Because teaching them to drive isn’t stressful enough already…
Let’s be honest. Having a teen driver in the house can be equal parts exciting and terrifying. Sure, they’re gaining independence and maybe even helping out with errands (finally!), but behind the wheel of a car, they’re also carrying a hefty dose of risk. In fact, teenagers are among the most accident-prone drivers on the road, simply due to their lack of experience and tendency to multitask (hello, phones).
So, while you’re teaching your teen how to merge onto the freeway and parallel park without panic, there’s another kind of lesson to consider: how to protect your household if something goes wrong.
That’s where umbrella insurance comes in.
What Is Umbrella Insurance?
Umbrella insurance is extra liability coverage that kicks in when the limits on your auto or homeowners insurance are maxed out. Think of it like a financial safety net. It doesn’t replace your current insurance; it simply extends your protection after your standard policy reaches its limit.
So, if your teen rear-ends a Lexus, your auto policy might only cover a portion of the damages. If the total cost exceeds your policy limits (which is more common than you’d think), the rest comes out of your pocket… unless you’ve got umbrella insurance!
Why Teen Drivers Raise the Risk
Even the most responsible teens are still new to driving, which makes them statistically more likely to cause accidents. And unfortunately, accidents involving teen drivers can get expensive fast — especially if someone gets injured or if multiple vehicles are involved.
Let’s say your teen causes a serious accident and the other party sues for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If your auto insurance only covers $250,000 in liability, but the lawsuit settles for $750,000, you’re on the hook for the remaining half a million dollars. That could mean dipping into your savings, college funds, retirement… not exactly ideal.
But with an umbrella policy in place, you could be covered for that extra amount — and then some.
How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?
Umbrella policies typically start at $1 million in coverage (and go up from there), and the good news is… they’re surprisingly affordable. For many families, it costs less than $300 a year. That’s less than the cost of your teen’s Spotify subscription and weekend Starbucks runs combined.
So, Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. If you have a teen driver in the house, umbrella insurance is a smart move. It’s a low-cost way to protect your high-stakes assets, and it makes sure one accident doesn’t turn into a financial catastrophe.
Want to learn more about adding umbrella coverage to your policy?
The team at Avalue Insurance is here to help you make smart, stress-free decisions for your family’s protection. Give us a call today, and let’s talk about keeping you — and your newly licensed teen — safe and covered. Give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online!
