Two Things You Should Know About Personal Umbrella Protection


When you're involved in an auto accident, there's a chance the damages and losses will exceed your policy limits. When that happens, you'll be personally responsible for paying the overage. One way to protect against that possibility is to purchase personal umbrella protection (PUP), which will kick in with additional $1 million or more in coverage once your standard policy has been exhausted. Before deciding to purchase this type of insurance, though, here are two things you should be aware of to help you buy the right coverage for you.

Mind the Gap Between Policies

Because personal umbrella protection only covers damages and losses that go above and beyond your regular auto insurance coverage, it usually has a high deductible. This deductible is typically set at an amount that corresponds to the upper limit of a regular policy (e.g. $300,000). Most personal umbrella protection policies require you to have a minimum of $250,000 in coverage with your regular auto insurance policy to prevent coverage gaps, but you may still end up with one if you're not careful.

It's important to read your policy to learn how much the deductible is. If you get $250,000 in auto insurance coverage but the PUP has a $300,000 deductible, you'll be responsible for paying the $50,000 difference plus whatever the deductible amount is for your regular auto policy. Be sure to make the proper adjustments to your standard auto insurance policy to eliminate any gaps in coverage.

There are Some Things the Insurance Doesn't Cover

Personal umbrella protection covers a wide range of damages, including bodily injuries, property damage, and even personal injury claims against you (e.g. defamation). However, there are a couple of things the policy won't pay for.

The first is punitive damages. This is money the court orders the defendant to pay as punishment for his or her actions. It's typically awarded in cases where the liable party's actions were so egregious, the court felt the need to financially punish the defendant to prevent him or her from engaging in the behavior again. You're more likely to be ordered to pay punitive damages if you intentionally hurt the other party or were grossly negligent. Regardless, PUP insurance won't cover this amount, so you'll have to pay it out of your own pocket.

PUP insurance also doesn't cover any claims arising from your business, even if it's run from your home. If you use your vehicle for company purposes, your regular auto policy likely won't cover any claims either. Instead, you must have commercial auto insurance for any vehicle used for business purposes.

To find more info about personal umbrella protection, contact an auto insurance provider. 

About Me

Streamlining Your Business

I have never been someone who has been a business expert, but one thing that I can say is that I learn fast. I started working when I was a kid, and over the years I have learned a lot about what makes a positive difference in business. I began focusing carefully on going through and streamlining my own work environment, and it really helped. I wanted to create a blog dedicated to business owners everywhere so that they can enjoy a happier, healthier business. Check out this website to explore business opportunities, tips for working more effectively, and information about getting along with other people.

Search

Categories

Latest Posts

2 July 2024
Wrought iron fences have long been a symbol of elegance and craftsmanship. Their intricate designs and timeless appeal make them an ideal choice for h

2 July 2024
Ensuring the smooth operation of a fleet can be a complex task. One crucial aspect that can significantly impact efficiency and productivity is fuel m

19 February 2024
When it comes to resolving complex issues, private investigation services often play a significant role. These professionals bring a unique set of ski

Tags