Another day has passed, and once again, I haven’t used the Pythagorean theorem.
That was my actual shower thought the other day. And while I’m sure Pythagoras was a brilliant guy, I can’t help but wonder why I spent so much time learning that formula…and not a single class learning how to actually buy insurance.
Seriously, no one ever pulled me aside and said, “Hey, one day you’ll have a car, a house, maybe a business…and when something goes wrong, this is how to protect yourself.” Nope. I had to learn that one the hard way.
Let me tell you a quick story.
A few years back, I had a client…a doctor…get into a fender bender at a well-known four-way stop in Missoula. It was the corner of 14th and Eaton, if you’re local and enjoy visualizing traffic chaos. He barely tapped the car in front of him. No airbags. No injuries. No drama.
Until they exchanged information.
You see, this wasn’t just any driver. This was Dr. so-and-so, and he happened to hand over a business card with “MD” after his name and the logo of a prominent hospital. Almost instantly, it seemed like the other driver’s neck started hurting a little more than before.
Why?
Because perceived net worth often hurts more than the actual impact.
Here’s the kicker: the doctor wasn’t wealthy. He had just bought into a local practice, leased an MRI machine, and was drowning in student loan debt. His income? Years away from resembling what most people imagine when they hear “physician.”
So, here’s the question I’ve now asked dozens of times since:
How much liability coverage should the doctor carry?
At first glance, you might say, “Max it out. He’s high-risk for lawsuits.”
On the other hand, “He doesn’t have anything…just get him the cheapest policy possible.”
So, who’s right?
Honestly…neither.
Because the real answer is this: It depends.
Insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. It’s not a commodity. It’s not just about price or coverage. It’s about having a conversation that considers your unique life, your assets, your risks, and your future.
So, here’s the surprising call to action:
Stop buying insurance like its fast food.
Don’t just pick the cheapest combo on the menu and hope it keeps you full.
Find someone who will sit down with you…not sell to you…and help you build something that actually fits. Because unlike the Pythagorean theorem, this will matter at some point in your life.
And if it already has? You know exactly what I’m talking about.
Now go check your liability limits. And maybe give your insurance advisor a call.
