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Insurance Myths

There are a variety of myths and misinterpretations about insurance. To help you separate fact from fiction, we compiled a list of insurance myths that we’ve heard frequently and provided brief explanations to help set the record straight.  Call a trusted associate today if you have any concerns because of these myths. 

Also, if you’ve heard of any other potential ones, contact us so we can share them here.  If you think these myths are interesting consider emailing them to a friend by clicking on the "email page" link above.

myth #1: Flood insurance is only important if you live in a high-risk area.

Not true! 20-25% of flood claims come from outside high-risk areas. You are 4 times more likely to sustain a loss from a flood than a fire. Remember, home policies don’t cover flood situations.

myth #2: Umbrella Insurance isn’t important for everyone.

You don’t have to be wealthy to be sued. Lawsuits are common… making umbrella insurance an important tool to protect your life. It gives you added liability coverage above and beyond the limits of personal home, auto, and watercraft insurance policies. For a relatively minimal amount, you can add $1 to $5 million in protection.

myth #3: Renter Insurance isn’t necessary if your stuff isn’t worth a lot.

Do you care about being sued? Renter insurance does more than protect personal property. It covers personal liability if someone gets hurt at your home. Lawsuits are common, so be protected. 

Also, the replacement value of personal property adds up quickly if you should lose everything in a disaster.

myth #4: My car is old, so I don't need to have high insurance limits.  

The age of a car has no impact on your potential liability if you’re in an accident, so you need to have good liability limits. It can make sense to remove “comprehensive” and “collision” coverage, but only if you can afford the risk and cost of having to replace the vehicle on your own. 

myth #5: If someone driving my car causes an accident, I won't be held responsible.

While the “points” for being at fault in an accident affect the driver’s rating, the insurance policy covering a vehicle is considered primary. So, if someone else is driving your car, your insurance company would have to pay for damages in an accident. 

myth #6: Only the “Breadwinner” in the home needs Life Insurance.

Think about the value contributed by a “non-working” spouse…childcare, housekeeping, food preparation, home accountant, school transportation, and more. It’s often more than a full time job. You should buy life insurance if the absence of a person’s income or contribution would cause financial hardship.

myth #7: If I become disabled Social Security will take care of me.

Don't count on Social Security to take care of all your needs if you become disabled. You also need other plans to reduce impacts to your lifestyle. We insure our cars, homes, etc., but often don’t think about disability insurance as protection if we are unable to work and earn an income.

myth #8: I drive a company car, so I don’t need my own auto insurance.

The car may be covered, but you may not. Even if your employer has coverage that provides some liability protection, it may not be enough, or you could be sued personally in a bad accident. Also if you borrow or rent a car, you should have your own protection. Being listed on another auto policy isn’t enough to protect you because business use is different. You need to purchase special protection. 

myth #9: All car insurance is the same.

When comparing policies, you can’t look at the price and not consider the level of protection. Any provider can reduce your coverage limits to reduce your premium, but you end up at risk. Smart ways to save are: 

  • Increasing your deductible
  • Get all possible discounts.
  • Talk to your agent periodically. Changes in life can change your needs.

myth #10: I have Health Insurance, so I don’t need medical coverage on my Car Insurance.

Some health insurance plans limit coverage or have high deductibles, so having medical coverage gives you added protection. It will also cover passengers in your car, regardless of who causes an accident.

myth #11: My Health Insurance will pay for my long-term care needs.

Health insurance doesn’t cover custodial care. Your options are:

  • Use personal savings
  • Rely on family to help
  • Get Long-Term Care Insurance

In MA, Medicaid provides assistance to approximately 70% of all nursing home residents, but it requires using most of your savings first.

myth #12: I only drive my car occasionally, so I don’t need higher limits. 

The possibility of an accident is the same whether you drive a car every day or once a year.  Your liability for an injury you cause or property you damage isn’t diminished because you don’t drive often. Make sure you always have good protection limits. If you’re looking to reduce expenses, consider increasing your deductible. 

myth #13: Speaking with a Murphy Insurance team member is the only way to request a Certificate of Insurance.

Actually, it’s not. We have several ways you can request a certificate 24 hours a day, and you don't have to speak with anyone.  Online using our form. Sending us an email. Calling our Certificate Hotline.  Learn more > 

myth #14: I’m self-employed and don’t have employees. Workers' Comp Coverage isn’t available.        

Workers' Compensation insurance laws have changed. In the past, you couldn’t get coverage if you didn’t have employees, but that’s no longer the case. You can protect yourself from on-the-job injuries with Workers' Comp. 

myth #15: I’m self-employed and don’t have employees. I don’t need Workers’ Comp Coverage.

You’re your own “employee”, and you can get hurt, too. How will you support yourself if you get hurt on the job and can’t work? Workers’ Compensation coverage is important even if you’re a one-man operation. Make sure you take care of yourself and those who depend on you. 

myth #16: Commercial Auto Policies cover equipment and tools left in a vehicle. 

Only equipment permanently attached to the vehicle is covered. Loose tools and equipment are not such as pick-up truck toolboxes and contents because they aren’t permanently attached. To protect tools, supplies, and equipment while in transit you need to add specific coverage.

myth #17: If another driver causes an accident and I'm hurt, his auto insurance pays for my injuries.

This assumes he has coverage. Some people have no insurance or only minimal insurance that won’t cover the damage they cause to others. Even if you sue them, you may not be able to recover damages. The best way to protect yourself is to have good limits on your own policy for the specific parts that cover being hit by an “uninsured" or “underinsured” driver.

myth #18: I use my car for on-the-job duties. Because I’m not self-employed my personal auto policy covers me.  

If your vehicle is used for anything but personal use, then you probably need to extend your personal auto policy to cover business use of your vehicle. Be sure you understand what is and what isn’t covered by your policy. The best way to find out is to review your policy and call us with questions.

myth #19: All insurance providers are the same. It doesn’t matter who you buy your insurance from. 

This misconception could cost you money, service, and protection. Buying insurance isn't like buying milk or eggs. There are 3 different sources for insurance, and your choice of provider makes a difference.

  1. Independent Insurance Agents – Represent a number of insurance companies and research with these firms to find you the best combination of price, coverage and service. Some agents represent more insurance companies than others.  Be sure to ask.
  2. Captive Agents – Only represent one insurance company that’s why they're called “captive”. They can only sell you insurance policies offered by the one firm they represent.
  3. Direct Writers – Only represent their own company and insurance policies. Generally, insurance is only offered over the telephone or online, eliminating the possibility of meeting face-to-face.

Beyond options, it’s also wise to consider the ongoing support you’ll receive as your needs change and should you need to make a claim.

myth #20: I have life insurance through my employer, so my family is protected.

Not really. While employer-provided life insurance is a good benefit, it often isn’t enough coverage to truly protect your loved ones. Also, if you leave your job, it’s not always affordable to take with you. The smart decision is to have your own policy. Once approved, you’ll have life insurance protection you can count on regardless of your job.

myth #21: Insurance is required to drive a car, so if someone hits me, there is coverage.

Maybe! There are many drivers who have bare minimum protection or continue to drive with no coverage after their policy is canceled. Because you can’t control what coverage others have, you should have your own by purchasing high limits on the underinsured and uninsured portion of your own auto policy. 

myth #22: My employer provides me with disability insurance. I don’t need my own.

Your disability insurance through your employer could have a financial gap, which can be eliminated by having your own policy. Also, should you become unemployed; your own disability policy would remain in place providing some disability protection while you are looking for a new job.

myth #23: Insurance should be bought and used for every accident or disaster.

Insurance is designed and should be used to protect you in a catastrophic event that causes financial hardship. If you can afford to pay for a minor loss out of pocket, it makes sense to do so since claims often result in a premium increase. With this strategy, it makes sense to have the highest deductible you can afford, which often saves you money by reducing your premium.

myth #24: My business partners and family can work things out if I become disabled.

Without planning, the disability or premature death of an owner often results in a business being dissolved. Often, the remaining partners can’t afford to buy out the equity in the business, causing it to close. Advance planning can provide the cash needed to avoid such situations using disability and life insurance as a funding source.

myth #25: My business doesn’t make a lot of money or have lots of assets. I won’t be sued.

Lawsuits can happen to any business or person. Monetary judgments have many ways of being collected including seizure of property and assets, garnishment of future earnings, liquidation of bank accounts, and more. Make sure you have coverage to protect your current and future earnings from potential liability.