Personal Disability Insurance
Disability insurance protects you from income interruption due to accident or medical emergency. No one expects to be taken out of commission — even briefly. But a good disability policy provides protection just in case.
Statistics show that you are far more likely to experience a disability than you might think. A short-term disability lasting just a few weeks can derail your finances. A long-term disability can be financially catastrophic without proper coverage in place.
Protect it before you need to — disability can happen to anyone, at any time.
Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if an illness or injury keeps you from working. Because your ability to earn is one of your most valuable assets, this coverage protects your household when a paycheck stops.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Short-term disability covers a portion of your income for a few weeks to several months after an illness or injury. Long-term disability continues for years — sometimes to retirement age — for a more serious or lasting condition.
How Benefits Are Structured
Policies typically replace a percentage of your income (often around 60 percent), begin paying after an elimination (waiting) period, and continue for a defined benefit period. How a policy defines disability also affects when benefits are paid.
What is disability insurance?
It is coverage that pays you a portion of your income if you become unable to work due to a covered illness or injury, helping you keep up with everyday expenses.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term disability?
Short-term disability covers brief periods, typically weeks to a few months, while long-term disability covers extended periods for more serious conditions, sometimes lasting years.
How much of my income does it replace?
Most policies replace a percentage of your income, commonly around 60 percent, though the exact amount depends on the policy you choose.
Isn’t workers’ compensation or Social Security enough?
Not necessarily. Workers’ compensation only covers work-related injuries, and Social Security disability can be difficult to qualify for. A personal disability policy fills these gaps.
What is an elimination period?
The elimination period is the waiting time between the start of your disability and when benefits begin. A longer elimination period generally lowers your premium.
Why work with an independent agent?
As an independent agency, Ripley Insurance Agency represents many carriers, so we can compare disability policies and benefit options for your needs, with personal, local service.
Disability Insurance — Coverage Types Can Include:
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Individual policies -
Group policies -
Key person insurance -
Business overhead expense -
Short-term benefits -
Long-term benefits -
Elimination period options -
Partial disability benefits
Both private and government disability programs are complex. Let Ripley Insurance Agency help you evaluate your options and find the right level of protection for your life and income.