One million dollars is the minimum amount of coverage for an Umbrella policy. However, insurance companies usually offer these types of insurance policies in million dollar increments and often go up to $5 million or $10 million. Some companies that target high net worth individuals might offer up to $50 million or more in coverage. Most people who purchase an Umbrella policy choose the $1 million dollar amount, but many choose $2 million dollars or more. A rough estimate of what it costs for the first million is about $200 to $250 a year, but can be higher if you have more than two cars, young drivers, or points on your record. Although each incremental amount above the first million is slightly less, increments exceeding $10 million can be higher.
The more coverage you have, the more bullet proof you will be if you become liable for a catastrophic incident. One of the best aspects of this coverage is that it’s very inexpensive. It’s important for those considering this type of insurance to avoid cutting corners. Shortcuts cannot be afforded when all accumulated assets from an entire lifetime are in question. Some believe that all they need is coverage for whatever their net worth is, but settlements and judgments can go beyond someone’s assets because damages are never limited to someone’s net worth.
It’s also important to protect future wages from garnishment. The future income of an individual who doesn’t have ample coverage can also be jeopardized. If the person who is injured earns a considerable amount of money, that individual is more likely to be a target of the best liability attorneys.
Although $1 million might appear to be more than enough coverage, the total cost of liability claims can multiply quickly. In today’s world, $1 million isn’t much. It’s not unusual to read in the news of settlements of well over $5 million. Losing the ability to earn an income and facing a lifetime of injuries or medical care can easily total several million dollars over a lifetime, not to mention situations where multiple people are injured, which would multiply the total damages. It’s important to consider what amount would be acceptable for various conditions. For example, ask yourself how much you would settle for if you were paralyzed and unable to work the rest of your life.
Anyone who has something to lose should have at the very minimum a $2 million Umbrella, but if you really have a lot to lose and don’t want to gamble with your life’s wealth, your options are at least a $5 million policy, if not more. Discuss this valuable coverage with one of our agents.
