What is Umbrella Insurance Used For?

Sometimes, you just need to cover all your bases or add some extra coverage above and beyond standard policies. Thankfully, there is umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance is exactly what you expect it to be—a little coverage over your head in the event of a storm (which often happens in life). And because life can be unpredictable at times, you want to make sure that everything is covered to the fullest that is appropriate for you and your needs.

At Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX, servicing Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, we understand the need for something dependable that goes more than just standard coverage, and we can help you explore your coverage options. Just because the likelihood that you find yourself in a drastic scenario, it is never impossible. And with the ever-changing world we live in, it can be comforting to know that you are protected when life throws a wrench in the mix.

Umbrella insurance policies can be greatly beneficial. Speaking with a Thompson Insurance Services agent can help you find out if you would be best served by getting an umbrella insurance policy. Here are some of the benefits of umbrella policies:

Extending Coverage:

  • Property damage: in the event of extensive damage to your car or home in an accident or disaster, your standard insurance policy may not cover the liability or the cost of repairs
  • Bodily injury: homeowner’s insurance can be exhausted quickly if there is a serious injury to you, your family, or any guests on the property
  • Landlord liability: if you own property and rent it out to tenants, you can be held liable for any injuries they sustain on the property. Umbrella insurance can protect you against the extensiveness of your liability

Legal Coverage:

  • Slander/Libel: umbrella insurance can help you cover liability if there is litigation against you for any abusive or implicating statements made to another individual in terms of their character
  • Malicious Prosecution/Intention lawsuit: umbrella insurance can help financially if you find yourself in a pickle with a case against you for malicious prosecution

Covering Others:

  • Animal attack: If your dog, cat, or other household pet seriously harms another individual, umbrella insurance can help cover you from paying everything out of pocket
  • Harm to another: any physical altercations or well-intended acts gone wrong (food poisoning, allergic reaction, etc.) can be covered with the help of umbrella insurance
  • Serious automobile situations: if there is a major accident, and you are at fault, umbrella insurance can help cover all harmed parties, or if someone under your care is arrested for driving under the influence, umbrella insurance can be helpful

 While umbrella insurance is by no means (or rarely) required to have, it is a nice little supplement to existing policies. When life hands you lemons, we here at Thompson Insurance Services want to help you make lemonade. Umbrella coverage is handy to have in your back pocket if you find yourself in a sticky situation and your standard policy does not quite cover everything.

If you currently have an umbrella policy, it can be helpful to find out the exact extent of coverage. Your present umbrella insurance may not cover everything you need or want it to protect in the event of an emergency. If you find that your policy is not a good fit anymore, it may be time to update your coverage.

To find out more about umbrella insurance or to find the right policy for you, please do not hesitate to contact us at Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX. We service the states of Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, and are here to answer any questions you may have about umbrella insurance. One of our agents can help you explore coverage options and find the best policy for you.

Who needs renters insurance in Highland Village, TX?

Renting a home is nothing like owning a house where everything in the compound is under your protection. When renting a home in Highland Village, TX, tenants only have to worry about their personal belongings. That’s why many people often ignore the value of renters insurance. So should you buy renters insurance? Here are a few possible reasons you may need it.

If your landlord requires it?

Your landlord may buy insurance to protect the entire building but not your personal space. For this reason, they might require you to buy your own renters insurance to protect your property and their investment. Most landlords in Highland Village, TX will not allow you to rent their property without proof of insurance.

For more liability coverage

Depending on where you live, you might want to consider more liability coverage in your policy. Renters insurance comes with liability coverage designed to protect you financially if someone gets injured in your home and decides to sue you for the injuries. At Thompson Insurance Services, we recommend having personal property coverage that equals the value of your belongings.

If you travel often

The majority of tenants in Texas prefer to rent apartments because they travel frequently. If you have valuables in your rented apartment, you might want to protect them if something happens when you are away. Renters insurance protects your personal belongings up to the covered limit.

Can help pay for additional living expenses

Nobody knows tomorrow. If one day you woke up and went to work only to come back and find your home destroyed by fire or a covered peril, your renter’s insurance is all you need to get back to normalcy. The insurance company will pay for temporary accommodation while they find you somewhere safe and comfortable to stay.

It’s never too late to protect what matters to you most. Thompson Insurance Services cares about your insurance needs. Call us for a warm discussion about renters’ insurance.

What is umbrella insurance and what can it do for me

Insurance is designed to offer protection from a variety of different risks. Many types of insurance offer a liability component. Liability insurance offers protection against claims filed against you for medical expenses, physical damage, pain and suffering, and more. At Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX, we are a family-owned and operated independent agency. We understand the benefits of umbrella insurance and will gladly discuss the reasons why it can help to protect you and your family. 

Umbrella insurance is a form of liability insurance called excess. It can be added to any policy that already has liability coverage. It is not a policy you buy without already having some form of liability coverage. Some policies that have this coverage include auto, home, commercial, boat, and motorcycle policies. You may not have paid a lot of attention to the amount of liability protection you carry on the policies you have. If your assets have increased since you purchased the policy, chances are you are under-protected. 

Picture an umbrella, the visual helps you see the coverage an umbrella policy offers. Your assets are represented by you under the umbrella feeling dry and protected. Without it, you would be out in the rain. In a society that encourages suing for any reason, it has become a necessity to protect your assets. A typical policy that provides liability protection likely has less coverage than you need to feel safe. An umbrella policy starts at 1 million dollars and goes up to about 5 million in additional liability protection. When your primary policy reaches its maximum, the umbrella policy picks up the coverage.  

At Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX, we want to help our customers to get the coverage that they need. Give us a call to set up an appointment for a consult and a no-obligation quote. 

Why should I get umbrella insurance?

There are a lot of important decisions that need to be made when you are looking for insurance. Those that are in the Highland Village, TX area should carefully consider their personal liability risks and determine if additional insurance is needed. For those that would like more personal liability coverage, getting umbrella insurance would be a great option. There are several reasons that someone should get this protection.

Ensures Enough Coverage

A reason that a lot of people will get umbrella coverage is that it can ensure that they will have enough coverage. When you have home or auto policies, you will receive a coverage limit. This is often going to be enough if you do cause an accident, but there are situations when damages could be higher. Due to this, you should seek additional coverage. With umbrella protection, the coverage will be on top of your base policies.

Covers More Risks

Home and auto policies will give coverage to offset most risks that people could incur. However, there are additional risks that may not be covered. To offset this, you should get an umbrella insurance policy. This type of insurance will cover a much wider blanket of risks that may not fall under your base policies. This will ensure you receive appropriate protection for risks that you may not even consider today. 

If you would like to learn more about umbrella insurance and are in the Highland Village, TX, you should reach out to the team at Thompson Insurance Services. Those that come to Thompson Insurance Services for their insurance needs will learn a lot about how this insurance can protect them. Based on this, you will be able to determine whether umbrella coverage is right for you and what you need to have included in your policy. 

Why should I get renters insurance in Texas?

When you are in the Highland Village, TX area, there are plenty of great housing options to consider. One option that you will have includes renting your home. If you are going to rent a property, it is very important that you consider your insurance needs. there are several reasons why you should get a renters insurance policy in this area of Texas. 

Protects Assets

One of the main reasons why you should get a renters insurance policy is that it can protect your assets. When you move into a new rental home, you are going to be bringing with a lot of personal items. If there is a fire, bad weather damage, or another incident that causes a loss, you could lose thousands of dollars worth of clothing, furniture, electronics, and other personal items. With a renters insurance policy, you can receive coverage for these items.

Required by Landlord

When you are going to move into a new rental property, it is very important that you read your lease to understand all of your obligations. One responsibility that you will have will include making sure that you are covered by insurance. A landlord will usually have specific renters insurance requirements in the lease and will often ask for evidence of coverage before the start of the lease term.

When you are looking for a renters insurance policy in the Highland Village, TX area, it is important that you work with someone that is experienced with this form of insurance. The team at Thompson Insurance Services can help you to build an insurance policy that is right for your situation and meet your needs. Thompson Insurance Services will ensure you have appropriate coverage for your personal belongings and also are in compliance with your lease. 

Who Should Have Umbrella Insurance in Highland Village?

If you live in Highland Village, TX, you may not have even heard about umbrella insurance. When it comes to taking care of your property and yourself, things like home insurance, life insurance, and auto insurance are likely what comes to mind. To clear things up for you, Thompson Insurance Services wants to give you a brief rundown of what it is and who usually has it. 

A Safety Net 

Umbrella insurance is a type of safety net that you use to supplement your other insurance. When it comes to things like home and auto, you have a duty to ensure that you’re keeping others safe. If you injure someone in a car accident or a guest is injured at your home, you might be held liable for damages. And of course, if you own a business, you need to account for accusations and reputation damage. 

But a standard policy has limits when it comes to how much it can help you. You can increase the coverage of course, but even that might not go as far as you’d like. Umbrella insurance will essentially activate when you’ve maxed out the limits on your other policy. 

Who Should Have It?

If you own property or a car in Highland Village, TX, it’s not absurd to consider the possibility of this kind of insurance. However, it’s often more sought after by those in prominent positions. The CEO of a major company or a community politician may be more likely to accused of wrong-doing and sued for fault. 

If you want an honest opinion about whether to protect yourself, Thompson Insurance Services can help. We’re here to explain how your policy works under real-life scenarios and what you can do to account for the unexpected.

Can I Install a Home Security System in My Apartment?

Residents of Highland Village, TX who live in apartments can enjoy the benefits of having a home security system installed in their home. The agents of Thompson Insurance Services are able to assist their clients in finding the right type of home security system to meet their needs.

DIY Systems

DIY home security systems are easy to install but provide efficient security measures to give you peace of mind. Most come with entry sensors for doors and windows as well as a keypad that allows you to control your system and any other "smart" devices you may have added to it.

Easy to Move From One Place to Another

With a DIY home security system, you can relocate your devices easily. Just take them down and reinstall them in your new home. There are no screws or hardware to deal with and the keypad is easy to reprogram once you have the system installed in your new home.

Self-Monitoring

Most DIY home security systems can be monitored through an easy to use app that is downloaded to your smartphone or tablet. Install the app and you can connect with your system from almost any location. With a DIY system, you are normally the one responsible for notifying the authorities in the event of an emergency.

The agents at Thompson Insurance Services offer their clients in Highland Village, TX sound advice when it comes to DIY home security systems. If you are renting an apartment, visit one of the agents today! They can re-evaluate your renter’s policy and help you decide if a home security system is something you could benefit from.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Protect Someone?

Most people in the Lewisville and Highland Village, TX area know how important it is to have proper personal liability insurance coverage. For many people, this means having a full home and auto insurance policy that gives necessary coverage. However, there are a lot of situations when someone could use additional umbrella insurance coverage. While it is not as common as other forms of insurance, umbrella insurance is beneficial as it can protect someone in a variety of different ways. 

Gives More Coverage

The main reason why people get umbrella insurance is that it provides more coverage than other forms of insurance. When you get umbrella insurance, it will provide you with liability coverage on top of what you already have. This means that if you are found liable for an accident where damages exceed your home or auto policy limits, your umbrella insurance policy will start to provide more insurance coverage. 

Covers for Unusual Situations

Another way that umbrella insurance will protect someone is that it will cover for unusual situations. Most people have some form of liability coverage through their home and auto insurance policies. While these are beneficial policies, they are not entirely conclusive when it comes to insurance coverage. An umbrella insurance policy gives coverage for a range of situations that are generally not covered by base policies. This provides anyone with more extensive liability coverage.

Choosing your umbrella insurance policy in the Lewisville and Highland Village, TX area is a big decision. Those that need a policy in this area should call the team at Thompson Insurance Services. The professionals here are experienced in helping people decipher their umbrella insurance needs. Based upon an initial assessment, Thompson Insurance Services can then help anyone find a policy that provides the right umbrella insurance coverage. 

When should someone get Umbrella insurance?

All people take on a certain amount of liability risk every day of their lives. Most people have some level of liability insurance risk through their home and auto policies. While this could be enough coverage for some people, there are situations in which other coverage could be necessary. For people in the Highland Village, TX area, there is a variety of situations in which getting additional liability protection through an umbrella insurance policy would be a good idea. 

They Need Additional Liability Coverage

Many people in the Highland Village area will benefit from an umbrella insurance policy because it will give them additional liability coverage. While you may have some liability coverage through your home or auto policies, this level of coverage may not be enough in all situations. When you get an umbrella insurance policy, you will receive additional liability coverage on top of your other policies.

Coverage for Other Situations

Another advantage of getting an umbrella insurance policy is that it can give you coverage for other situations that may not be covered by a normal liability insurance policy. In many situations today, people are taking on a lot more libel and slander risk than they realize. Often, this is not covered by base insurance policies. However, it would fall under the coverage of an umbrella insurance policy.

There are clearly several situations in which it would make sense to get umbrella insurance if you are in the Highland Village, TX area. If you are interested in getting umbrella insurance, speaking with the team at Thompson Insurance Services would be a very good option. The team at Thompson Insurance Services can help you find a policy that will give you the additional liability coverage that you need and that will provide you with a sense of security. 

The Importance of Inventorying Your Belongings When Buying Renters Insurance

At Thompson Insurance Services, serving Highland Village, TX, we recommend that everyone inventory their belongings when they are buying renters insurance. If you have never purchased renters insurance, you may be unsure of the importance of making a list of what you own and taking pictures of it. Here are two key reasons why it is recommended that you do so. 

Inventorying Your Belongings Shows What You Own

One of the key reasons why you want to inventory your belongings when buying a renters insurance policy is because it helps to show what you own. Anyone can say that they had a large television or fancy furniture if there home they are renting burns down. However, having an inventory list made and pictures helps to substantiate your claim. Second, if you need to file a claim, you may be overwhelmed. Having an inventory list can help remind you of everything that you had in the home, helping to ensure you claim everything with your insurance company. 

Inventorying Your Belongings Shows the Condition of the Items You Own

The second reason inventorying your belongings is important when buying renters insurance is because pictures can help to show the condition your belongings were in. An insurance company has to value the items they are replacing. Pictures help to show exactly what you had and the condition it was in, taking some of the guesswork out of coming up with a value. 

Inventorying your belongings can help you if you ever need to file a renters insurance claim. But prior to filing a claim, you first need to be covered. If you do not have renters insurance, or you are looking to buy a new policy in the greater Highland Village, TX area, we at Thompson Insurance Services can help you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your renter’s insurance needs with one of our agents.