Speaking about insurance

[pistons]

I have been appointed the Chief of our town's Fire Dept. We are a volunteer department. As Chief, should I consider an umbrella policy for liability. I own my house, some 401k and of course a snowmobile.

 

[ezra]

I would assume as a gov worker U are coverd under the city plan

 

[Deleted member 10829]

I agree, the city would most likely cover you, but it's still a good idea to have an umbrella policy whether you worked for the gov or not, IMO. Check with your agent and get a quote, you will be surprised how affordable it is.

 

[polaris2]

These days anyone can sue someone else for any reason. If it looks like there is any money to be had there's a lawyer to take the case.

 

[polarisman_98]

I would think as long as you act according to policies and procedures you would be immune from any liability. If one of your guys screws up and something bad happens, he would be liable personally, as well as the city's insurance company. If it's anything like other public safety departments if you mess up and don't act according to policy you could be personally liable. I personally wouldn't waste money on a policy.

 

[sconnierider]

I have carried a policy for years. Not so much for work as it is other BS that comes with life. Kids have friends over, they go atv'ing, you pull them waterskiing, falls out of tree on your property, etc.. Crap happens. Cover your tail. The policy is cheap.

 

[bobsledder]

I am a volunteer on our fire department also as well, as being a trustee of the fire district. The fire district provides liability insurance for all members and trustees. I additionally have an umbrella that covers me and our business.

 

[LoveMyDobe]

I have been appointed the Chief of our town's Fire Dept. We are a volunteer department. As Chief, should I consider an umbrella policy for liability. I own my house, some 401k and of course a snowmobile.

Is this your only source of income or are you retired with benifits from them?

 

[garyl62]

These days anyone can sue someone else for any reason. If it looks like there is any money to be had there's a lawyer to take the case.

This has been my thoughts related to buying "enough" or "extra" coverage. I have a 1M umbrella policy now in addition to the 500K liability on each item but have considered dropping it as I wonder if its just an invitation to try to get more out of me if something happens. I've seen a lot of lawsuits were the amount of damages somehow seems to match the amount of insurace coverage an individual has.

The things that keep me renewing it though are: it doesn't cost much, I've got kids at home still and who knows what they could do, and as my net worth grows (house debt goes down, retirement assets go up, etc) I wonder if I didn't have the umbrella and something happened how much of those things could I lose.

 

[blu2u2]

The umbrella coverage will only apply once your homeowner's policy limits are used up. Most homeowners ins. will not cover things related to "professional liability". Your best bet would to be sure the town has Directors & Officers (D&O) Coverage on their liability policy.