5 INSURANCE POLICIES EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE

LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE:

The prospect of long-term disability is so frightening that some people simply choose to ignore it. While we all hope that, "nothing will happen to me in Jesus name," relying on hope to protect your future earning power is simply not a good idea. Instead, choose a disability policy that provides enough coverage to enable you to continue your current lifestyle, even if you can no longer continue working.

LIFE INSURANCE:

Life insurance protects the people that are financially dependent on you. If your parents, spouse, children or other loved ones would face financial hardship if you died, life insurance should be high on your list of required insurance policies. Think about how much you earn each year (and the number of years you plan to remain employed), and purchase a policy that will replace that income in the event of your untimely demise. Factor in the cost of burial, too, as the unexpected cost is a burden for many families.

HEALTH INSURANCE:

The soaring cost of medical care is reason enough to make health insurance a necessity. Even a simple visit to the family doctor can result in a hefty bill. More serious injuries that result in a hospital stay can generate a bill that tops the price of a one-week stay at a luxury resort. Injuries that require surgery can quickly rack up five-figure costs. Although the ever-increasing cost of health insurance is a financial burden, for just about everyone, the potential cost of not having coverage is much higher.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE:

Replacing your home is an expensive proposition. Having the right homeowners insurance can make the process less difficult. When shopping for a policy, look for one that covers replacement of the structure and the contents in addition to the cost of living somewhere else while your home is repaired.

Keep in mind that the cost of rebuilding doesn't need to include the cost of the land, since you already own it. Depending on the age of your home, and the amenities that it contains, the cost to replace it could be more or less than the price you paid for it.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE:

Some level of automobile insurance is required by law in most places. Even if you are not required to have it, and you are driving an old clunker that has been paid off for years, automobile insurance is something you shouldn't skip. If you are involved in an accident, and someone is injured or their property is damaged, you could be subject to a lawsuit that could possibly cost you everything you own. Accidents happen quickly and the results are often tragic. Having no automobile insurance or purchasing only the minimum required coverage saves you only a tiny amount of money, and puts everything else that you own at risk.