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What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is an add-on insurance policy providing liability coverage above and beyond what your standard insurance policy’s liability coverage provides. Many people assume if they are not millionaires, they do not need umbrella insurance; however, anyone can benefit from purchasing an umbrella insurance policy. Those in Buffalo, NY should speak to their agent about umbrella insurance or contact the experts at L & S Agency Inc. to learn more about umbrella insurance policies. 

What Does an Umbrella Insurance Policy Cover?

In today’s world, anyone can be sued for any reason. If you have been sued and found liable for injuries and damages, you have to pay for the costs not covered by the liability coverage section of your insurance policy. Most insurance policies have caps on the amount of money they pay out for liability claims. Umbrella insurance picks up the tab and pays for the difference. The policy pays for medical bills, repair bills, and legal fees associated with the lawsuit filed against you. 

Is Umbrella Insurance Worth It? 

If a judge decides you owe more than the limits of your insurance policy, you are financially responsible for paying for those costs out of pocket. If you have substantial assets or a high income, both can be at risk of being seized to pay for your out-of-pocket expenses. Your umbrella insurance policy will protect your assets and income by paying your costs. Additionally, if you would be unable to pay for the out-of-pocket expenses, your umbrella insurance can save you from financial ruin. 

When shopping for insurance in Buffalo, NY, don’t forget to ask about adding umbrella insurance to your existing insurance policy. If you have questions about umbrella insurance, reach out to L & S Agency Inc. experts today to discuss your options. 

How to Know if Umbrella Insurance is Right for You?

If you are like most people then you already have a variety of insurance policies from homeowners to auto to a pet that helps protect your assets and loved ones should an accident happen. When you purchase an insurance policy, you have the option of choosing how much liability coverage to carry which covers the expenses with a third party’s property damage, injuries, or lawsuits that may arise if you are deemed to be at fault in a covered incident. Given that you already have policies with liability coverage, it wouldn’t be surprising if you have never heard of or considered umbrella insurance. In short, umbrella insurance provides additional financial assistance when your traditional insurance policies’ liability coverage has lapsed. For example, if you are deemed to be at fault in a motor vehicle accident that injures another person and the medical bills exceed your existing liability coverage of $300,000 then you would be on the hook for the difference which could be hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, with umbrella insurance, you pick a monetary figure in excess of your existing coverage – generally $500,000 or $1 Million – which kicks in once your existing coverage has been exhausted. 

While the vast majority of people could benefit from an umbrella policy it is a no-brainer for anyone with significant assets to include multiple properties, investment accounts, retirement savings, expensive vehicles, and other similar items. To determine if an umbrella insurance policy makes sense for you, start by adding all your assets together and if they exceed your current liability limits for your insurance policies then it’s time to call in the experts. At L & S Agency Inc. our friendly and talented team will take the time to walk you through your options and answer your questions so you always leave happy. 

How Umbrella Insurance Protects Your Finances

When you get insurance, you hope never to need it, but you know that it can make a big difference in your finances later. This is especially true with umbrella insurance. If you are interested in an umbrella policy, contact us at L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY.

Protection Against Liability

Some of your most important insurance types are those that protect your assets. Your home and auto insurance policies are extremely important to have, but that doesn’t always mean that they provide enough coverage. The liability coverage of both these insurance types tends to be quite low. If there is a major accident in your car or in your home, that coverage may not be enough to cover all of the bills from injuries and property damage. Umbrella insurance is a way to expand those limitations and give yourself more liability coverage. 

Adding to Your Protection

Here’s how it works- your home or auto insurance, depending on what kind of accident it was, is the first to pay for the medical and property bills. However, once it has reached its payout maximum, you would then have to come up with all of the rest of the money. However, when you have umbrella insurance, it kicks in when your original policy gives out. It has a far higher payout maximum, and that means you won’t have to come up with the money yourself. 

Spend Less

Umbrella insurance is also much cheaper than getting more liability coverage for your auto and home policies. It is an affordable way to give yourself a thick layer of liability coverage. 

Get Your Umbrella Insurance

If you want more protection for your future finances, call us today at L & S Agency Inc in Buffalo NY to talk about an umbrella insurance policy.