Taking out the right property insurance coverage might not be particularly high on your list of financial priorities and, compared with things like investment and estate planning decisions, questions about the language in your homeowners plan might seem barely worth considering. Even So, the more successful you are, the more detailed your asset-protection needs are going to be-and the more you have to lose. Suppose, for example, that in addition to your primary residence-a historic home-you also own a house at the beach and a condo in the city.
For example, let us assume that your properties are in 3 different states, the value of your collection of Abstract Expressionist paintings has risen quickly and you recently volunteered to serve as a director of of a charity. Virtually every aspect of this present situation could cost you dearly.
Insurance laws vary widely from one state to the next, different sorts of property require specialized coverage and art collections and other unique items may prove difficult to fully protect. Meanwhile, serving on the board of a non-profit organization might subject you to additional personal liability.
Protecting yourself and your family might mean buying additional coverage, although more insurance isn't necessarily the answer. Instead, it's important to review all of your needs, consider specialized policies or policy options and coordinate your insurance cover with other facets of your financial situation.
Here are 6 problems which could turn out to be extremely costly.
1. Leaving gaps in your homeowner's cover.
Any homeowner needs to look at their cover on a regular basis so as to keep up with rising replacement costs. But, insuring different kinds of property in different locales presents special challenges. If you buy insurance from more than one carrier you might be faced with several different limitations, rules, and policy renewal dates. For instance, the liability limit on the policy covering a second home might fall below the minimum on an excess liability plan designed to complement the insurance cover on your primary home and you could end up up being responsible for the difference.
2. Brushing Aside the unique characteristics of your property.
One of the perks of wealth is having the means to own wonderful homes but one of the drawbacks is that These might be difficult to insure adequately. Standard homeowner's coverage is not going to pay for the materials and craftsmanship needed to rebuild that 19th century showplace which you've lovingly restored. Coastal homes might well face hurricane damage, while a home in the mountains of California might be subject to wildfires or earthquakes.
3. Under insuring art and collectibles.
Ordinary homeowner's policies limit cover for the loss of hings like antiques, furs, and other valuables. And while you could arrange additional coverage, insuring for the true value of an art collection will usually mean purchasing a specialized plan which addresses several critical issues.
4. Forgetting to organize insurance for employees.
When an individual works for you or your family as, for instance, a nanny, landscaper or personal assistant you could have a liability for medical expenses and lost wages if that worker is hurt while at work. Various states require household employers to pay into a workers compensation fund while in other states this is optional. However, providing such insurance may be obligatory for ensuring your financial well being.
5. Neglecting your liability as a member of a board of directors.
Excess liability coverage could help protect you if you're sued as a director of a charity or, if you prefer to have more comprehensive protection, you might want to think about taking out special directors liability insurance.
6. Failing to get regular plan reviews and updates.
Your finances aren't static and neither are your requirements for insurance. The value of your art collection may rise, extensive home renovations may mean a sharp rise in the value of your property and the re-titling of assets as part of your estate plan or as a result of divorce, a death in the family, or the birth of a child might necessitate plan changes. Even lacking any major events, you will almost certainly need to carry out a comprehensive review of all your insurance coverage at least every two years.
For example, let us assume that your properties are in 3 different states, the value of your collection of Abstract Expressionist paintings has risen quickly and you recently volunteered to serve as a director of of a charity. Virtually every aspect of this present situation could cost you dearly.
Insurance laws vary widely from one state to the next, different sorts of property require specialized coverage and art collections and other unique items may prove difficult to fully protect. Meanwhile, serving on the board of a non-profit organization might subject you to additional personal liability.
Protecting yourself and your family might mean buying additional coverage, although more insurance isn't necessarily the answer. Instead, it's important to review all of your needs, consider specialized policies or policy options and coordinate your insurance cover with other facets of your financial situation.
Here are 6 problems which could turn out to be extremely costly.
1. Leaving gaps in your homeowner's cover.
Any homeowner needs to look at their cover on a regular basis so as to keep up with rising replacement costs. But, insuring different kinds of property in different locales presents special challenges. If you buy insurance from more than one carrier you might be faced with several different limitations, rules, and policy renewal dates. For instance, the liability limit on the policy covering a second home might fall below the minimum on an excess liability plan designed to complement the insurance cover on your primary home and you could end up up being responsible for the difference.
2. Brushing Aside the unique characteristics of your property.
One of the perks of wealth is having the means to own wonderful homes but one of the drawbacks is that These might be difficult to insure adequately. Standard homeowner's coverage is not going to pay for the materials and craftsmanship needed to rebuild that 19th century showplace which you've lovingly restored. Coastal homes might well face hurricane damage, while a home in the mountains of California might be subject to wildfires or earthquakes.
3. Under insuring art and collectibles.
Ordinary homeowner's policies limit cover for the loss of hings like antiques, furs, and other valuables. And while you could arrange additional coverage, insuring for the true value of an art collection will usually mean purchasing a specialized plan which addresses several critical issues.
4. Forgetting to organize insurance for employees.
When an individual works for you or your family as, for instance, a nanny, landscaper or personal assistant you could have a liability for medical expenses and lost wages if that worker is hurt while at work. Various states require household employers to pay into a workers compensation fund while in other states this is optional. However, providing such insurance may be obligatory for ensuring your financial well being.
5. Neglecting your liability as a member of a board of directors.
Excess liability coverage could help protect you if you're sued as a director of a charity or, if you prefer to have more comprehensive protection, you might want to think about taking out special directors liability insurance.
6. Failing to get regular plan reviews and updates.
Your finances aren't static and neither are your requirements for insurance. The value of your art collection may rise, extensive home renovations may mean a sharp rise in the value of your property and the re-titling of assets as part of your estate plan or as a result of divorce, a death in the family, or the birth of a child might necessitate plan changes. Even lacking any major events, you will almost certainly need to carry out a comprehensive review of all your insurance coverage at least every two years.
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