Consumer Tips: Umbrella Insurance Can Shield You From These Four Risks

Do you have a teen driver? How about a swimming pool in your backyard? Most of us haven’t considered all the ways we are vulnerable to potentially costly lawsuits.

A personal umbrella policy offers an extra level of liability coverage over and above your automobile or homeowners policy. This insurance kicks in when your other liability limits have been reached.

For example, if your auto insurance has a $500,000 liability limit, but you’re involved in a catastrophic accident and are responsible for $1 million in medical bills, property damage and legal fees, a personal umbrella policy can cover the remaining $500,000, protecting your assets.

Here are a few situations that could put you at risk for a lawsuit. Consider a personal umbrella policy if any of them apply to you:

1. Having a young driver on your auto policy: Drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than older drivers to be in a catastrophic – and expensive – crash, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
2. Owning a swimming pool or hot tub: Pools with a slide or diving board significantly increase your risk.
3. Participating in high-risk recreational activities: Snow skiing, jet skiing or boating can all result in devastating accidents to others for which you might be liable.
4. Owning rental property: Consider protecting yourself from costly accidents at your property.

A personal umbrella policy (PUP) covers you for most liability claims that result from a covered accident involving your home, car, recreational vehicle or rental property. You’ll generally be protected up to the limits of your policy from bodily injury, property damage and personal injury damages such as libel or slander claimed by others.

To purchase a AAA personal umbrella policy you must have both your auto and home insurance policies with AAA. For more information, call your AAA insurance agent or insurance customer service, or visit your local branch.