Posted by John Coyle on Fri, Apr 17, 2009
Umbrella insurance is not just something you need on a rainy day, but it’s also not usually something you think about when the summer sun is shining and the pool is glistening with cool, refreshing water. Pool party. Now that’s what you’re thinking. What better way to enjoy the Texas heat than with a rockin’ pool party full of barbecuing, swimming and children playing? That’s all fine and good, but another less fun aspect to planning the ultimate pool party is thinking about safety. No matter how nice, a pool or outdoor area is an accident waiting to happen. Pool-related injuries such as slipping or even drowning are more common than you think. Making sure your pool party is safe for all your guests is essential, but you cannot be everywhere at once. You need protection, but don’t count on Spider-Man.
You need an umbrella, but not one with polka dots. Tri-Star Insurance located in North Plano and servicing the McKinney, Frisco, North Dallas, Allen and surrounding areas, can equip you with an umbrella insurance policy that will keep you covered wherever you go. Umbrella insurance, or personal liability insurance, is a form of supplemental insurance that covers you in the event of an accident, which can result in untold damages or even a lawsuit.
For example, say you fall asleep at the wheel, or have a party where a guest gets hurt on your property. You as the homeowner will be liable for any damages. Your home or auto policy offers some liability, but it may not be enough. In the case that your other insurance policies’ liability limits have been exhausted, umbrella insurance takes over. If you don’t have any, then you may end up surrendering your personal assets to pay out a lawsuit. In some cases even wage garnishment is put into effect. Sounds scary, right? It’s not something to take lightly, especially if you are planning to have guests over for a summer pool party.
The agents at Tri-Star can get you a personal liability insurance policy tailored to fit your needs and your budget. As an independent insurance agency, Tri-Star Insurance is able to find the most competitive rates available by representing companies such as Travelers, Kemper, Hartford, Safeco and Germania. The difference between an independent agency and a captive agency such as Allstate or State Farm is that agents from a captive insurance agency can only offer consumers the rates of the companies where they are employed.
Safeguard yourself from potential pool mishaps by:
- Setting up a fence or barrier around the pool
- Never leave children under 15 unsupervised
- Do not let anyone swim alone
- Keep floatation devices in and around the pool
Keep your party safe and hoppin’ with umbrella insurance from Tri-Star Insurance. For more information about personal liability insurance contact John Coyle of Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. at 214-387-0600 or jcoyle@tristarins.com
Posted by Roger Harkins on Thu, Mar 27, 2008
Soon, families all over Texas will be loading up the boat and jet skis and heading out for weekends and vacations designed for sun and fun. In order to relax and relieve your stress, you need to know that your family is safe and protected. That means knowing you have the right kind of boat insurance on all your watercraft before you head off for your family adventure. You need an insurance agency that will work closely with you to plan for the best coverage in your boat insurance policy for your boat, water toys and, even more importantly, your family. In the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco areas, Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. can be reached at 214-387-0600 for all your boat insurance needs.
John Coyle, of Tri-Star Insurance, has been in the insurance business for nearly 20 years and specializes in serving customers in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco, TX.
Boat Insurance Required By Law
When it comes to insurance for your boat and personal watercraft, the place to start is with Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD.) This coverage is required by law and covers injuries and property damage in the event of an accident. Your BI/PD coverage will pay for medical costs and lost wages in the event of injuries and will pay for any property damage sustained in an accident.
Texas law requires that you carry at least a 20/40/15 boat insurance policy for BI/PD coverage on your boat. The 20/40/15 coverage translates to $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for any one person with a total of $40,000 bodily injury liability maximum for any one event and $15,000 property damage liability coverage.
Additional Optional Coverage
In addition to BI/PD insurance, there are several other types of coverage that you should consider for complete protection and coverage.
- Collision coverage- This option will pay for damage to your own boat from a collision with another boat, vehicle or other property. You choose a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins.
- Comprehensive Boat Coverage- This coverage will pay for damages to your boat that is caused by risks other than an accident. These risks include theft, fire, earthquake, flood and other events that are beyond your control.
- No Fault Coverage- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – PIP coverage is not required by law, but it can be a very important option for you and your family. PIP pays medical expenses for injuries resulting from a boating accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage- This option will cover your injuries caused by another boater who has no liability coverage or in the case of a hit-and-run accident.
Don’t let the high cost of repairs and medical bills add to your stress should you have an accident or other damage to your boat. Make sure that you have all the boat insurance coverage that you need to cover your damages, should you need it. The best way to make sure that you have the best boat insurance options for your unique situation is to speak to the insurance experts at Tri-Star Insurance. 214-427-7231.
Related Links
Insurance Learning Center
Phil Dill Boats
Texas Boat Safety