One of the most significant sources of stress for you in life is worrying about things that could happen that would ultimately destroy how you live. Something that could leave you homeless and without a way to get around. Insurance policies can give you mental and financial peace of mind by covering your financial needs while things are out of whack.
There are numerous policies that you can get. There are different types and coverage amounts within those policies, so where will you start? What are the 5 types of insurance that you should always have?
Automobile Insurance
If you drive any vehicles you should have insurance on them. A good policy will protect you and anyone involved in an accident with you. There are four main kinds of automobile coverage that you can get.
- CTP or Green Slip Insurance – This is the insurance policy that is required by law to have. It covers all third parties involved in the accident and will cover injury or death to others. It does not cover any damage to property or automobiles, and it does not cover any injuries to you.
- TPP or Third-Party Property Damage – This is usually the cheapest policy you can get. It covers any damage to third-party property involved in the accident if you are at fault.
- TPF&t or Third Party Fire and Theft Car Insurance – This is a step up from the previous policy, so you do not need them both. This coverage will protect your car financially from fire or theft and protect the property of third parties involved in an accident if you are at fault.
- Comprehensive Car Insurance – This is the best policy that you can get. It covers the costs incurred from an accident to your vehicle, and all third parties involved, regardless of who is at fault.
The type that you get will depend upon your circumstances. If you have an old beater, you will not want the maximum coverage, and if you drive a Porsche, you will not want the lowest policy.
Homeowners Insurance or Renters Insurance
What is home and contents insurance? It is the type of policy that will cover damage due to acts of nature and damage due to internal problems such as burst pipes, theft, and vandalism.
This type of insurance covers many different things, depending on your policy. If you own your house you want a good home and contents policy. On the other hand, if you rent the place you are in, you want to carry a renters policy. Both are important to have, but the kind depends upon you. Homeowner's insurance can cover any, or all, of the following.
- Damage to home
- Damage to outbuildings
- Damage to contents in either building
- Financial protections against injuries on your property
- Cost of the hotel until the house is fixed
As with every other insurance policy, you must read the entire contract, including any exclusions or fine print. If you see something that you don't like, have it changed.
Health Insurance
You will want to ensure that you and your family have health insurance coverage. Nothing in the world can destroy your financial position in life more than medical bills. If you have no insurance to help cover the costs, you could be looking at a hefty bill to pay. An account that many of you would never be able to cover.
You may have some health insurance through your employer, which is excellent. Still, you must read through the policy and ensure that it covers everything you need. If it doesn't, get a secondary policy that covers where your original policy leaves off. This may cost you a little bit every year in premiums, but it is well worth it if you ever need to file a claim.
Life Insurance
The possibility of passing away is not anything that you may want to consider, let alone talk about, but the reality is that all of you will die eventually. It is a sad aspect of life that all living organisms must deal with. It is essential to get life insurance before it happens. Otherwise, your family and friends will be stuck footing the bills. Not just the costs of your final resting place but the daily bills you must deal with.
Get a simple policy that will cover some of the bills and your final expenses. Or you can get a high-paying contract that will give enough money to your family until they can get on their feet. This is especially important if you are the only money earner.
Disability Insurance
You may not think about this, but it is vital because things happen. You never know when you will get injured or sick to the point of not being able to bring money home. It does not take long before your bills are out of control. With no money coming in, you may have to sell some things or take out another mortgage in the hopes that you will get back on your feet.
A disability insurance policy will keep you financially covered for as long as the policy is in effect. This can give you the cash to pay your bills, plus a little extra for food and other necessities. When you set this policy up, you need to ensure that it covers enough for at least 6 months, if not longer.
Final Thoughts On The 5 Insurance Policies Everyone Should Have
When it comes to insurance, you need to keep the old saying in mind. "It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it." You need to keep this in mind when paying for your premiums because it may seem like money that could be better spent elsewhere. It may seem that way, but it isn't. Get the 5 insurance policies everyone should have so you can have peace of mind and be covered against potential financial losses.
The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.
