Can this Coursera course count toward a certificate or degree?

Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

RiskWise: Protecting What You Own and Why It Matters

4 days left! Save on skills that make you shine with 40% off 3 months of Coursera Plus. Save now

RiskWise: Protecting What You Own and Why It Matters

This course is part of RiskWise. Specialization

Instructor: Dr. Craig Lemoine

Included with

Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain essential property, auto, and umbrella insurance concepts.
Compare policy features—including ACV vs. RCV, liability limits, and optional coverages—to make informed decisions.
Identify hidden coverage gaps and understand how they impact financial outcomes.
Apply insurance strategies to real‑world scenarios to strengthen household financial protection.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the RiskWise. Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

Unexpected events like a car accident, dog bite or stormy night can derail financial goals for years to come. This course gives you the tools to protect your home, your vehicles, and your accumulated wealth through practical property and liability insurance and noninsurance strategies. Whether you are a financial professional or managing your own household, you’ll gain insight into today’s challenging insurance environment and learn why coverage decisions must be made before a loss occurs.

Through expert podcasts, real‑world case studies, and interactive evaluation tools, you’ll explore how to spot hidden policy gaps and use umbrella coverage to shield future earnings. Designed for both aspiring professionals and savvy consumers, this course empowers you to move beyond the “price trap” and make informed decisions that ensure your insurance works when you need it most. This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit: https://aces.illinois.edu/online.

Module details

In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. Then we will explore risk by defining loss, hazards, and perils and the main categories of property insurance. We will examine why insurance decisions must be made before a loss occurs and dive into the legal principles of liability and valuation. By the end of this module, you will understand the mathematical and legal foundations that determine how a property claim is actually paid.

What's included

20 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

20 videosTotal 80 minutes

Course Introduction1 minute
Meet Your Instructor | Craig Lemoine4 minutes
Meet Your Instructor | Tapiwa Sigauke1 minute
Module 1 Overview1 minute
Introduction to Property & Liability Insurance 3 minutes
Property, Liability and Financial Planning 8 minutes
Coverage Types: An Overview 2 minutes
Loss Exposures 3 minutes
Foundations of Liability & Asset Protection (PC - MR)8 minutes
Types of Property Coverage 2 minutes
Property Insurance Basics 3 minutes
Property Valuation 9 minutes
Property Insurance Clauses and Coinsurance Provisions 7 minutes
Types of Liability Damages 8 minutes
Absolute Liability 3 minutes
Understanding Negligence and the Last Clear Chance Doctrine 7 minutes
Property Tax Treatment 2 minutes
After Loss Obligations 5 minutes
Beyond the Premium: A Homeowners Case Study 1 minute
Homeowner Policy Renewal: Why This Is the Moment That Matters3 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Course Guide10 minutes
Updating Your Profile10 minutes
Deep Dive – Why Your Claim Payout Might Surprise You10 minutes
Your Renewal Packet 10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 25 minutes

Orientation Quiz10 minutes
Module 1 | Knowledge Check15 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Getting to Know Your Classmates10 minutes

1 pluginTotal 10 minutes

Explore Your Renewal Packet 10 minutes

We will now differentiate between named and open peril policies while comparing the massive financial impact of Actual Cash Value versus Replacement Cost coverage. This module also explores the "Modern Risk Landscape," including new industry standards for roof age and solar panels. By the end of this module, you will be able to audit a homeowners policy for hidden gaps and navigate the tradeoffs between lower premiums and higher protection.

What's included

15 videos2 readings

15 videosTotal 101 minutes

Module 2 Overview1 minute
Introduction to Homeowners Insurance 2 minutes
The Structure of Homeowners’ Insurance 9 minutes
Elements of Homeowner’s Insurance 7 minutes
Insurance Service Office (ISO) Forms 4 minutes
Property Insurance Clauses and Coinsurance Provisions 7 minutes
Homeowners Insurance – Who is Insured? 5 minutes
Homeowners Insurance – Where is Insured? 3 minutes
The Value of an Advisor and the "Price Trap" (HOME PC)10 minutes
The Modern Risk Landscape: Roofs and Solar (HOME PC)14 minutes
Homeowners Insurance: Property, Valuation, and Modern Challenges (MR PC)7 minutes
Protecting What You've Built: Replacement Cost, Reviews & Smart Savings (HOME PC)13 minutes
Deductibles, AI & What's Next (HOME PC)9 minutes
Homeowner Policy Endorsements 4 minutes
Homeowners Policy Extras, Forms and Title Insurance 7 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

The "Stealth" Change in Home Insurance10 minutes
Deep Dive – Solar Panels: Asset or Liability?10 minutes

This module focuses on the road, breaking down required and optional auto coverages like liability, collision, and comprehensive. We will discuss modern pressures on the auto market, including telematics, the gig economy, and the unique risks of electric vehicles. By the end of this module, you will understand the mechanics of a Personal Auto Policy and be able to identify common coverage gaps that leave your assets vulnerable.

What's included

15 videos1 reading1 assignment

15 videosTotal 82 minutes

Module 3 Overview1 minute
No Fault Auto Insurance 5 minutes
Elements of Personal Auto Insurance Policies 2 minutes
Part A: Liability Protections 6 minutes
Part B: Medical Payments 2 minutes
Part C: Uninsured Motorist Coverage 2 minutes
Part D: Coverage on Your Auto 5 minutes
A Deeper Dive Into Auto Insurance4 minutes
The New Reality of Auto Risk & Telematics (AUTO PC)6 minutes
The Advisory Gap (AUTO PC)11 minutes
Gig Economy, EVs & Car Buying (AUTO PC) 13 minutes
Covered Auto 5 minutes
Endorsements & Hard to Insure Drivers 8 minutes
Shopping and Pricing for Auto Insurance 7 minutes
Bundling at Renewal: When It Helps—and When It Hurts3 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

The Loyalty Dilemma10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Module 3 | Case Study Knowledge Check15 minutes

Our final module explains how Umbrella insurance extends underlying coverage to protect your future earnings and human capital from major legal judgments. We will also evaluate how emerging technologies and climate risks are reshaping insurance availability and broadening our strategy to include health and life insurance. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!

What's included

9 videos5 readings2 assignments

9 videosTotal 50 minutes

Module 4 Overview1 minute
The Umbrella Strategy: Concept & Cost (U PC)7 minutes
Umbrella Liability Coverage 4 minutes
The Umbrella Shield: Beyond Policy Limits (MR PC)9 minutes
The Professional Shield: Assets & Automation (U PC)7 minutes
The Future: Telematics, AI, and Market Trends (U PC) 4 minutes
The Future of Risk: Climate, Tech, and Professional Partnerships (MR PC)15 minutes
The Advisor’s Role at Renewal: Coordinate, Don’t Design3 minutes
Course Summary1 minute