Own-occupation coverage
Definitions may provide benefits when a covered disability prevents the insured from performing important duties of their occupation, subject to policy language.
Individual Disability Insurance
Protect your income.
Protect your independence.
Learn how personally owned disability insurance may replace part of your income when a covered illness or injury prevents you from working.
Coverage overview
Protection built around your real needs.
Your ability to earn an income may be one of your largest financial assets. Individual disability coverage can supplement employer benefits or provide protection when no group plan exists.
We compare available options and explain the differences clearly, so your decision is informed—not rushed.Why it matters
Understand the protection before you choose it.
A disability can affect income long before it affects life insurance. Savings may cover a short interruption, but a longer disability can threaten housing, family obligations, retirement contributions, and professional plans.
Definition of disability
The contract determines how occupation, duties, income loss, and ability to work are evaluated. Small wording differences can be significant.
Elimination period
This is the waiting period before benefits may begin. A longer waiting period usually reduces premium but requires more savings.
Benefit amount and period
Coverage is generally limited to a portion of eligible income, with benefits payable for the selected period when policy requirements are met.
Limitations and exclusions
Mental or nervous conditions, substance-use disorders, pre-existing conditions, certain occupations, and other risks may receive special treatment.
What Shale compares
Price matters. So does what you receive for it.
As an independent agency, we review suitable options available through the carriers we represent and explain the meaningful differences.
- ✓ Definitions of disability and occupation
- ✓ Benefit amount, elimination period, and benefit period
- ✓ Residual/recovery provisions and policy riders
- ✓ Mental-health limitations, exclusions, and portability
Important decisions
Details that can change the value of a policy.
Employer benefits
Group coverage may be valuable but can have benefit caps, taxable benefits, limited portability, or broader definitions.
Occupation
Specialized professionals may place greater value on occupation-specific definitions and recovery benefits.
Policy riders
Cost-of-living, future-purchase, residual, catastrophic, and other riders should be evaluated for actual value and cost.
Who we help
Designed for people with something important to protect.
Every recommendation begins with your goals, responsibilities, budget, and existing coverage.
- ✓ Professionals whose income depends on specialized duties
- ✓ Business owners and self-employed individuals
- ✓ Families relying heavily on one income
PERSONAL GUIDANCE