“Insurance Is Interesting,” Said No One Ever
March 2, 2021Let’s talk about it anyway. When you think about financial planning, insurance might not be top of mind – or even come to mind. But managing wealth isn’t only about growing and preserving it – it’s also about protecting yourself from the financial harm that can be caused by incidents such as theft, damage to your property, or someone getting hurt in your home or by your vehicle.
One of the ways we support our clients at Modera is by addressing every aspect of their financial situation, including their insurance coverages. Here’s a look at just a few of the questions we ask to help make sure our clients are properly insured and connected to the company best suited to their needs.
What we ask: Do you have enough property insurance?
Why we ask it: We want to make sure that all your risks are appropriately addressed. All properties, all vehicles (including land, water, and air craft), and all assets (including jewelry, art, antiques, and furniture), should be covered for their full replacement value.
What we ask: Do you have an umbrella policy?
Why we ask it: If you’re ever sued for damages that amount to more than the liability coverages of your property or vehicle insurance, an umbrella policy can provide additional coverage that protects your savings and other assets.
What we ask: Has there been significant change in your life?
Why we ask it: Because if new property has been acquired; if there’s been a move; if a birth, a death, or a divorce has taken place, if you’ve inherited wealth; (and there are many other situations) your insurance coverage may need to adjust as well to cover those changes.
What we ask: Are you a board member for a nonprofit?
Why we ask it: If you serve on a nonprofit board, and there’s a lawsuit against the nonprofit, individual members could be held personally liable. Fortunately, there are special coverage provisions that can protect you.
What we ask: Have you ever changed your insurance company?
Why we ask it: If you’re still using the same insurance company you chose when you were first starting out, or you chose an insurance company because you felt the price was right, you may not be getting the coverage terms or the service you need now, especially if your wealth has grown.
When you’re a Modera client, we assess your insurance needs at the beginning of our relationship and review it every few years. We also remind you to let us know when and if changes occur in your life so we can help you to determine if your coverage needs to be updated to match your current needs.
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