Shield Yourself with an Umbrella (Insurance Policy)

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Don't make the mistake of assuming you have nothing to lose. Shield yourself from life's liability situations with umbrella insurance.

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Liability lawsuits are not just a concern for famous people and large corporations.  Anyone could find themselves in a liability situation, and today’s lawsuit settlements often exceed the limits of traditional insurance policies.  Umbrella endorsements can be added to your existing policy, and will provide coverage where your other policy ends.  Still don’t think you need to be concerned? 

Consider the following liability “targets,” real-life lawsuits, and the corresponding settlements:

Do you own a dog?

• A 12-year old boy suffered lacerations to the lower legs and thigh when he walked by a neighbor’s house and was bitten by her two dogs. (Plaintiff Award:  $500,000)

Did you make a repair in your current home?

• A man improperly installed a diving board in his former home, which later resulted in a serious injury to the home’s new owner.  (Out-of-court settlement: $2,500,000)

Do you have a teenage driver in your house?

• A teenage driver hit a parked truck, causing his passengers to suffer serious head injuries. (Out-of-court settlement:  $1,250,000)

Do your children's friends come over to your house to play?

• A 6-year old boy suffered partial permanent impairment of one arm and hand while playing in a friend’s yard and being lifted over a fence to retrieve a ball.  (Compensatory Award:  $1,220,000)

Don’t make the mistake of assuming you have nothing to lose. 

Talk to your independent agent about adding umbrella coverage to your existing insurance policy.