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Are umbrella insurance policies even necessary for most people?

Posted on 2/3/24 at 10:16 pm
Posted by DiamondDog
Louisiana
Member since Nov 2019
10544 posts
Posted on 2/3/24 at 10:16 pm
I've started thinking I've been throwing money down the drain. $112/mo for $1MM.

My car insurance is already hefty. Think it's 500/500/500. If so happens I get in a bad accident, State Farm going to fight like hell to never let the limits hit the umbrella.

The chances of wage garnishment beyond my current policy limits are slim. Garnishment I hear only happens in rare cases anyway. Most PI firms wont pursue beyond known policy limits. Most people have hardly any insurance anyway.

My assets aren't near $1MM. What they gonna do? Seize my debt?

Maybe I should just start saving $112. Any insights?
Posted by meansonny
ATL
Member since Sep 2012
25568 posts
Posted on 2/3/24 at 10:30 pm to
quote:

My assets aren't near $1MM. What they gonna do? Seize my debt?


You aren't required to have $1M in assets in order to be sued for $1M.

That's not how plaintiffs determine their damages.

An attorney could give you better advice for what is worth their time.
If you own real estate in Georgia, I don't see why a plaintiff attorney would not go for a judgment.
Posted by TheWalrus
Member since Dec 2012
40435 posts
Posted on 2/3/24 at 10:38 pm to
My mom got in a car accident where she was at fault and the umbrella with State Farm was absolutely necessary.
Posted by gpburdell
ATL
Member since Jun 2015
1420 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 1:44 am to
I'd say you're getting ripped off. I pay $150/year for $1MM in umbrella coverage with Amica. I do have home and car insurance with them as well.

Posted by BamaCoaster
God's Gulf
Member since Apr 2016
5254 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 4:45 am to
quote:

$112/mo for $1MM


That is unreasonably high.
Mine for $2mil is $360/yr.

quote:

Garnishment I hear only happens in rare cases anyway. Most PI firms wont pursue beyond known policy limits.


This is not true. I was personally in a trial this week, and they are going after a friends wages.
Posted by MSTiger33
Member since Oct 2007
20366 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 6:02 am to
Per month? That’s insane. I have an additional $1M uninsured/$5M personal excess umbrella for $570 a year
Posted by baldona
Florida
Member since Feb 2016
20401 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 6:35 am to
Yep get some more quotes OP. That’s very high. Should be less than half that
Posted by kaaj24
Dallas
Member since Jan 2010
603 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 6:39 am to
My umbrella policy is relatively inexpensive through USAA.

Hopefully never need it but want my assets to be protected if something terrible should happen. I’ve been a saver my whole life.
Posted by BThibodeaux
Member since Jun 2005
110 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 7:02 am to
Conduct a bit of research to see if you live in one of the most litigious states in the country. Spoiler alert-Louisiana is second to Florida. You can always drive on the Interstate and evaluate the volume of personal injury attorney billboards. The answer may be more obvious than you realize.
Posted by jfw3535
South of Bunkie
Member since Mar 2008
4645 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 7:37 am to
1. As other have said, your premiums are ridiculously high and you need to shop around for something cheaper.

2. You asked a generic question as to "most people". The answer to that question is probably no, as most people are fairly judgment proof with little to no assets.

3. If you're question is specifically as to whether YOU should have an umbrella, that's a risk analysis you need to do for yourself. Insurance is just a mechanism to shift risk, so if you feel the risk of getting hit by an excess judgment is negligible and you're prepared to self insure in the event that happens, then dump your umbrella. If you like the relatively cheap (again, shop around) peace of mind an umbrella gives, then keep it.
Posted by BestBanker
Member since Nov 2011
17474 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 7:55 am to
quote:

Are umbrella insurance policies even necessary for most people?

For "most"? No.

All? Yes. $112 per month must be a typo.
Posted by OTIS2
NoLA
Member since Jul 2008
50093 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 8:23 am to
Depends on what you have and your risk tolerance for losing it. Your call.
Posted by Tiger Prawn
Member since Dec 2016
21856 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 8:26 am to
quote:

The chances of wage garnishment beyond my current policy limits are slim. Garnishment I hear only happens in rare cases anyway. Most PI firms wont pursue beyond known policy limits
Depends on what kind of income level we’re talking and the extent of the injuries.

Soft tissue injury or “injury” (wink wink) and the liable driver making $60k a year….the PI lawyer is probably just trying to get policy limits or as much as they can get a quick settlement for and move on.

Bad injuries that require multiple surgeries and the liable driver is a high earner? Now there’s juice to be squeezed beyond just the auto policy limits. And don’t forget that the other party’s health insurance is going to seek reimbursement for the medical bills for injuries you were liable for.
Posted by UltimaParadox
Huntsville
Member since Nov 2008
40832 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 8:43 am to
Most people the answer is no because they have no assets.

That being said as others have said 112 dollars a month is insane. You are getting ripped off
Posted by baldona
Florida
Member since Feb 2016
20401 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 10:10 am to
quote:

Most people the answer is no because they have no assets


Can’t you be forced into payments if you are sued? I know you can bankrupt but you can still be forced to pay right? It’s not only about protecting assets if you are in something like a high risk profession.
Posted by meansonny
ATL
Member since Sep 2012
25568 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 10:38 am to
quote:

Can’t you be forced into payments if you are sued?


That's a wage garnishment. And yes.

The biggest concern to me is real estate.
A bankruptcy could alleviate the debt obligation, but there are situations in Georgia where the lien still exists.
Check with an attorney about where the soft spots are with real estate and judgments.
Posted by Billy Blanks
Member since Dec 2021
3786 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 12:24 pm to
And isn't there something nuts where like you can't unload the RE liquidate to pay any judgdment?
Posted by DiamondDog
Louisiana
Member since Nov 2019
10544 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 4:02 pm to
I dont think you can purchase Umbrella apart from your main insurer can you?
Posted by SquatchDawg
Cohutta Wilderness
Member since Sep 2012
14162 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 5:13 pm to
#1 You’re paying too much.

#2 With the cost of vehicles, health care and liability claims you can blow through $500k in a heartbeat. A friend was involved in a multi car accident he the cost of vehicle physical damage alone was in excess of $200k.
Posted by achenator
Member since Oct 2014
2944 posts
Posted on 2/4/24 at 5:46 pm to
quote:

dont think you can purchase Umbrella apart from your main insurer can you?
I do. I have Allstate for car and Chubb for home. We were offered a policy through work with Chubb for addl liability. Me having the Chubb home insurance had nothing to do with it.
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