Keith Lerner and Total Planning Leads the Field in Sports Insurance Business

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Keith Lerner had several top 10 picks in the first round this year, including a top three in both the NFL and NBA draft.

That's good by any standard, but for Lerner, a Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and owner of Total Planning Sports Services, it was just another year at the office.

Lerner is passionate about providing college athletes with the comfort of financial security in case of a career-ending injury. With insurance in place, these athletes can continue their college career before moving on to the NFL or NBA.

As the pioneer and recognized leader in his field, Lerner has been providing this service for two decades. Many college football and basketball players make the choice to stay in school only after a consultation with Lerner and an insurance policy in place.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was among Total Planning's recent clients. Stafford took out the policy in 2009 at the beginning of his junior year at Georgia and was protected for the season. Forgoing his senior season, he became the No. 1 pick in the draft and signed a six-year, $78 million deal with the Lions.

The amount of the policy is based on the student athlete's projected draft status. If the athlete is injured while still in school on or off the field and does not get to play in their professional sport within a year, they can collect. College players are buying bigger policies, even with the potential 2011 NFL lockout. Policies used to average $1 million, but now policies can average from $2.5 million to $3 million.

When Lerner started in the 1980s, he was most likely the only person doing this on a full-time basis.

"Today, I am not alone," he said. "But I do write many first round football and basketball players."

While most of his polices come from football and basketball, Lerner also writes for athletes in baseball, hockey, golf and tennis. He writes more than $50 million in coverage annually.

To learn more about this unique entrepreneur, or to arrange an interview, contact David Greenberg Communications at (352) 331-4519 or [email protected].

SOURCE Total Planning Sports Services