Most of us have auto, home, and life insurance, but having protection against a catastrophic liability claim is often overlooked.
Would you have enough coverage if something like this happened to you?
A jury awarded $900,000 to the estate of a 43 – year – old father that died after an auto accident. The award was based in part on the father’s future earning potential.
While helping a friend paint his home, a 40 – year – old man fell and broke his heel. Although the homeowner was found only partially responsible, the fall cost him $1.2 million dollars.
An umbrella policy will provide you with an additional $1 million dollars or more of coverage over and above your underlying homeowner or personal auto limits. It can offer you an extra layer of protection against the possibility of a high jury award in a personal liability case.
It is especially important to purchase this type of policy if you have wages that can be garnished or assets that can be seized to pay a judgement.
It’s an inexpensive policy with extensive benefits! Contact your insurance agent or our office for more details.
A recent ad used by a popular insurance company tells you, “Only pay for what you need.”
Some of you might find yourself asking some good questions:
“What DO I need? How much insurance is enough? How much insurance is too much?”
In today’s economy, price is king. There will always be several insurance companies to choose from. There will always be a cheaper policy available, but you should know first what you are paying for.
When shopping insurance, especially online, it’s pretty common to ask for an “apples – to – apple quote”, which means you want the same coverages you currently carry, only cheaper. But what is the significance of the coverages you currently carry? Do you have the same coverages since you were 18 and purchased your first policy? Your insurance coverage should reflect your current needs, and it’s very possible that your needs have outgrown your current coverage.
Do you really want an apples – to – apples quote?
When dealing with an experienced insurance agent or risk manager, you should be asked some tough questions like, “Do you have the assets to protect yourself from a million dollar lawsuit over a car accident?Does your policy coverage uninsured drivers?”
Protecting your family from the unknown is exactly what insurance is for, and if you are choosing not to consistently reassess your insurance needs, you may be missing the big picture.
Insurance is a two-way street, and you should be asking your agent tough questions as well. You should ask your agent, “Why did you select these coverages for me? How would you handle a claim? “Why should I choose your agency?”
Build a relationship with your insurance agent.
In the long run, developing a relationship with your agent will pay off far better than saving a few dollars every month. But if you do not feel that your current insurance needs are being met, or if your agent is unable to explain why your coverages are sufficient, please contact Castle Insurance for a comprehensive risk assessment.
In the summertime, we see lots of thunderstorms and hail in Central Kentucky.
What should you do if your home or car is damaged during a storm?
Stay safe? Wait until the storm has passed before you inspect the damage.
Take steps to protect your property. Maybe you need to spread a tarp over a section of the roof. Maybe you need to pick up shingles in the yard.
Contact your insurance agent. Many times, the damage done to your shingles isn’t a large enough amount of money to file a claim when you factor in your deductible.
Get an estimate to see how much the repairs will cost you.
If your car is damaged by hail or a fallen tree limb, you will need to have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy. Have a discussion with your insurance agent to be sure you can get the damage repaired. Again, get an estimate to see how much the repairs will cost you.
Your agent is there to help you in the case of a weather event that causes property damage. Reach out to get advice, after the danger of the storm has passed.
It seems that the more I try to avoid hitting a pothole, the more likely I am to actually hit it. I immediately cringe and hope I didn’t just destroy my rim, wheel, or tire! Sometimes, especially at night, it is really difficult to see one, but the unmistakable huge bump and scrape lets you know what just happened.
How does your insurance carrier handle claims regarding potholes? Insurance companies will consider this a collision-type of claim and it will show as an at-fault claim on your claims history.
What should you do if you hit a pothole?
Be sure the car is safe to drive. Your steering may be impacted or you may get a flat tire.
Get an estimate on the repairs to fix the damage done to your wheel.
Depending on your deductible, you may want to fix the damage without filing an insurance claim.
Always discuss claim situations with your agent. They are there to assist you as needed!
