The Top Ten Insurance Myths You Need to Know

Learn why these insurance myths are inaccurate and find out answers to the top 10 insurance myths everyone should know.

Myth #1: Insurance Should be Bought and Used for Every Disaster

Insurance is designed to protect one from catastrophic disasters. An insurance rule of thumb: If you can pay for the loss or damage without a financial hardship then pay it, otherwise expect your insurance premium to eventually show an increase. Also, buying every type of insurance just isn't necessary. Sometimes the risk is worth taking rather than paying a premium.

Myth #2: If I am Alive, I Must Need Life Insurance!

Life insurance is designed to take care of one's dependants after the caregiver's death. If you have no dependants, then you probably don't need life insurance. This includes children and retired persons... usually they don't have people that depend on their income so life insurance for these groups can, in rare instances, be beneficial but is usually unnecessary.

Myth #3: I'm the Breadwinner in the Home, So Only I Need Life Insurance.

Have you seen the cost of childcare lately? Add that along with housekeeping, food preparation, home accountant, and school transportation. From that list alone one can see how much a spouse really contributes to the household budget. It is estimated a non-working spouse contributes at least, but usually more, the equivalent of a full time job. For this reason it is important to buy life insurance for everyone in the household if the absence of their income would cause a financial hardship.

Myth #4: Whole & Universal Life are the Best Since I Can Get My Money Back

Term life insurance is probably the best choice for most. Term life is set for a specific term, like 10-30 years, with a much lower premium than whole and universal life. Your best bet? Buy term life and invest the premium difference in a retirement account.

Myth #5: Flood Insurance is Only for People Who Live in a High Risk Area.

Everyone who lives in a National Flood Insurance Program area is eligible and can buy flood insurance. These areas are not always prone to floods so even if you think your area is low risk you may be eligible. Check with your insurance agent to learn more.

Myth #6: Our Insurance Will Cover My Son When He is Delivering Newspapers

If your vehicle is used for anything but personal use, then you will probably need to extend your personal auto policy to cover business use of your vehicle. Don't think just because you were unaware of your coverages this will get your accident paid for--your insurance policy is a contract that you agreed to adhere to. If you don't understand all the coverages in your contract you need to contact your agent about the questions you have.

Myth#7: I Don't Need Disability Insurance Because I can Get Social Security.

Don't count on Social Security to take care of all your needs if you become disabled. If you are able to get Social Security for your disability (not all get approved to receive disability benefits so don't assume you will) then you will still have to wait months before you receive benefits and your disability needs to be long-term to qualify. And even if you qualify for benefits, will it match your current salary? Probably not.

Myth #8: If I Need Nursing Care When I am Older, The Government Will Pay for it.

Again, don't count on Medicare or Medicare Supplemental Insurance to pick up the bill. If you can qualify, Medicaid may pay up to half of the cost. Choosing long term care insurance can help you pay for the costs of a nursing facility or home care if the need arises. Also, do you really want your family to have to pick up the bill if you acquire a long term illness or disability? Long Term Care Insurance is a great option and if started early in life the premiums can be very reasonable.

 

Myth #9: Umbrella Insurance Coverage is Just for Rich People.

Umbrella insurance is not just for the wealthy. With the common occurrence of lawsuits, umbrella insurance is a must for every home, auto, and watercraft owner. Umbrella insurance is designed to give one added liability protection above and beyond the limits on homeowners, auto, and watercraft personal insurance policies. With an umbrella policy, depending on the insurance company, one can add an additional 1-5 million in liability protection.

Myth #10: If I Don't Purchase Health Insurance it Won't Affect Others.

People who don't purchase health insurance eventually affect the lives of every American. When many people in a company choose not to purchase health insurance, it sends a message to the employer that health insurance may not be an important benefit, which in-turn could cost other workers a loss of their health insurance benefits. Also, when healthy people don't buy health insurance, the costs raise for others because the risk is spread through less people. For these and other reasons, many have encouraged the government to switch to a universal health care system where the government would help manage health care.