Property and Asset Protection Insurance for Healthcare Providers
As the final chapter in our three-part series on insurance planning for healthcare providers, we discuss property and asset protection insurance. This kind of coverage safeguards both physical possessions and financial assets against potential threats, including lawsuits. Considering the liability risks inherent in the healthcare sector, understanding this type of insurance is crucial.
The Importance of Property and Asset Protection Insurance
Everything from your home and vehicles to your financial assets could be vulnerable without appropriate insurance coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2019, 5.8% of insured homes had a claim. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about six million auto accidents occur each year, resulting in significant liability claims. As a healthcare provider, your busy and often stressful work life shouldn't be exacerbated by worries about potential financial losses from property damage or liability issues.
Understanding Property and Asset Protection Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
This policy provides damage protection for your home and liability coverage in case someone gets injured on your property.
What to watch out for: Ensure your coverage is substantial enough to fully rebuild your home and replace all personal belongings in the event of a total loss.
Auto Insurance
Auto insurance offers coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and typically includes protection for uninsured or underinsured motorists.
What to watch out for: Beware of low liability limits. In case of an at-fault accident that results in a lawsuit, your coverage should be ample to protect your assets.
Umbrella Insurance
An umbrella policy extends extra liability protection by covering costs beyond the limits of your homeowners or auto insurance.
What to watch out for: Neglecting to have an umbrella policy can be financially damaging. A single lawsuit could swiftly surpass the limits of your home or auto insurance, endangering your assets. Furthermore, without enough coverage, your future wages could even be garnished.
Planning Tips and Things to Watch Out For
Understand Your Policies: Familiarize yourself with the extent of your coverage and spot any potential gaps.
Consider Bundling: You might save money by bundling your homeowners, auto, and umbrella policies with the same insurer.
Update Coverage as Necessary: Significant life changes such as purchasing a home, getting married, or welcoming a child, can shift your insurance needs. Regularly review your coverage to ensure it stays adequate.
Conclusion
For healthcare providers, securing adequate property and asset protection insurance is as vital as having appropriate professional liability insurance. It's always better to assess and amend your insurance coverage now, rather than confronting its inadequacies when a claim arises.
To continue reading our series on insurance planning for medical professionals, click here for our other pieces that delve into Personal Protection Insurance and Professional Protection Insurance.
Storybook Financial is a financial planning firm determined to help those that believe in the betterment of the world around them. As a fiduciary, our service promotes unbiased financial planning with an emphasis on young medical professionals and their families. We are constantly pushing for new ways to give back to the Cystic Fibrosis community. We are based out of Iowa City | Coralville Iowa, but we serve clients nationwide with our robust virtual presence. This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
Sources:
Insurance Information Institute: https://www.iii.org/
Homeowners Insurance: https://www.iii.org/article/what-covered-standard-homeowners-policy
Auto Insurance: https://www.iii.org/article/what-auto-insurance
Umbrella Insurance: https://www.iii.org/article/should-i-buy-umbrella-liability-policy