Winter Heating Safety Tips: Lower Costs and Reduce Insurance Risks

When life throws unexpected challenges your way, your standard home and auto insurance might not be enough to cover all potential risks.

That’s where umbrella insurance steps in — offering an extra layer of financial protection. At Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group, we help individuals and businesses find the right umbrella insurance policy that fits their specific coverage needs and provides peace of mind.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a type of personal liability coverage that extends beyond your existing auto, homeowners, or renters insurance policies. It helps protect you when the limits of your primary policies are exceeded, covering things like bodily injury, property damage, and certain legal costs.

For example, if you’re found responsible for a major car accident or a serious injury on your property, your standard policy might not cover the entire claim amount. Umbrella insurance fills that gap, ensuring you’re not paying the remaining costs out of pocket.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

The right umbrella insurance policy provides broad protection for various situations, including:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Covers medical expenses and legal fees if someone is injured due to your actions.
• Property Damage Liability: Protects you if you accidentally damage another person’s property.
• Personal Liability: Extends coverage for libel, slander, or defamation claims.
• Legal Defense Costs: Covers attorney fees and court costs, even if a lawsuit is groundless.

Umbrella insurance does not typically cover your own property or personal injuries, but it safeguards your assets from large claims that could otherwise be financially devastating.

When Should You Consider Umbrella Insurance?

You should consider umbrella insurance if you:

• Own property or have significant savings or investments
• Have young drivers in your household
• Frequently host guests or events at your home
• Operate a small business or rental property
• Want added protection against potential lawsuits

Essentially, if you have assets to protect or risks that could expose you to liability, investing in the right umbrella insurance policy is a smart move.

How to Determine the Right Level of Coverage

Determining the right umbrella insurance policy starts with evaluating your total assets and potential risks. Consider your net worth, lifestyle, and liability exposure. Most policies start at $1 million in coverage and can be increased in increments, depending on your situation.

A professional insurance advisor can help assess your existing coverage limits, identify gaps, and recommend the right amount of umbrella protection to ensure you’re fully safeguarded.

Protect Your Future with Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

The right umbrella insurance policy can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your financial future. Whether you need coverage for personal or business purposes, Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group offers comprehensive insurance services tailored to your needs.

Contact Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group today to learn how we can help you find the right umbrella insurance policy and ensure complete peace of mind.

No one can predict when a disaster will strike, but preparation can make all the difference. Creating a solid family emergency preparedness checklist ensures that your loved ones stay safe, your home remains protected, and your financial security is intact. This guide walks you through key steps for readiness—from storing vital documents to reviewing your insurance coverage.

Step 1: Secure Important Documents

Start by organizing essential records such as identification, birth certificates, medical information, and insurance policies. Keep both digital and physical copies in waterproof containers. Make sure your homeowners insurance policies and life insurance coverage are up to date to protect your family’s assets and future stability.

Step 2: Review and Update Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance plays a crucial role in any emergency plan. Beyond basic home and auto coverage, consider adding umbrella insurance for added liability protection or disability insurance for individuals to maintain income if you can’t work after an accident. If you own a business, review general liability insurance or professional liability insurance to prevent financial strain during unexpected interruptions.

Step 3: Create a Family Communication Plan

During emergencies, communication can become chaotic. Establish a designated meeting point, ensure everyone knows emergency contacts, and have backup communication tools. Regularly review your plan so every family member knows exactly what to do in case of natural disasters or accidents.

Step 4: Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit

Include essentials like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, first aid supplies, and any necessary medications. Keep enough provisions to last at least 72 hours. Add copies of your insurance documents and emergency numbers inside your kit for easy access when needed most.

Why Work with Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

At Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group, we understand how crucial preparation and protection are for your peace of mind. With over 90 years of experience, we help families secure everything that matters most. Our team offers more than just personal insurance—we also provide employee benefits, executive risk insurance, and employment practices liability coverage for businesses and professionals.

We take pride in helping clients manage risk, plan ahead, and create customized coverage. From auto insurance to long-term care insurance planning, our advisors ensure your protection is complete. Let us help you strengthen your safety net before an emergency strikes. Contact us today to get started.

Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your insurance coverage. At Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group, our trusted advisors help clients review and adjust their policies to stay properly protected through every stage of life. Whether you’re getting married, buying a home, or starting a business, understanding how these life events affect your insurance needs is essential for ensuring lasting financial security and peace of mind.

Marriage and Combined Coverage

Marriage often brings shared goals, assets, and financial responsibilities. It’s a good time to review both partners’ health insurance options; sometimes, switching to a spouse’s plan offers better benefits or lower premiums. If you’re considering long-term planning, look into whole life insurance quotes to protect your partner’s financial future and start building cash value.

A health insurance broker can help newlyweds compare plans, ensuring that both partners receive the right level of coverage. Additionally, consider updating beneficiary designations on existing life insurance policies to reflect your new marital status.

Buying a Home: Protecting Your Biggest Asset

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you’ll make. That’s why securing a home insurance quote is essential. Homeowners insurance protects your property against damage, theft, or liability. It’s wise to compare multiple options through a trusted agency to ensure the policy aligns with your home’s true value and your financial comfort.

At this stage, many homeowners also reevaluate their life insurance coverage, ensuring that, in the event of an unexpected loss, their mortgage and other obligations are covered.

Having Children: Expanding Your Protection

Starting or growing your family means increased responsibilities and future planning. A key part of that is ensuring financial security through whole life or term life insurance policies that provide lifetime coverage and benefits.

Health coverage also becomes more important than ever. A health insurance broker can help you explore comprehensive plans that cover maternity, pediatric, and family health needs.

Starting a Business: Safeguarding What You Build

Entrepreneurship introduces new risks and responsibilities. From liability to property protection, business owners must ensure both personal and professional assets are properly covered. Reviewing your insurance needs at this stage helps prevent financial setbacks.

When starting or expanding a business, consider key coverages such as:

• Business owner’s policy (BOP): Combines general liability and property insurance to protect your operations and assets.
• Professional liability insurance: Covers claims of negligence or errors in professional services.
• Commercial auto insurance: Essential if your business uses vehicles for deliveries, travel, or transport.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: Provides coverage for employee injuries or illnesses sustained on the job.

If you’re transitioning from a corporate job, it’s also wise to reassess your personal insurance, such as health, disability, or life insurance, to ensure continuous protection while your business grows.

Stay Protected Through Every Chapter

Major life events are milestones worth celebrating, but they also call for thoughtful insurance planning. Reviewing your policies regularly ensures your protection matches your current lifestyle and goals.

Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group provides comprehensive insurance services, from home insurance quotes to life insurance for seniors. Contact us today to speak with an experienced insurance broker and make sure your coverage keeps pace with life’s biggest moments.