10 Actual Claims On A Personal Umbrella Policy
Example Claim # 1: A babysitter left a 5 month old infant unattended in a walker. The infant toppled the walker, struck her head on the floor and suffered brain damage. The parents of the infant sued the
teenage babysitter and her parents. The court awarded the infant’s parents $11,000,000.
Example Claim # 2: An insured’s daughter hated math class as well as the teacher. The daughter made several
“disparaging” and false remarks about her teacher online. The teacher sued the parents for personal injury and $750,000 was paid.
Example Claim # 3: The insured’s 18 year old son was driving the insured’s car on a short trip to the store with his girlfriend. He lost control of the car and struck a tree. The insured’s son told the police that a vehicle cut him off, but there were no witnesses and no evidence of any impact with another car. His girlfriend, a 19 year old college student, was hospitalized for over a month with multiple fractures and internal injuries. She was in a wheelchair but is now able to walk with crutches
and continues with physical therapy. She has a right drop foot as a result of the injuries. The
insured’s personal umbrella policy limit was paid.
Example Claim # 4: A 28-year old engineer dove into a friend’s above ground swimming pool struck his head on the bottom and, as a result became a quadriplegic. He sued both the homeowner and the pool manufacturer. The court found the homeowner to be 60 percent responsible and the pool
manufacturer to be 40 percent responsible, and awarded $10,000,000.
Example Claim # 5: The insured’s tenant claims she became ill from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a faulty furnace. The tenant claimed permanent brain damage and demanded $750,000.
Example Claim # 6: A teenager, who was destined for greatness as a softball player, filed a $700,000 lawsuit against her former coach, alleging his “incorrect” teaching style ruined her chances for an athletic
scholarship.
Example Claim # 7: A hillside on the insured’s property was covered with concrete to prevent erosion. The concrete had been installed before the insured purchased the property. Approximately 5 feet of the concrete fell to the neighboring property knocking the claimant’s home from its foundation. The
resulting claim was settled for $970,000.
Example Claim # 8: The insured permitted several of her children and their friends to play paintball in her large back yard. The children were experienced and advised of all the safety rules including the use of headgear at all times. A participant removed her headgear as she was leaving the field in order to better hear someone calling her name. The minor claimant was hit in the eye resulting in a
$475,000 settlement.
Example Claim # 9: The insured hosted a beach party for their daughter. One of the attendees found what was
believed to be an empty and discarded propane tank. The tank was thrown into a beach bonfire
and subsequently exploded resulting in severe injuries to several guests. A $20,000,000 claim
was filed alleging the insured failed to properly supervise the party.
Example Claim # 10: A couple hosted a party for their teenage children. They did not provide any alcohol, but it was
brought by some of the guests and was available. After leaving the party, one of the guests was
severely injured in an auto accident, and the injury was attributed to his consumption of alcohol.
This case went to the Wisconsin Supreme Court which decided that anyone who sells or furnishes
alcohol to a minor is responsible for the minor’s injuries as well as any injuries caused by the
minor. The opinion of the court was that the homeowners should have prevented the
consumption of alcohol by minors on their premises. Both the homeowners and personal
umbrella policies responded to this claim.
The above losses show the consequences of situations
that can quickly exhaust the liability limits of the underlying policies.
For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day, most people can purchase a Personal Umbrella Policy
with a limit of $1,000,000 possibly $2,000,000 or even $5,000,000.
Have you ever thought about the incredible risks people take doing the most ordinary activities? ... driving near a school, hiring out yard work... or (as ridiculous as it sounds to say) even allowing trick-or-treaters on your doorstep.
On a normal day, nothing happens.
But if something did go tragically wrong in any one of those situations ... you were at fault, and got sued ... you could be forced to pay a legal judgment not only from your current assets...
...but your future earnings too. Sued for money you haven't even made yet.
Most people don't know that. And here's the thing: regular insurance doesn't cover lawsuits like this, because the cost would be astronomical.
An umbrella policy, however, does cover the unknown—and will provide you with more protection from lawsuits (and the cost of defending yourself) than you'd think, especially for how little they cost.
If you want to look into covering this gap— tell me. I will put a quote together for you quickly.
Call or send us a quick text 585 563 6553
