January is a month of fresh starts. New goals, new plans and ideally, a fresh look at how well your insurance coverage protects you and your family.
While many people focus on reviewing their home and auto policies at the beginning of the year, one of the most overlooked (yet most important) coverages is personal umbrella insurance especially during winter months when risks tend to spike.
Winter Storms Increase Liability Risks
Winter weather doesn’t just bring snow and ice—it brings added liability exposure.
Think about common winter scenarios:
- Someone slips and falls on your icy driveway or walkway
- A car accident caused by slick or icy roads results in serious injuries
- A fallen tree or ice-related damage leads to injury or lawsuits
- A multi-car accident exceeds your auto liability limits
Your homeowners and auto policies do provide liability protection—but those limits can be exhausted much faster than most people realize, especially when medical bills, legal fees, and lawsuits are involved.
That’s where an umbrella policy steps in.
What Is Umbrella Insurance?
A personal umbrella policy provides additional liability protection on top of your existing home and auto policies.
If you’re found legally responsible for injuries or damages and the claim exceeds your primary policy limits, your umbrella coverage can help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Legal defense costs
- Settlements and judgments
- Lawsuits stemming from auto accidents, property incidents, or personal liability claims
Most umbrella policies start at $1 million in coverage, and the cost is often far more affordable than people expect.
Why Umbrella Coverage Matters More Than Ever
Between rising medical costs, increased lawsuit activity, and unpredictable winter weather, liability claims are becoming larger and more common.
Without umbrella coverage, you may be forced to pay out-of-pocket or risk:
- Savings
- Investments
- Future income
- Personal assets
Umbrella insurance is designed to protect what you’ve worked hard to build.
January Is the Ideal Time to Review
The beginning of the year is a smart time to:
- Review your current liability limits
- Make sure your coverage aligns with your lifestyle and assets
- Account for changes like a new home, new drivers, higher income, or added risks
If you’re hosting guests, driving in winter conditions, or simply want peace of mind heading into the year ahead, now is the perfect time to check if an umbrella policy makes sense for you.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re unsure whether you have umbrella coverage—or if your current limits are enough—we’re happy to review your policies and walk you through your options.
Winter storms are unpredictable, but your protection doesn’t have to be.
Reach out to our team today to schedule a quick umbrella policy review and start the year confident you’re properly covered.