Do I Need an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

  
Umbrella insurance policy

The umbrella insurance policy isn’t as well-known as your Home Insurance or Auto Insurance options, but it should be considered another important coverage to add to your insurance portfolio.

The entire idea behind an umbrella policy is to try to cover you for the extra liability coverage you may need if your policy limits have been exhausted. Some insurers may also have umbrella packages that offer additional coverage for some of the exclusions in your home insurance liability. This can offer you and your family a greater peace of mind to know that you done everything possible to protect yourselves in the event you are found liable.

What is an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

The umbrella policy is there to provide coverage that goes beyond the liability limits of your home and auto insurance packages. This unique type of coverage is specifically designed to protect you against liability claims (lawsuits) that go beyond the capability of your home or auto insurance limits.

An umbrella policy will only respond once you have fully exhausted the liability limits on your other insurance packages. The extra liability coverage from your umbrella policy will help ensure that you are not paying out of pocket for the excess settlement or defense costs that go beyond your policy limits.

Most umbrella policies are simply an extension of the liability afforded under your home or auto insurance; however, some may have additional options such as coverage for libel, invasion of privacy, vandalism, and slander. It is always suggested that you check with your insurance provider about the coverage offered with your specific umbrella policy or offered quote.

Fast Facts on Umbrella Policies

  • It covers the policyholder and their family in the household.
  • To have an umbrella policy you need to have a home and/or auto insurance policies first.
  • Your umbrella policy does not respond until you have exhausted your current liability limits.
  • An umbrella policy does not cover your belongings. The policy is designed to cover you for liability, defence costs, and damage or injury to other people or their belongings.

Who Needs an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

An umbrella policy is beneficial to anyone in today’s every increasing litigious world. Canada has seen an increase in the number of lawsuits over the last decade and it does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. If you are in a position where you could be more susceptible to lawsuits, the low cost of an umbrella policy could save you from having to pay out of pocket for any larger lawsuits.

Examples of people who should consider an umbrella policy:

  • Landlords (personal lines rented dwelling)
  • If you have potentially dangerous activities on your property that others use
    • Trampoline
    • Pool
    • Playground Equipment
  • If you are involved in activities where you may injure other people.
  • Sport coaches
  • If you believe you could be a potential lawsuit recipient due to your financial or social standing.
  • Post online reviews frequently

The Wrap Up

As you can see above, the umbrella insurance policy would be beneficial to a lot of people. The costs of an umbrella policy are usually significantly less than your current home insurance costs. Give us a call today to get a quote to see if this is the type of extra coverage that you can afford to ensure your families stability in the face of uncertainty.