How Major Life Events Can Impact Your Insurance Needs

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.

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.