Umbrella Insurance Offers Libel and Slander Protection

During a party at your home, you get caught up in the moment and say something that's untrue about a friend. Or you write a letter to the editor and use unfounded statements about someone. Unfortunately, everyone makes mistakes. You might find yourself facing a libel or slander lawsuit, though, because of your judgment lapse or other mistakes. An umbrella insurance policy can protect you.

What is Libel and Slander?

 

Libel and slander fall under the category of defamation. Typically, libel covers written statements and slander covers speech. Because both forms of defamation damage a person's reputation, the victim could file a lawsuit that threatens your home, financial savings and other assets.

 

You Need an Umbrella Insurance to Have Libel and Slander Coverage

 

Whether you committed libel in a written letter or email or spoke slander at a party or during a phone conversation, your homeowners or renters insurance policy probably doesn't protect you. However, it might if you:

 

*Sign a personal injury endorsement that covers unintentional acts of libel or slander.
*Obtain personal injury coverage that offers additional liability coverage for at-home or off-site remarks that are considered libelous or slanderous.

 

For maximum and guaranteed protection, buy an umbrella policy that covers personal injury. It's an additional endorsement that takes effect after your homeowners insurance is exhausted.

 

Your umbrella policy can also provide financial protection and pay for defense costs if you're sued in certain cases. Those cases include invasion of privacy, defamation of character or wrongful imprisonment.

 

How Much Coverage Should you Buy?

 

With help from your insurance agent, decide how much umbrella insurance coverage you need. If you have a large number of assets or a high net worth, consider purchasing a large umbrella policy to protect yourself. No matter how much money or valuables you own, however, consider purchasing this  beneficial coverage.

 

No one usually plans to commit libel or slander, but accidents happen. Umbrella insurance can protect you. Discuss your options with an insurance agent today, and think twice before writing or saying something that might come out the wrong way.

Need insurance for You, Your Family or Your Business?
We can match you to a qualified, local insurance expert!
Further Reading
Your business insurance value has no relation to your policy premium or your policy premiums, the value of your insurance portfolio related directly to the risks you insure against. If you are not an insurance expert, it is important for you to meet ...
According to A.M. Best, an insurance rating company, fewer than 50% of U.S. households have Life insurance outside of what's provided by their employer. This statistic begs the question - why have so many individuals abandoned their Life insurance ne...
Having adequate insurance is the best way to protect your business and your assets from most risk-related losses. But deciding how much coverage you need isn't always easy. If you're reviewing your insurance needs, here are a few tips to help make su...
A growing number of U.S. businesses are finding that employee business travel is just another one of those essential elements to doing business in today's market. Whether an international or domestic location; done by car, plane, or train; and in the...
Business protection insurance is great, but let's be honest: insurance is a safety net. Business protection insurance protects the business as a whole by making it easier to recover from a loss, but it only helps you to recover, it won't stop bad thi...