Umbrella insurance is valuable insurance for any business to have. It can be beneficial to the individual policyholder as well, particularly if you have many valuable assets. Umbrella insurance is commonly referred to as excess liability insurance and is, as the name suggests, a type of liability insurance. The CG Insurance Agency serving the area of Williamston, MI would like you to know about three benefits of this type of policy.
Excess Legal Liability
Umbrella insurance is there to protect you from a deluge of liability when your standard liability provisions in your primary policies are exhausted. An umbrella insurance policy is precisely what it sounds like. It is additional or excess liability insurance providing cover over and above your standard policies.
Broader Coverage
An umbrella insurance policy correctly worded could provide broader liability coverage than your underlying policies. It may also cover gaps that your standard commercial liability policies cannot. This is normally accompanied by a self-insured retention amount that is payable before the policy comes into effect.
Peace of Mind
Umbrella insurance may provide greater peace of mind when it comes to liability. One of the best ways to plan for the unexpected is to purchase insurance. It may help prevent enormous financial loss that could destroy your business or your personal life if you are not sufficiently insured. Umbrella insurance on a personal level can apply beyond the liability provisions of your homeowners and automobile policies. And, from a commercial perspective, it can sit above your general liability and employers’ liability policies.
Don’t delay. If you think you are inadequately covered for liability, then contact the people at the CG Insurance agency serving the area of Williamston, MI today and ask them to help you assess your needs and liability coverage.
If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.
In fact, according to a 2019 study conducted by Life Happens and LIMRA, which closely follows life insurance trends, nearly 50 percent of Americans say that they have no life insurance coverage at all, even though over two-thirds of Americans recognize the need to obtain it.1
Role of Life Insurance
Realizing the role life insurance can play in your family’s finances is an important first step. A critical second step is determining how much life insurance you may need.
Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.
Rule of Thumb
One widely followed rule of thumb for estimating a person’s insurance needs is based on income. One broad guide suggests a person may need a life insurance policy valued at five times their annual income. Others recommend up to ten times one’s annual income.
If you are looking for a more accurate estimate, consider completing a “DNA test.” A DNA test, or Detailed Needs Analysis, takes into account a wide range of financial commitments to help better estimate insurance needs.
The first step is to add up needs and obligations.
Short-Term Needs
Which funds will need to be available for final expenses? These may include costs of a funeral, final medical bills, and any outstanding debts, such as credit cards or personal loans. How much to make available for short-term needs will depend on your individual situation.
Long-Term Needs
How much will it cost to maintain your family’s standard of living? How much is spent on necessities, like housing, food, and clothing? Also, consider factoring in expenses, such as travel and entertainment. Ask yourself, “what would it cost per year to maintain this current lifestyle?”
New Obligations
What additional expenses may arise in the future? What family considerations will need to be addressed, especially if there are young children? Will aging parents need some kind of support? How about college costs? Factoring in potential new obligations allows for a more accurate picture of ongoing financial needs.
Next, subtract all current assets available.
Liquid Assets
Any assets that can be redeemed quickly, and for a predictable price, are considered liquid. Generally, houses and cars are not considered liquid assets, since time may be required to sell them. Also, remember that selling a home may adjust a family’s current standard of living.
Needs and obligations – minus liquid assets – can help you get a better idea of the amount of life insurance coverage you may need. While this exercise is a good start to understanding your insurance needs, a more detailed review may be necessary to better assess your situation.
1. Life Happens, 2019
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2021 FMG Suite.
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