The basic coverage for personal liability in standard homeowners, rental, and auto insurance policies often will not cover high losses of court awarded damages. Additional personal liability insurance will add a higher level of protection. This additional policy forms an umbrella because it covers protection above and beyond standard homeowners and auto policies.

Additional costs will vary with insurance companies, but usually average from $200 to $300 a year for additional protection of 1 million dollars. This coverage may insure automobiles, boats, homeowners, and renters insurance. Most insurance companies require basic insurance of $100,000.

The insured should ask the following questions:

1. How much do I have to lose?
2. What is the monetary total of my assets?
3. How much would legal fees cost me?
4. Are umbrella personal liability policies which cover one million dollars or more worth the extra premiums? Most insurance advisors recommend that they are.

Rate yourself and your family:

Are you careless?
Do you own a pool or an active recreation room?
Do other people work in your home?
Have accidents occurred in your home?
Add to this list of possible personal hazards.

If you answered yes to any question, you need additional protection of the umbrella liability insurance policy. Don?t forget to buy additional auto insurance.

Study liability insurance on the internet or consult your insurance needs with a reliable agent. The internet has many clear, illustrated paragraphs of available types of policies. Individuals may study thousands of agents and companies, have questions answered, and purchase all types of insurance policies online from the leading insurance companies of the world.

Do not risk future financial disaster because you failed to act by saying, ?It can?t happen to me. I don?t need extra coverage.? The coffee table in your living room that you gingerly step around could cause a house guest to topple over. Another friend on an overnight stay slips on the staircase as she is on the way to the kitchen to get a cup of warm milk. These people might not be injured, but it is possible.

If anyone has an accident in your home or on your grounds, they could be severely injured. That is when you are in dire need of a personal umbrella policy. The insured needs to evaluate all possible situations that could lead to a major loss.

Remember personal liability insurance does not cover any business whether it is operated in the home or at an independent location. They are separate entities. The insured needs business insurance to cover any losses. Umbrella policies are available to cover the insured?s business.

If you still have doubts, get assistance from a certified public accountant who does not make a commission on insurance sales, but charges for the office visit and the advice. Also, and very important, take the time to read every word of your policy, and if you don?t understand it: ASK QUESTIONS.