Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist: Insurance & Safety Essentials

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.

When temperatures drop, keeping your home warm and energy-efficient becomes a top priority. The challenge is finding ways to save money on heating the home without increasing fire risks or costly insurance claims. Safe heating practices, proper maintenance, and adequate coverage can go a long way in protecting both your comfort and your finances.

1. Maintain and Inspect Heating Systems Regularly

Before winter arrives in full force, schedule a professional inspection of your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. A certified technician can identify leaks, faulty wiring, or worn-out parts that may lead to inefficiency or hazards. Regular maintenance not only improves performance but also helps prevent claims related to fire or smoke damage under your homeowners’ insurance policies.

2. Improve Home Efficiency to Reduce Heating Costs

Simple home upgrades can dramatically increase energy efficiency. Add weather stripping to doors and windows, seal air leaks, and ensure adequate insulation in your attic. Using a programmable thermostat can also lower energy bills by automatically adjusting temperatures while you sleep or are away.

For additional protection, consider equipment breakdown insurance, which covers costly repairs or replacements for systems that unexpectedly fail.

3. Prevent Carbon Monoxide and Fire Hazards

Carbon monoxide is a silent danger during the winter months. Install detectors in sleeping areas and near fuel-burning appliances. Clean your chimney annually to prevent blockages that could lead to fire. Homeowners with wood-burning stoves should dispose of ashes safely in metal containers.

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond standard homeowners or auto policies, offering broader protection if an incident causes injury or property damage. Similarly, if you own rental properties or multifamily housing, general liability insurance and commercial property insurance can safeguard your investments against heating-related mishaps.

At Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home and loved ones during winter. For over 90 years, we’ve helped families find the right homeowners’ insurance policies, umbrella insurance, and general liability insurance solutions to stay protected.

Winter brings challenges—but with us, you’re never unprepared. Let our team customize your coverage today. Contact Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group 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.