John Lennon was quoted saying, "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans."
I think most of us can attest to feeling this way at some point in our lives.
Life is unpredictable and things often go sideways. Some things are frustrating, like coming home to a burst water pipe and calling the restoration company. Others can be traumatic, such as an unexpected injury, illness or, worse, losing a loved one all too soon.
While we cannot control life, we can try to protect what matters most. A common solution can be insurance. To keep things simple, insurance generally falls into two categories:
1. Property insurance covers objects such as your home, car, trailer, etc.
2. Personal insurance covers individuals from certain illness, injury or death.
We will not focus on property coverage other than we are advocates that if you value the property, it should be adequately insured (think replacement value).
Here are six common types of personal insurance:
• Life: Life insurance can serve several needs, such as paying final expenses and debts, helping replace lost income, maintaining a standard of living, providing tax-free inheritance and assisting in estate wishes, including blended families.
According to a 2016 poll by TD Insurance and Environics Research Group, nearly 33 per cent of Canadians do not have any life insurance. One reason could be that a study from Life Insurance and Market Research Association (LIMRA) found that nearly 80 per cent of consumers over-estimate the cost of insurance. Life insurance generally falls into 2 categories: term and permanent.
Term is coverage for a set period of time. Group policies offered through work benefits often fall under this category as well. Typically, term is aligned to debt reduction, a retirement date or coverage while caring for dependents.
Permanent is designed to meet lifelong needs and often referred to as whole life or universal life. Costs are higher than term insurance and can be paid over a predetermined number of years or life. These products also have the ability to shelter cash value in a tax-deferred manner.
• Disability: In 2014, an RBC Insurance report revealed that 43 per cent of Canadian households do not have disability coverage. Also, a 42-year old male was 3.5 times more likely to become disabled than die. If you cannot work, who is going to pay your bills, let alone look after your needs? Be careful relying only on group coverage through work because you may be surprised at what your benefits include and for how long they pay.
• Critical illness: Covers an individual in the event of being diagnosed with certain life-altering illnesses or diseases. This can help pay down debts, provide cash flow if off work or enhance quality of life. Common coverages may include heart attack, stroke and cancer. Some cover upwards of 30 different ailments. Coverage will vary by product and provider and is typically paid out in a lump sum upon diagnosis.
• Long-term care: Provides assistance should you become unable to care for yourself due to aging, an accident, illness or deteriorated mental ability. Usually measured by inability to perform two or more of activities of daily living including eating, bathing, dressing, etc.
• Creditor: Involves insuring your debts in case something should happen to you as debtor. Commonly there is life, disability and critical illness. It is important to note that the beneficiary of these policies is the lender.
• Travel: We have many snowbirds and would encourage those who travel to carefully review their coverage. Take note of any exclusions. For example, we have heard instances where claims arising from parasailing, scuba diving or riding an all-terrain vehicle could be denied.
These are a brief overview of some avenues that could help protect yourself and loved ones. There are many options and, while it can feel overwhelming, we believe working with a trusted advisor can help ensure that you are protecting what matters most.
Until next time, invest Well. Live Well.
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This document was prepared by Eric Davis, vice-president, portfolio manager and investment advisor, and Keith Davis, investment advisor, for informational purposes only and is subject to change. The contents of this document are not endorsed by TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.-Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. All insurance products and services are offered by life licensed advisors of TD Waterhouse Insurance Services Inc., a member of TD Bank Group. For more information, call 250-314-5124 or email Keith.davis@td.com.
