insurance

Landlord insurance is similar to a home insurance policy as it covers:

Property damage from fire, vandalism, or other covered perils
Other, non-dwelling assets at the rental property, such as appliances or tools
Personal and medical liability for injuries that occur at the property

However, landlord policies limit their payouts, leaving the landlord responsible for any liabilities exceeding the policy limit. However, umbrella insurance is available to supplement the underlying landlord policy by paying for additional liabilities up to the umbrella policy’s limits. Since umbrella insurance is not often activated, it remains affordable, yet it keeps you from the catastrophic damage that sometimes occurs.

Umbrella insurance is useful when people own property in more than one state. They often protect themselves with LLCs or legal entities in each state, but creating those legal entities takes time and money, while umbrella insurance covers them and quickly.

How you choose to protect your rental properties depends on your circumstances and risk tolerance. Still, you should discuss your needs with an experienced agent who can present options and help you make the appropriate decision.

Insuring with Daniel Carinici Agency LLC

The Daniel Carinici Agency LLC team serves Buffalo, NY, and helps protect rental property owners’ assets. Call (206) 315-7984 today to discuss your options.

Do Pet Owners Need Umbrella Insurance?

Posted on November 25, 2024November 22, 2024 by admin

Imagine you’re out walking your dog on a beautiful day in Buffalo, NY. A child suddenly runs up and starts petting your dog. Your pet, usually gentle, is startled and snaps at the child. Before you know it, you’re facing a lawsuit. This is just one example of why you may need umbrella insurance as a pet owner.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is additional, optional insurance that extends beyond the coverage of your basic insurance policies. Depending on the policy and the insurance carrier, umbrella insurance in New York can cover several areas, such as property damage and bodily injury. Unfortunately, lawsuits can be expensive, with final costs often exceeding the limits of your current insurance policy.

Why Would Pet Owners Need Extra Insurance?

Basic homeowner’s policies typically only cover incidents that occur on your property. If your dog bites someone or knocks an individual down while in the park, your regular insurance would likely not cover this. If medical care was required or time off work, a lawsuit could potentially cost you tens of thousands of dollars or more. For example, if your friendly dog affectionately jumped on an elderly person, causing her to fall and break bones, the cost of medical care could easily exceed six digits.

How Can L & S Agency Inc. Help?

L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY can provide you with extra insurance to cover any potential costs related to your pet. Contact us today to discuss umbrella insurance. We can help you decide on the right coverage to meet your needs. You’ll have peace of mind with coverage to help cover any lawsuit or extra costs that may occur.

What’s Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It?

Posted on August 30, 2024August 23, 2024 by admin

Understanding Umbrella Insurance in Buffalo, NY

With various insurance options available today, making informed choices requires understanding how different types of policies work. At L & S Agency Inc., serving Buffalo, NY, and the surrounding areas, we aim to educate our clients about these matters. Here, we’ll discuss a few key points about umbrella insurance.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a policy designed to cover expenses that might still be outstanding after another policy has been exhausted. Every insurance policy has a maximum payout amount. Once this limit has been reached and there are still costs to be covered, the policy is considered exhausted. In such instances, you would generally be liable to pay the remaining expenses out of pocket.

You can avoid these potential out-of-pocket costs by purchasing an umbrella policy. This type of policy can be added to an existing one and is designed to cover the remaining expenses after the primary policy has been exhausted.

Who Should Consider This Type of Policy?

Umbrella insurance provides an extra safety net for anyone desiring additional protection. However, it’s particularly critical for those who own many assets or a business. In a liability situation where your regular insurance policies are exhausted, your other assets could potentially be at risk. Umbrella insurance protects your financial health in such scenarios.

If you’d like to know more about umbrella insurance, please get in touch with us today at L & S Agency Inc., serving Buffalo, NY, and the surrounding areas.

Why Buffalo Residents Need Umbrella Insurance: A Safety Net for the Unexpected

Posted on May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 by admin

The good folks at L & S Agency Inc. are here to explain all of the advantages that Buffalo, NY residents can gain from a well-chosen umbrella insurance policy. While some may claim that these policies are unnecessary, this is not a mindset that can be endorsed. Thanks to this guide, you can learn everything you need to know about umbrella insurance in short order.

Primary Policy Extensions

A primary policy is excellent, but what happens when these policies are insufficient? The policyholder is left to handle the expenses that are created on their own. With an umbrella insurance policy, all the added coverage you need is readily available. This keeps a policyholder from being left holding the bag when any unforeseen problem arises.

Lawsuit Protection

Home and business owners must be prepared for any issues that could lead to a lawsuit. Let’s say that a slip and fall occurs on your home or business premises. A costly lawsuit could lead to severe financial damages that are extremely difficult to overcome without umbrella insurance.

Added Peace of Mind

Instead of being forced to worry about potentially expensive lawsuits or any other sort of unpredictable problems, you will receive the added peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are always protected. After all, no price tag can be placed on peace of mind.

L & S Agency Inc. is your one-stop shop for all of your umbrella insurance needs. Buffalo, NY residents who are looking to enhance their peace of mind are welcome to give us a call or stop by today. We are more than happy to address any additional concerns that you may have.

Are There Different Types of Umbrella Insurance?

Posted on February 28, 2024February 21, 2024 by admin

Understanding and Choosing Umbrella Insurance in Buffalo, NY

Umbrella insurance extends coverage beyond the limits of other insurance policies, providing protection for expensive claims and lawsuits in Buffalo, NY. With L & S Agency Inc., we help you configure a suitable umbrella insurance policy that covers excess liabilities for potential high-risk activities.

Getting to Know the Common Risks Covered by Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella policies typically cover you against high-cost damages involving bodily injury, libel and slander, legal defense costs, tenants’ injuries, and property damage, particularly if you’re a landlord. For instance, if you often participate in youth sports coaching or hunting, you face the risk of a lawsuit for a major injury under your watch.

Other scenarios needing umbrella insurance include owning a pool or trampoline, a large dog, firearms, participating as a board member of a nonprofit organization, frequently hosting parties, or writing product or business reviews online. Therefore, it’s crucial to customize your policy based on specific risks that apply to you, outlining explicit scenarios covered alongside legal fee coverage, court costs, and when the umbrella policy will step in.

Securing the Right Policy

It’s essential to understand that homeowners who resort to umbrella policies for their properties can’t use the same policy for protecting their business, and vice versa. As a rule of thumb, umbrella coverage is highly recommended for public figures or those whose assets exceed the liability limits of their other insurance policies.

Let L & S Agency Inc., serving Buffalo, NY, help guide you toward securing a proper umbrella insurance policy. Reach out to our office today for a consultation.

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