Personal Insurance Glossary of Terms

PERSONAL AUTO
For most of us, our cars are one of the biggest investments we make and to experience a loss could be financially devastating. Auto insurance can cover more than just the repairs on your vehicle. Depending on the coverage you choose, your insurance can:

  • Cover medical expenses associated with an accident

  • Pay for losses caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers

  • Reimburse you for damages suffered because of vandalism, natural disasters or theft

  • Pay for legal representation in case of a lawsuit

Figuring out which coverages make sense for you can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to discuss your needs with a Richards Group agent who can recommend coverages that are right for you and help identify whether you qualify for any of the auto discounts we have available.

HOMEOWNERS
Your house is more than four walls and a roof. It can provide you with financial security. And, it's probably your biggest investment. Inside those walls are possessions and valuables that make your house a home—and those items need protection as well. 

A standard homeowners policy safeguards your home and possessions against:

  • Sudden and accidental damage from electrical current

  • Fire and lightning

  • Windstorms and hail

  • Explosions

  • Smoke damage

  • Freezing

  • Theft

  • Glass breakage

  • Falling objects

  • Weight of ice, snow or sleet

  • Accidental discharge of water or steam

  • Vehicles

  • Vandalism and malicious mischief 

  • Homeowners insurance doesn't only apply to those who own a single-family house. If you own a condominium, have combination dwellings, rent an apartment or if you have a second home, you can also buy insurance specifically designed for your circumstances.

 

COMBINATION DWELLINGS
One policy provides both property and liability coverage for dwellings not eligible for a homeowners policy. All coverage options track with the homeowners policy, making it easier to use individually or in combination with homeowners coverage.

CONDOMINIUMS & RENTAL PROPERTIES
If you rent an apartment or own a condominium, you need insurance to protect your belongings. While your landlord or condo association might have insurance, it only protects the building. Your belongings are not covered under those policies.  There are several types of residential insurance policies. The HO-4 policy is designed for renters, while the HO-6 policy is for condo owners. They both cover losses to your personal property.

SECOND HOMES
Vacation homes require a special type of insurance--one that protects your vacation home but doesn't overlap with your already existing homeowners insurance coverage. Most homeowners insurance policies provide limited coverage for personal property at an additional residence. However, if your coverage needs for your vacation home exceed this amount, you're going to want to fill this gap by purchasing a policy that will cover your vacation home in its entirety. One way to do this is to purchase a dwelling fire policy, which is specially designed for a second home in that it provides coverage for the dwelling itself, along with your personal property. In addition to protecting your home and its contents, we also offer several discount programs to those that qualify. 

UMBRELLA LIABILITY
Umbrella liability coverage protects you from financial catastrophe due to lawsuits. It offers additional protection above and beyond your standard homeowners and auto policy limits and helps eliminate any gaps in your coverage. This type of policy can help ensure you are safeguarding your possessions, savings, and your future earnings.

MOTORCYCLE
Just like personal auto insurance, motorcycle insurance offers similar property and liability coverages. 

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT/BOAT/YACHT
Watercraft insurance policies provide coverage for physical damage caused by a collision, fire, theft, windstorm, lightning, vandalism, and others. This coverage is broad and often includes machinery and auxiliary equipment, outboard motors, boat trailers and other personal property. Additional coverages are available as well, such as Personal Effects, Boat Liability, Medical Payments and Commercial Towing and Assistance.

LIFE INSURANCE
You want the world for your family, now and even when you're gone. Make sure you plan for their future. It's important you have adequate life insurance to protect them if the worst happens. The Richards Group has life insurance plans that will help your family pay off the mortgage, send children to college or secure your spouse's retirement years should something happen unexpectedly.