Safeguard your wealth with smart planning across property and casualty insurance, retirement solutions, and life insurance.

As your net worth increases, so does the need for the right insurance. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) face unique risks—whether it’s a lawsuit, a natural disaster that damages an expensive home or other property, or the need for sophisticated estate planning. That’s why a comprehensive insurance strategy is essential protecting your assets and preserving your wealth for generations.

In this article, we’ll discuss best practices for protecting your portfolio through three key lenses: property and casualty insurance, retirement planning, and life insurance.

1. Property & Casualty Insurance: Go Beyond the Basics

While most people carry standard homeowners and auto insurance, HNWIs often require specialized coverage that accounts for more complex risks and high-value assets.

Key tips:

• Insure to full replacement cost – Your primary residence or vacation properties may have custom materials and architecture. Make sure your policy covers full rebuild value, not just market value.
• Schedule high-value items – Art, jewelry, collectibles, and antiques should be individually itemized with appraisals to avoid coverage gaps.
• Consider excess liability or umbrella insurance – This offers extra protection beyond your standard policy limits in the event of a major lawsuit or other catastrophe.
• Review flood and earthquake coverage – These are often excluded from standard policies and should be added based on location and risk.
• Protect recreational assets – Yachts, classic cars, and aircraft often need standalone coverage designed for their unique risks.
• Captive insurance and alternate risk management strategies – If you own a business, captive insurance can help manage risk.

2. Retirement Planning: Don’t Overlook Insurance as a Wealth Tool

Retirement planning for HNWIs includes more than IRAs and 401(k)s. Insurance can play a key role in securing retirement income and protecting future generations.

Key tips:

• Use annuities and insured retirement strategies – If you have maxed-out your qualified retirement benefits, you may be able to use certain insurance products to create additional guaranteed income. Some products may also provide tax-deferred savings.
• Leverage life insurance in estate planning – Permanent life insurance can be used inside trusts to create liquidity, pay estate taxes, and equalize inheritances among heirs.

3. Life Insurance: More Than Just a Death Benefit

For HNWIs, life insurance is a powerful planning tool—not just a safety net.

Key tips:

• Don’t rely on employer-provided coverage – It often falls short of the protection needed and lacks portability.
• Opt for permanent policies when appropriate – Whole life or indexed universal life can offer cash value accumulation, tax-deferred growth, and borrowing options.
• Review ownership and beneficiary designations – A misstep here can cause unnecessary taxes or disputes. Consider using irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) for estate tax planning.
• Coordinate with your advisory team – Work closely with your attorney, CPA, and insurance advisor to ensure your life insurance integrates into your overall wealth plan.

The rules regarding the taxation of life insurance, the accumulation of and borrowing from cash value, and the policy’s death benefits complex and beyond the scope of this article. If you are an HNWI, you must consult with your independent legal and accounting advisors before undertaking an insurance strategy.

Insurance is Wealth Protection

For high-net-worth families, insurance isn’t just about coverage—it’s about preserving your lifestyle, protecting your legacy, and maintaining control over your financial future. A personalized strategy across property, retirement, and life insurance is key.

At RMC Group, we specialize in helping successful individuals and business owners navigate complex insurance needs. From insuring valuable assets to designing advanced retirement and life insurance strategies, our team can help you protect what matters most.

Let’s talk about your insurance strategy, get in touch with us at rmc@rmcgp.com or call our office at 239-298-8210.