Umbrella Insurance typically provides extra liability protection above your home/auto/watercraft policies. They can include:
Core protections:
- Liability: Pays above your underlying policy limits for injuries or property damage you cause. Kicks in after auto/home/boat liability is exhausted.
- Personal injury: Often covers claims like libel, slander, defamation, false arrest, and invasion of privacy (policy language varies).
- Legal defense: Covers attorney fees and court costs, sometimes even if a claim is groundless—often outside the liability limit depending on your policy.
- Worldwide coverage: Generally applies anywhere, subject to policy terms.
- Household members: Usually covers you and resident relatives.
Requirements and how it works:
- Underlying limits: You must maintain minimum liability limits on auto/home/watercraft for the umbrella to respond.
- Self-insured retention (SIR): For certain claims not covered by underlying policies, you may pay an SIR (e.g., $250–$1,000) before the umbrella responds.
- No coverage for your own injuries or your property; it protects your assets from others’ claims.
Optional or enhanced features (vary by insurer/state):
- Broader personal injury coverage endorsement.
- Excess uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) on top of auto limits (not available with all carriers).
- Landlord/tenant liability for rental properties.
Common exclusions:
- Intentional or criminal acts.
- Business/professional activities (unless specifically endorsed).
- Contractual liability you assume by agreement.
- Certain vehicles/watercraft not listed or lacking required underlying coverage.
Tips:
- Match limits to your assets and future earnings risk (often $1M–$5M+).
- Confirm and maintain required underlying limits to avoid gaps.
- Review who’s covered (teen drivers, household members) and any rentals or properties.
- Reassess annually as your assets, income, and risks change.
Note: Every policy is built differently. Ready your policy and ask your agent to understand if your policy includes all of these mentioned above.