When – and Why – You May Need Umbrella Insurance

 
Living in a busy world, our lives constantly intersect with the people around us, and some interactions can have surprising consequences. It is increasingly important to make careful insurance choices to protect yourself from the unexpected. Because, even if you carry excellent coverage with high limits, situations can still arise that leave you liable for costly damages exceeding what any single policy can cover.
This is where umbrella insurance comes in. An umbrella policy sits over other policies, such as home insurance, auto, boat, etc., and provides additional liability coverage if the underlying policy maxes out during a claim. Here are a few cases when an umbrella policy is essential:

1. Passenger Injuries
   Driving around with friends, it can be easy to get distracted and go a little too fast. If an accident occurs and passengers are seriously injured, medical expenses can add up quickly – potentially totaling more than what an auto policy would cover. Without an umbrella policy, any liability expenses beyond the auto policy limits may be the driver’s responsibility.
    
2. Social Media Mishap
   With so much communication happening on social media, conversations with friends are now in the public eye. Picture a teenager getting angry at a teacher – no stretch of the imagination there – and venting online. Depending on what’s said, the teacher may decide to sue the student’s family for personal injury after the blow to his/her reputation. Cases like these have paid more than half a million dollars, far beyond the standard liability limit on a home policy. An umbrella policy may step in to cover the rest of the claim.
    
3. Dog Bites the Neighbor
   Responsible dog owners take the time to train and socialize their pets. However, even breeds that aren’t typically associated with aggressive behavior can suddenly act out, despite our best efforts. If a pet badly injures a neighbor, between medical bills and future disability, the cost can go into the millions. Most home insurance policies top off at less than $500,000 in liability coverage, leaving a huge gap.
    
4. Faulty Furnace
   Being a landlord is tricky business. Even with the most responsible management, rental properties can be a minefield of possible claims. If a furnace starts malfunctioning, a tenant may sue for brain damage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. While all landlords should maintain their property and make repairs as needed, having a safety net in case of a major liability claim is equally important.

While most people don’t stop to think about everything that can go wrong, insurance professionals very often see the worst case scenarios, such as the examples above. I know they sound like horror stories, but, trust me, they can be a lot worse if you don’t have enough coverage in place. So, work with your independent agent to select the insurance you want to help protect yourself and your family in these and plenty of other scenarios.

                                 Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                            Serving Florida since 1964

Disaster Planning for Pet Owners

Animal Emergency Response Tips

 

A safe home, a regular routine, a soft bed – the things that bring you comfort bring your pet comfort, too. Which is why it’s so important to give some advance thought to how you’d handle your pet responsibilities during and after a disastrous storm or other event.

Your family emergency plan should include considerations for Fluffy or Fido. Not just so they’re comfortable, but so they’re safe, too. With National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day coming up on May 8, here are some emergency planning tips for families with pets:

Prepare Now so You and Your Pet Are Ready Later

• Make sure your pet has ID. Always have your home address and/or phone number on a tag attached to your pet’s collar – or printed on the collar itself. You might also consider having a microchip implanted in case those tags fall off.
   
• Keep a current photo of your pet handy. This is important for identification purposes in the event there’s no microchip or tags. If you really want to be prepared, create a “Lost Pet” flyer and keep a few printouts in your emergency kit.
   
• Identify shelters or hotels that accept pets. Keep a list of their phone numbers and addresses, and include your local boarding facility’s number in case you need to drop off your pet. You could also create a list of friends or family outside the area who can host you and your pets.
   
• Think security. It’s a good idea to have a secure carrier or harness so pets can’t escape if they panic.
   
• Create a separate pet emergency kit. You should have emergency supplies for you and your family — don’t forget your animal friends! Canned or moist food is best for them, as it can reduce their need for water. Other things to include: blankets, bottled water, pet medical supplies, vet records, an extra collar and leash, food dishes and other supplies specific to pet type (such as cat litter, etc.).
   
• Consider a buddy system. Talk with friends and neighbors and create a plan to help each other care for pets during emergencies. If one of you isn’t home when disaster strikes, the other agrees to see to the animals’ needs for care or evacuation. Be sure to discuss where to meet after an evacuation.

See to Your Pets’ Needs During a Disaster

• Don’t leave pets outside or tied up. They may become frightened and escape. And, remaining outside can put them at greater risk of harm.
   
• Separate dogs, cats and other animals. Even if they normally get along, stressful situations can lead to irrational behavior.
   
• Have more unique pets, such as birds? Talk to your veterinarian about their specific needs in emergencies.
   
• Keep a supply of newspapers. If your pets cannot go outside, you’ll need to create space indoors for them to … well, you know. Protect those areas with newspapers, towels or other items.
   
• If at all possible, do not leave your pets behind if you need to evacuate. If you must, however, confine them to a safe area inside your home with access to plenty of food and water. Even leave the toilet seat up in case their other water runs out. And, it’s a good idea to leave an easily seen sign detailing how many pets are in the house, and how you can be reached.

Continue to Be Cautious Once It’s Over

• Watch your pets closely. They may still be frightened, even days after a disaster. And, even familiar areas may have changed, so keep them on leash and stay close. Remember, there may be downed power lines or other hazards still present.
   
• Evaluate how things went. Could your emergency plan have been better? Are there things you wish you had included in your pet’s disaster kit? Do you need to research more shelters and other facilities that will accept pets? Now’s the time to do it — before the next emergency.
• If you’re like most people, you consider your pets part of the family. Including them in your plans, and taking steps before a disaster strikes, will make it easier to keep the whole family together.
  
  

  Pets and Liability Coverage

  As a pet parent, you’re responsible for the everyday and emergency needs of your furry, feathered or scaly friends. But, you’re also responsible for their behavior. Bad pet behavior can cause severe injuries, potentially leaving you liable for other people’s medical bills, property damage, legal expenses and more. Would the liability coverage on your homeowners policy come to your aid?

                            Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

 

Serving Florida since 1964