---
name: insurance-navigator
description: |
  Comprehensive guide to insurance coverage types, policy comparison methodology, claim filing procedures, coverage gap analysis, and cost optimization strategies.
  Use when the user asks about insurance navigator, or needs help with comprehensive guide to insurance coverage types, policy comparison methodology, claim filing procedures, coverage gap analysis, and cost optimization strategies.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional financial advice or falls outside the scope of insurance navigator.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "personal-finance insurance guide"
  category: "personal-finance"
  subcategory: "major-purchases"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "educational-finance"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Insurance Navigator

> **Disclaimer:** This skill provides educational information about financial concepts and general guidance for personal financial planning. It does NOT constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or tax guidance. Individual financial circumstances vary significantly, and the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel. Always consult a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or licensed financial planner before making financial decisions.

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about insurance navigator
- User needs guidance on insurance navigator topics
- User wants a structured approach to insurance navigator

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Insurance Fundamentals

### Core Concepts

**Premium**: The amount you pay (monthly/annually) to maintain coverage.
**Deductible**: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance begins paying.
**Copay**: A fixed dollar amount you pay per service (e.g., $30 per doctor visit).
**Coinsurance**: Your percentage share of costs after the deductible (e.g., 20%).
**Out-of-Pocket Maximum**: The most you will pay in a year; after this, insurance covers 100%.
**Coverage Limit**: The maximum the insurer will pay per incident or policy period.
**Exclusions**: Specific events or conditions NOT covered by the policy.
**Rider/Endorsement**: Additional coverage added to a base policy.

### The Risk Management Framework

Insurance is one tool in a four-part risk management strategy:

| Strategy | When to Use | Example |
|----------|-------------|---------|
| **Avoid** | Risk is unacceptable and avoidable | Do not store flammable materials in home |
| **Reduce** | Mitigate probability or impact | Install security system (reduces theft risk) |
| **Transfer** | Catastrophic but unlikely risks | Buy insurance |
| **Accept** | Low-impact, high-probability risks | Self-insure minor car damage with high deductible |

**Key Principle**: Insure against catastrophic losses you cannot absorb. Self-insure against small, predictable losses.

## Coverage Types

### Health Insurance

**Plan Types**

| Type | Network Flexibility | Cost | Best For |
|------|-------------------|------|----------|
| HMO | Must use in-network, need PCP referral | Lowest premiums | Budget-conscious, single healthcare system |
| PPO | In and out-of-network, no referral needed | Higher premiums | Flexibility, specialist access |
| EPO | In-network only, no referral needed | Moderate | Balance of cost and access |
| HDHP + HSA | Any, but in-network cheaper | Lowest premiums + tax benefits | Healthy individuals wanting to invest HSA |

**Key Decision Factors**
- Do your current doctors accept the plan?
- What are the prescription drug formulary tiers?
- What is the total annual cost (premiums + expected out-of-pocket)?
- Does the plan cover your specific needs (mental health, maternity, specialists)?

### Auto Insurance

**Coverage Layers**

| Coverage | What It Covers | Required? |
|----------|---------------|-----------|
| Liability (bodily injury) | Other people's injuries you cause | Yes (state minimums) |
| Liability (property damage) | Other people's property you damage | Yes (state minimums) |
| Collision | Your vehicle damage from accidents | No (but lender may require) |
| Comprehensive | Your vehicle damage from non-collision (theft, weather, animals) | No (but lender may require) |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | Your costs when other driver has no/low insurance | Required in many states |
| Medical payments/PIP | Your medical costs regardless of fault | Varies by state |
| Rental reimbursement | Rental car while yours is repaired | No |
| Roadside assistance | Towing, lockout, flat tire | No |

**Recommended Minimums** (significantly above state minimums):
- Liability: 100/300/100 ($100K per person / $300K per accident / $100K property)
- Uninsured motorist: Match your liability limits
- Consider umbrella policy for liability beyond these amounts

### Homeowners/Renters Insurance

**Homeowners (HO-3 Standard)**
- Dwelling coverage: Replacement cost (not market value)
- Personal property: Typically 50-70% of dwelling coverage
- Liability: Typically $100,000 (increase to $300,000-$500,000)
- Additional living expenses: Covers temporary housing if home is uninhabitable

**Common Exclusions to Know**
- Flood (requires separate NFIP or private flood policy)
- Earthquake (requires separate policy or endorsement)
- Sewer backup (available as endorsement)
- Home business equipment (may need endorsement)
- Certain dog breeds (varies by insurer)
- Mold (often limited or excluded)

**Renters Insurance**
- Covers personal property and liability (landlord's policy covers the building only)
- Typically $15-30/month - one of the best value insurance products
- Covers theft, fire, certain water damage to your belongings
- Includes liability coverage (someone injured in your unit)

### Life Insurance

**Do You Need It?**
- Yes if: Others depend on your income (spouse, children, aging parents)
- Yes if: You have significant debts a co-signer would inherit
- Maybe: If you have a business partner (key person / buy-sell agreement)
- Probably not: If single, no dependents, sufficient assets

**Term vs. Permanent**

| Feature | Term Life | Whole/Universal Life |
|---------|-----------|---------------------|
| Duration | Fixed period (10-30 years) | Lifetime |
| Cost | Low | 5-15x more expensive |
| Cash value | None | Builds over time (slowly) |
| Complexity | Simple | Complex |
| Best for | Income replacement during earning years | Estate planning, very specific needs |

**Coverage Amount Rule of Thumb**: 10-15x annual income, adjusted for outstanding mortgage, education costs, spouse earning capacity, existing savings, and Social Security survivor benefits.

### Disability Insurance

Often called the most underinsured risk. You are statistically more likely to become disabled during working years than to die.

**Short-Term Disability (STD)**: Covers 60-70% of income for 3-6 months
**Long-Term Disability (LTD)**: Covers 50-70% of income until retirement age

**Key Policy Terms**
- **Own occupation** (better): Pays if you cannot perform YOUR specific job
- **Any occupation** (worse): Only pays if you cannot perform ANY job
- **Elimination period**: Waiting period before benefits begin (longer = cheaper)
- **Benefit period**: How long benefits last (to age 65 is ideal)

### Umbrella Insurance

- Additional liability coverage beyond auto and home policies
- Typically $1-2 million in coverage for $200-500/year
- Covers liability lawsuits, slander/libel, certain international claims
- **Recommended if**: Net worth exceeds auto/home liability limits, you have assets to protect

## Policy Comparison Methodology

### The Total Cost Analysis

Do not compare premiums alone. Calculate total annual cost:

```
Total Annual Cost = Annual Premium
                  + (Expected Claims x Deductible)
                  + (Expected Claims x Coinsurance %)
                  - Discounts and Tax Benefits

Compare at three scenarios:
  1. Best case: No claims (just premiums)
  2. Expected case: Average claims for your situation
  3. Worst case: Maximum out-of-pocket
```

### Comparison Checklist

When evaluating two or more policies:
- [ ] Same coverage limits (apples-to-apples)?
- [ ] Same deductible level?
- [ ] Network adequacy (health: doctors; auto: repair shops)?
- [ ] Financial strength rating of insurer (AM Best A or better)?
- [ ] Claims satisfaction ratings (J.D. Power, Consumer Reports)?
- [ ] Exclusions and limitations comparison?
- [ ] Discount eligibility with each insurer?
- [ ] Bundling potential?

## Filing Claims Effectively

### Preparation (Before You Need to File)

- **Document possessions**: Photo/video inventory of home contents, store in cloud
- **Keep receipts**: Major purchases, home improvements, medical records
- **Know your policy**: Read and understand your declarations page and exclusions
- **Store policy documents**: Accessible digital copies (not only in the insured home)

### Claim Filing Process

**Step 1: Document Everything**
- Photograph/video all damage before any cleanup or repair
- Get police report if applicable (theft, auto accident)
- Collect witness contact information
- Save all receipts for emergency expenses

**Step 2: Notify Insurer Promptly**
- Most policies require "prompt" or "timely" notification
- Call claims line for fastest processing
- Get a claim number and adjuster name
- Ask about advance payment for emergency needs

**Step 3: Mitigate Further Damage**
- You have a duty to prevent additional damage (e.g., tarp a damaged roof)
- Keep receipts for mitigation expenses (typically reimbursable)
- Do NOT make permanent repairs before adjuster inspection

**Step 4: Work with the Adjuster**
- Be present during inspection
- Provide your documentation
- Get the estimate in writing
- You can request a second opinion or independent appraisal if you disagree

**Step 5: Review Settlement Offer**
- Compare to your documentation and estimates
- Negotiate if the offer seems low (cite specific items/costs)
- Consider hiring a public adjuster for large claims (they take 5-15% but often recover more)
- Know your policy's appraisal clause for disputes

### When to File vs. Not File

**File when**: Loss significantly exceeds deductible, liability is involved, required by law
**Consider NOT filing when**: Loss barely exceeds deductible, it would be your second claim in 3 years, you can absorb the cost

## Identifying Coverage Gaps

### Common Gaps

| Gap | Who Is Exposed | Solution |
|-----|---------------|----------|
| Flood coverage | All homeowners/renters | NFIP or private flood policy |
| Umbrella liability | High net worth, rental owners, families | Umbrella policy |
| Disability income | Most workers (especially self-employed) | Individual LTD policy |
| Valuable items (jewelry, art) | Owners of high-value items | Scheduled personal property endorsement |
| Home business | Work-from-home, side businesses | Business endorsement or BOP |
| Identity theft | Everyone | Identity theft endorsement or service |

### Annual Insurance Review Checklist

Review all policies annually and after major life events:
- [ ] Life changes: marriage, divorce, baby, home purchase, retirement
- [ ] Asset changes: new vehicle, renovation, major purchase, inheritance
- [ ] Income changes: raise, job change, new business
- [ ] Liability changes: pool, trampoline, teenager driving, rental property
- [ ] Policy still competitive on price?
- [ ] Coverage limits still adequate?
- [ ] Beneficiary designations current?

## Cost Optimization Strategies

### Immediate Savings
1. **Bundle policies** with one insurer (10-25% discount typical)
2. **Raise deductibles** to the highest level you can self-insure
3. **Ask about every discount**: Multi-policy, claims-free, alarm system, good credit, professional association, military, autopay
4. **Shop every 2-3 years**: Loyalty rarely pays in insurance
5. **Improve credit score**: In most states, credit-based insurance scores significantly affect premiums

### Strategic Savings
- **Self-insure small risks**: Higher deductibles, skip collision on old cars
- **Health**: Use HDHPs + HSA if healthy; contributed savings offset higher deductible
- **Life**: Buy term, invest the difference (permanent life insurance is rarely optimal for most people)

### What NOT to Cut
- Liability coverage (catastrophic lawsuits can be financially devastating)
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Umbrella policy (remarkably cheap for the coverage provided)
- Disability insurance during working years


## Output Format

```
INSURANCE NAVIGATOR OUTPUT
==========================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with insurance navigator"

**Output:** A structured insurance navigator plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
