What experts say about disability insurance

"Unless you can afford to live comfortably without holding down a job -- in which case, why are you working? -- you need to have some disability insurance. It's as simple as that." -- Smart Money

"Even if you collect from workman’s compensation and government programs such as Social Security and Medicare, you probably will not receive enough to live comfortably. Individual long-term disability insurance is crucial. If you become disabled you can receive up to 80% of your regular salary." -- Consumer Economics Update, University of Missouri

"Should you ever need the protection a disability policy can offer, you'll be glad you took financial precautions. Without coverage, an unexpected disability can easily drive you into serious debt." -- Annelena Lobb, CNN/Money Staff Writer

"Unless you're independently wealthy, you need insurance if you stand a chance to lose your income because of a disability." -- David Woods, president of the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education.

"Many people have had to learn the hard way that losing income because of an unexpected illness or injury could put their family at the brink of financial hardship." -- Womens-Finance.com

"Being disabled isn't necessarily permanent. It might just be a couple of weeks -- or months. It might be mental. It might be physical. But it just might happen... To me, disability insurance is more important than life insurance. It can't be ignored." -- Kerry Hannon, iVilliage.com

"If you are involved in a serious accident or develop a disabling disease, how will you continue to support yourself, let alone your dependents? It's surprising to many people, but disability insurance is actually more important than life insurance. .. The bottom line: If you depend on your income to pay the bills, you ought to carry disability insurance." -- Motley Fool