In 2013, the U.S. had a record 9.0 million millionaires, down from a
peak of 9.2 million in 2007. An increase in personal wealth may bring
greater financial flexibility; it may also bring greater liability.
Individuals with high net worth, or those who are perceived to have high
net worth, may be more likely to be sued. And personal injury claims
can reach into the millions.1
Umbrella liability insurance is designed to put an extra layer of protection between your assets and a potential lawsuit. It provides coverage over and above existing automobile and homeowner’s insurance limits.
For example, imagine your teenage son borrows your car and gets in an accident, seriously injuring the other driver. The accident results in a lawsuit and a $1 million judgment against you. If your car insurance policy has a liability limit of $500,000, that much should be covered. If you have additional umbrella liability coverage, your policy can be designed to kick in and cover the rest. Without umbrella coverage, you may be responsible for paying the other $500,000 out of pocket, which could mean liquidating assets, losing the equity in your home, or even having your wages garnished.
Umbrella liability insurance is usually sold in increments of $1 million and generally costs just a few hundred dollars a year. It typically covers a broad range of scenarios including bodily injuries, property damage caused by you or a member of your household, even libel, slander, false arrest, and defamation of character.
Deciding whether liability coverage is right for you may be a question of lifestyle. You might consider buying a policy if you:
This is a simplified description of coverage. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of applicable insurance policies. Please refer to actual policy documents for complete details regarding coverage.
Umbrella liability insurance is designed to put an extra layer of protection between your assets and a potential lawsuit. It provides coverage over and above existing automobile and homeowner’s insurance limits.
For example, imagine your teenage son borrows your car and gets in an accident, seriously injuring the other driver. The accident results in a lawsuit and a $1 million judgment against you. If your car insurance policy has a liability limit of $500,000, that much should be covered. If you have additional umbrella liability coverage, your policy can be designed to kick in and cover the rest. Without umbrella coverage, you may be responsible for paying the other $500,000 out of pocket, which could mean liquidating assets, losing the equity in your home, or even having your wages garnished.
Umbrella liability insurance is usually sold in increments of $1 million and generally costs just a few hundred dollars a year. It typically covers a broad range of scenarios including bodily injuries, property damage caused by you or a member of your household, even libel, slander, false arrest, and defamation of character.
Deciding whether liability coverage is right for you may be a question of lifestyle. You might consider buying a policy if you:
- Entertain frequently and serve your guests alcohol
- Operate a business out of your home
- Give interviews that may be published
- Employ uninsured workers on your property
- Drive a lot of miles or have teenage drivers
- Live in a manner that gives the appearance of wealth
- Have a dog, especially if the breed is known to be aggressive
- Own jet skis, a boat, motorcycles, or snowmobiles
This is a simplified description of coverage. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of applicable insurance policies. Please refer to actual policy documents for complete details regarding coverage.
He Earned, She Earned
In North America, 63% of millionaires are men while 37% of millionaires are women.
Chart Source: The Wall Street Journal, June 22, 2011; most recent information available.
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