Insurance is a vital investment needed to have a secure financial future. It is a classification of risk management that prevents one from experiencing financial loss. It consists of arranging with the insurance company to grant you coverage in the case of an unfortunate event in exchange for a fee from the policyholder. There are many different types of insurance that all can play a part in providing protection and growth.
Five Types of Life Insurance That Can Protect You Financially
These are the most essential insurances because they are preventative from financial burdens.
Health Insurance
Health insurance can help protect your family from high medical costs and provide you with access to preventative care that can save you thousands in the long run. If you get sick or injured, you could end up with a large medical bill. Health insurance can help to pay for these costs, so you don't have to worry about going into debt. If you have health insurance, you pay a monthly premium fee; if you need to go to the doctor, your responsibility will be your copay or deductible. If you suffer a catastrophic loss, insurance picks up the cost after a specific dollar amount, say $5,000 annually, so you don't have to go further into debt.
Accessing preventive care, such as regular checkups and vaccinations, can help you maintain good health. Health insurance usually covers preventative care, so you won't have to pay out of pocket. Prescription drugs can be costly, but health insurance can help cover the expenses, saving you money, especially if you take multiple medications. Similar to other health-related events, you will be required to pay the out-of-pocket expense that can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the prescription used.
Disability Insurance
Disability insurance can be mistaken for health insurance at times. However, they are very different. Disability insurance helps to replace your lost income if you are disabled and unable to work, while health insurance aids in assisting people to pay for medical care unrelated to work.
There are two main types of disability insurance: short-term disability insurance and long-term disability insurance. Short-term disability insurance typically provides benefits for 2 to 6 months, while long-term disability insurance can provide benefits for up to 20 years.
To qualify for disability benefits, you typically need to be unable to work in your own occupation for a certain period of time. The amount of benefits you receive will depend on the type of disability insurance you have and your employer's policy terms.
Life Insurance
Life insurance is more complex because there are two types: term insurance and permanent insurance. Permanent insurance provides coverage throughout your life; therefore, it is designed for your long-term needs. On the other hand, term insurance can last either 10, 20, or 30 years, depending on the policy you buy. Term insurance is temporary life insurance mainly used for temporary financial needs. But both insurances pay a death benefit when you die, and both have an equity that flourishes over time.
What can you use life insurance for?
To pay for your funeral and final expenses.
To pay off debt.
To provide for your children's education.
To protect your assets.
To cover business expenses
To provide for a charitable cause
See my feature in GoBankingRates: Black Americans Are More Likely To Be Denied Credit — Here’s Why, According to Experts
Auto Insurance
Auto insurance provides coverage for any vehicle in case of an accident. There are a few types of auto insurance coverage, but the three main types are: liability, collision, and comprehensive. Liability coverage is auto insurance that protects you financially if you are at fault for injuries to other people or property damage. It could also cover legal fees if you are sued. Collision insurance aids in paying for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged, no matter who is at fault. Finally, comprehensive insurance protects you from any damage to your car caused by events not related to traffic collisions, such as harsh weather or theft.
Remember that you may have to pay a deductible to cover the vehicle repair cost in case of an accident. The deductible amount usually ranges from $250 to $2,500. If you are not at fault, the other driver's insurance company may cover the cost, but if they are uninsured or underinsured, you may have to claim repairs with your insurance company.
When choosing auto insurance, consider a few things: your budget, your driving record, the make and model of your car, coverage levels, and shopping around for quotes. These factors can help you determine the auto insurance that's within your budget and what you can afford in the case of an unexpected event.
See our feature in Capital B: A Call to End Credit Scores to Determine Auto Insurance Rates
Insurance for Homeowners and Renters
Homeowners and renters insurance are relatively similar property insurance but have significant differences. Renters insurance pertains to paying for coverage on personal property you do not own, such as an apartment or condo. Note that any damage done to the renter's personal property is not the property owner's responsibility, as the property owner only pays for coverage on the building. Overall, renters insurance protects personal liability and property, bodily injuries, and damages from natural disasters.
Another critical aspect of renters insurance is that it can pay for identity theft protection and theft of your electronics. Identity theft protection can help you recover from the cost of replacing your credit cards, monitoring your credit report, and fixing your credit score. Insuring your electronics can help you pay for replacing them if they are stolen or damaged.
Homeowners insurance covers your home and personal property against damage or loss. It protects you as the private homeowner and the mortgage lender, which is why lenders require proof of homeowners insurance before giving out a loan. It covers expenses caused by theft, fires, natural disasters, and personal liability. Personal liability pays for your legal liability if you are sued for damages caused by your negligence. This could include things like injuries to a guest or damage to someone else's property.
What's Next?
It is important to note that a wide range of insurance policies are available in the market, each offering coverage for different types of events. However, the types of insurance discussed are considered fundamental and highly recommended. These policies protect against unforeseen circumstances that could lead to significant financial losses. Before deciding on which insurance policy to purchase, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to ensure that it meets your specific needs and requirements. By taking the time to consider your options carefully, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed decision and securing the necessary coverage to protect yourself and your assets.
See my feature in The Penny Hoarder: 9 Secret Habits That Will Get Your Credit Score Above 800