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Protect Your Income.
Protect Your Life.

Your ability to earn a living is your single greatest financial asset. Disability insurance ensures that a sudden illness or injury doesn't derail everything you've worked for.

1 in 4
Workers will experience a disabling condition before retirement
90%
Of disabilities are caused by illness, not accidents
34 mo
Average duration of a long-term disability claim
What Is Disability Insurance?

Your Paycheck, Protected

Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income — typically 60–70% — if you become unable to work due to illness, injury, or accident. It's designed to keep your bills paid, your family fed, and your financial plan intact while you recover.

Most people think of disabilities as catastrophic accidents. In reality, the most common claims come from conditions like cancer, heart disease, back problems, and mental health conditions — things that could happen to anyone, at any time.

Nancy and Paul Deutz have helped San Diego professionals and families find the right disability coverage from top-rated carriers — ensuring the benefits are there when life doesn't go as planned.

  • Replaces 60–70% of your pre-disability income
  • Covers both illness and injury
  • Benefits paid tax-free (individual policies)
  • Short-term and long-term options available
  • Own-occupation definitions available for professionals
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Could You Cover Your Bills for 3+ Years Without a Paycheck?

Most people couldn't. Yet the average long-term disability claim lasts nearly 3 years. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is difficult to qualify for and pays far less than most people expect.

A well-designed disability policy is the safety net that protects everything else — your home, your retirement savings, your family's lifestyle.

Quick Fact

Less than half of American workers have any disability insurance beyond what their employer provides — and most employer plans cover only 60% of base salary with no portability if you change jobs.

Coverage Options

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability

Both types of coverage serve different purposes. Many people benefit from having both working together.

Short-Term Disability

Provides income replacement quickly after a disabling event, typically bridging the gap until long-term coverage kicks in or you return to work.

  • Benefits begin within 0–14 days of disability
  • Coverage duration: 3–6 months typically
  • Replaces 60–80% of weekly income
  • Covers pregnancy & recovery
  • Good for surgery recovery & short illnesses
  • Often available with simplified underwriting

Long-Term Disability

The critical protection for extended disabilities — covering you for years or even until retirement age if needed.

  • Elimination period: 90–180 days
  • Benefit period: 2 years to age 65+
  • Replaces 60–70% of monthly income
  • Portable — follows you between jobs
  • Own-occupation definitions available
  • Residual / partial disability riders available
Who Benefits Most

Is Disability Insurance Right for You?

Self-Employed Professionals

No employer group plan to fall back on. Your income stops the day you stop working. A personal disability policy is essential.

High-Income Earners

The more you earn, the more you have to lose. Own-occupation policies protect your specific career, not just any work capacity.

Healthcare & Legal Professionals

Specialty own-occupation coverage ensures that a surgeon, dentist, or attorney receives benefits even if they can do other work.

Single-Income Households

If one income supports your household, the risk of losing it is enormous. Disability coverage is your family's financial floor.

Early-Career Professionals

Younger, healthier applicants qualify at the lowest premiums — and locking in a policy early means guaranteed renewability as you age.

Business Owners

Beyond personal income, disability buy-sell agreements and key person coverage can protect your business from an owner's extended absence.

Common Questions

Disability Insurance FAQ

We're here to answer every question — in plain language, with no pressure.

Talk to Nancy or Paul
What does "own-occupation" mean?
An "own-occupation" policy pays benefits if you can't perform the specific duties of your current occupation, even if you could technically do other work. This is critical for highly skilled professionals like physicians, dentists, and attorneys.
Does my employer's plan cover me enough?
Group plans typically cover 60% of base salary, exclude bonuses and commissions, may be taxable as income, and end when you leave the company. A personal policy supplements or replaces group coverage to ensure you're truly protected.
How much coverage do I need?
Most experts recommend enough to cover 60–70% of your pre-tax income — the amount needed to maintain your lifestyle and meet financial obligations. We'll help you calculate the right amount based on your situation.
Are disability benefits taxable?
If you pay your own premiums with after-tax dollars, your benefits are received income tax-free. If your employer pays the premiums, benefits may be taxable. We'll clarify this based on your specific policy and situation.
What conditions are typically covered?
Most policies cover illness, injury, mental health conditions, and chronic conditions. Pre-existing conditions may have waiting periods or exclusions depending on the carrier and underwriting process. We'll shop multiple carriers to find the best fit.

Protect Your Most Valuable Asset — Your Income

Get a free disability insurance consultation from Nancy or Paul today.

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