Wouldn’t you love to have a very accurate, high-definition crystal ball — one that gives you a clear view of what might come in the days, months, and years ahead? Of course, there’s little use in wishing to see the future. All we can do is work with the facts and statistics of what we know today, to help prepare for tomorrow.

The same can be said for disability insurance. The statistics seem to tell a different story than some common myths. None of us fully expect or prepare for the unexpected. But, life hands out surprises to most of us, and of course we don’t see them coming without that crystal ball. Consider this information from the Council for Disability Awareness:

Ÿ Just over one in four of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire.

Ÿ Freak accidents aren’t usually the culprit. Back injuries, cancer, heart disease and other illnesses cause the majority of long-term absences.

Ÿ Sixty-four percent of wage earners believe they have a 2-percent or less chance of being disabled for three months or more during their working career. The actual odds for a worker entering the work force today are about 30 percent.

Ÿ The average long-term disability claim is for 31.2 months.

Of these four points, the last one is perhaps the most important to consider while thinking about disability insurance: How long can you last without a paycheck? Many Americans struggle to keep their emergency savings accounts sufficiently funded with six months of income stowed away, never mind over two years’ worth. That’s why disability insurance is an important financial tool to evaluate. It can help protect your savings and other assets.

There are two types of disability insurance. Short-term policies can cover part of your lost income for a relatively brief period of time, from three months up to two years, generally. Long-term policies usually insure you until age 65. Generally policies can pay up to 60 percent of your salary.

Occasionally, disability insurance is offered through your employer on a group or individual basis (although in today’s economy many are trimming back on this benefit). However, most people have to obtain individual insurance through a financial advisor and/or insurance professional. Keep in mind that if your employer pays the insurance premium for your disability policy, benefits paid to you are taxable. This is not typically the case if you have an individual policy.

A major benefit of an individual disability insurance policy is that it’s portable; you take it with you. This flexibility is critical if you’re changing careers.

The definition of disability can differ between policies. Some policies are considered “own occupation” – for example, if you are a surgeon and a disability leaves you unable to perform surgeries, then you may be eligible to receive full disability benefits even if you have a different job. Other policies are “any occupation” — they cover you only if you are unable to do any type of work at all.

Similar to health insurance, be sure to determine if the disability insurance policy you are considering has any exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Most people insure their cars and homes, but neglect to protect their most valuable asset: earnings potential. Your financial advisor and/or insurance professional can help you determine if you are eligible for disability insurance and help you evaluate options.

Additional source: www.smartmoney.com/plan/insurance/do-you-need-disability-insurance-17318/.

Heidi Clute, CFP® is the owner of Clute Wealth Management in South Burlington, VT and Plattsburgh, NY, an independent firm that provides strategic financial and investment planning for individuals and small businesses in the Champlain Valley region of New York and Vermont. For informational purposes only. LPL Financial does not offer legal or tax advice. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. v