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.
Safeguarding yourself and your family could mean purchasing extra coverage, but more insurance is not always the best solution. Rather, it's important to review your needs, consider specialized policies and coordinate your cover with other facets of your financial situation.
Here are 6 problems which could turn out to be extremely costly.
1. Having 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 advantage of affluence is having the means to own great homes but one problem is that These could be difficult to insure adequately. Normal homeowner's coverage is not going to pay for the materials and craftsmanship that is needed to rebuild that late 19th century showplace that you have painstakingly restored. Coastal properties could face hurricane damage, while a home in the California mountains could be subject to wildfires or earthquakes.
3. Inadequate insurance for collectibles and art.
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. Omitting to insure employees.
When a person works for you as, for example, a nanny, landscaper or personal assistant you could be liable for medical expenses and lost wages if that worker is hurt while at work. Several states require household employers to pay into a workers compensation fund while in other states it's optional. All The Same, providing such insurance cover may be required for ensuring your financial health.
5. Neglecting your liability as a member of a board of directors.
Excess liability coverage might help protect you if you're sued as a director of a charity or, if you prefer to have more comprehensive protection, you may want to think about arranging special directors liability insurance.
6. Not getting regular plan reviews and updates.
Your finances aren't static and neither are your needs for insurance. The value of your art collection may rise, extensive home renovations may mean an increase in the value of your property and the re-titling of assets as part of your estate plan or because of divorce, a death in the family, or the birth of a child may necessitate policy changes. Even without any significant events, you probably need to carry out a review of all your insurance cover 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.
Safeguarding yourself and your family could mean purchasing extra coverage, but more insurance is not always the best solution. Rather, it's important to review your needs, consider specialized policies and coordinate your cover with other facets of your financial situation.
Here are 6 problems which could turn out to be extremely costly.
1. Having 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 advantage of affluence is having the means to own great homes but one problem is that These could be difficult to insure adequately. Normal homeowner's coverage is not going to pay for the materials and craftsmanship that is needed to rebuild that late 19th century showplace that you have painstakingly restored. Coastal properties could face hurricane damage, while a home in the California mountains could be subject to wildfires or earthquakes.
3. Inadequate insurance for collectibles and art.
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. Omitting to insure employees.
When a person works for you as, for example, a nanny, landscaper or personal assistant you could be liable for medical expenses and lost wages if that worker is hurt while at work. Several states require household employers to pay into a workers compensation fund while in other states it's optional. All The Same, providing such insurance cover may be required for ensuring your financial health.
5. Neglecting your liability as a member of a board of directors.
Excess liability coverage might help protect you if you're sued as a director of a charity or, if you prefer to have more comprehensive protection, you may want to think about arranging special directors liability insurance.
6. Not getting regular plan reviews and updates.
Your finances aren't static and neither are your needs for insurance. The value of your art collection may rise, extensive home renovations may mean an increase in the value of your property and the re-titling of assets as part of your estate plan or because of divorce, a death in the family, or the birth of a child may necessitate policy changes. Even without any significant events, you probably need to carry out a review of all your insurance cover at least every two years.
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