A Deep Dive Into Home Insurance and the Stark Realities Facing Investors

In This Article

On a calm Mother’s Day, my family and I left our snug bed and breakfast, only to come back to a pretty disheartening sight. The roof rack of our trusty Toyota had been messed with, leaving a sad gap where my husband’s beloved mountain bike used to be. 

To make matters worse, whoever did it didn’t stop there—they also wrecked the locking mechanism, doing a number on the car’s frame. Ouch! The damage tally? A hefty $17,000. 

In the midst of all the chaos and mixed emotions—frustration, anger, and feeling totally exposed—we took comfort in the fact that we could bounce back physically from this setback because we had a stellar insurance plan in place.

The Stark Reality

You know what really struck me? The realization of how many people out there might not have the funds to handle unexpected expenses. 

Take our neighbor, for example—the poor guy had his carburetor swiped not once but twice in just 90 days. And then there’s my friend who had their car stolen along with all their work tools, and they didn’t have the right insurance to cover the losses. It’s tough situations like these that really hit home.

And let’s not forget about my dad. Before the Affordable Care Act came along, he ended up maxing out two health insurance policies, which pushed our family dangerously close to bankruptcy. It’s a sobering reminder that even famous folks like former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, who faced a life-threatening case of pneumonia in 2023, can find themselves in hot water. It makes it worse when they’re not adequately insured against life’s curveballs.

Statistically, the average American lacks the cash reserves necessary to cover even a basic insurance deductible, let alone handle the aftermath of a substantial loss.

When it comes to real estate investing, we often put in a lot of effort to mitigate risks associated with our properties—from meticulous market selection to thorough physical and financial due diligence, not to mention securing liability insurance, establishing legal entities, and screening tenants.

But what about the broader range of risks that affect our lives? What about unforeseen events that can throw a wrench into our health, careers, and, ultimately, our investment endeavors?

Five Key Areas to Outsource Liability

This is where insurance comes in. It allows you to effectively transfer your liability, providing a crucial shield against financial catastrophe and giving you the peace of mind to pursue your investment goals with confidence. 

By diligently sourcing high-quality insurance coverage across five key areas, you can effectively limit potential losses and protect the wealth you’re working hard to build.

1. Health insurance

Your health is your most valuable asset. Comprehensive health insurance ensures that you have access to quality medical care without the burden of exorbitant expenses in the event of illness or injury. It serves as a crucial safety net, providing peace of mind and financial security for you and your loved ones.

2. Auto insurance

According to the Insurance Research Council’s 2023 Report, in 2022, 14% of drivers (or 1 in 7) were uninsured. Whether you’re transporting supplies for your rental properties or meeting with contractors, auto insurance serves as a vital safeguard against financial losses stemming from accidents or vehicle damage. 

It’s essential to ensure that you carry adequate insurance coverage to protect yourself, not only from potential accidents but also from others who may be underinsured or uninsured, mitigating potential financial risks and ensuring peace of mind on the road.

3. Home insurance

According to Nationwide Insurance, a staggering two out of every three homes are underinsured by an average of 22%, with some underinsured by as much as 60%. 

This alarming statistic underscores the importance of ensuring adequate coverage for your property. Beyond safeguarding your primary residence, home insurance also extends its protective umbrella over your investment properties. From the unpredictable wrath of natural disasters to potential liability claims, a robust home insurance policy offers invaluable peace of mind, shielding you from unforeseen property damage and legal liabilities that could otherwise pose significant financial risks.

4. Disability insurance

What if you find yourself unable to work due to injury or illness? According to a study by Guardian Life, approximately half (51%) of American workers have disability insurance, offering income protection in the event of sickness, injury, or health-related incapacity. 

This vital coverage acts as a safety net, replacing a portion of your income and ensuring you can sustain yourself and your investments during times of adversity. With disability insurance in place, you can navigate challenging circumstances with financial stability and peace of mind, safeguarding your future and preserving your investment endeavors.

5. Life insurance

According to an Insurance Barometer Study, only 52% of Americans carry some sort of life insurance, and even then, they are often underinsured. 

While no one likes to dwell on thoughts of mortality, life insurance is a critical component of any comprehensive risk management strategy. It provides financial security for your loved ones and ensures that your investments are protected in the event of your passing.

Final Thoughts

Remember, insurance isn’t just an expense—it’s a strategic investment in safeguarding your future and the future of your real estate portfolio.

Life can throw some unexpected curveballs our way, and having solid insurance coverage is like having a safety net to catch us when we fall. Whether it’s a sudden health issue, a car accident, or a break-in at home, the financial strain can be overwhelming without the right protection. We cover this and more in Money For Tomorrow: How to Build and Protect Generational Wealth. 

So, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the initiative to safeguard your finances and peace of mind by getting comprehensive insurance coverage. Whether it’s for your health, car, home, or even your ability to work, having the right coverage can make all the difference when life throws you a curveball.

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.