Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is a policy that provides additional liability coverage to go over and above the limits of your auto, home, and other insurance policies. It's not an alternative to any existing policy but a supplement. The purpose is to provide added protection for you in the event one or more claims exceed the limit on your main policy(s).

If you've been sued, have a claim pending or think one is likely, an umbrella can provide the financial protection you need. It also provides peace of mind by eliminating gaps in your coverage that would otherwise leave you vulnerable. No matter how carefully you shop and purchase auto, home, and other insurance policies, it's almost impossible to foresee and plan for every possibility or risk that may arise. If you're involved in an accident, have a claim, or are sued, extra liability protection can help pay the legal costs and provide financial security if you lose. In many situations, umbrella insurance is the primary source of funds to take care of expenses related to your defense. Without it, many people would be forced to sell their homes or other assets to pay for potentially large judgments and settlements associated with personal injury claims.

Umbrella policies are crafted to protect you against liability exposure, no matter the size of damage awards or how many plaintiffs there are in a claim. In most cases, the limit of liability is between $1 million and $5 million depending on state law (compare umbrella policies in your state). Once your personal assets are exhausted, an umbrella policy would pay the remainder of damages up to its specified limit.

The cost of an umbrella policy depends on your net worth, income level, and wealth. A good rule of thumb is at least $1 million for individuals with assets to protect and no liability claims on their record. Most people opt for at least a few million dollars in umbrella coverage which provides ample protection against most lawsuits.

An umbrella can pay for legal defense costs and damages in lawsuits related to a wide variety of personal injury or property damage claims including:

Personal Injury Claims (including dog bites) Auto Accident Liability Boat or Watercraft Collisions Slip and Fall Defects on Property Motorcycle Accidents

Since an umbrella policy is designed to provide extra liability protection, it's not meant to replace the auto, home, boat, or other insurance you already have. If one of your existing policies covers a particular incident (such as fire damage caused by lightning), an umbrella policy would typically not be involved. This means an umbrella can't reimburse you for damages or pay your deductible, although it may cover extra costs associated with litigation (such as legal fees).

Umbrella policies are also written to provide additional liability coverage over and above the limits of your auto, home, and other insurance policies. So, if your home is burglarized by a thief who steals property from upstairs while you're in the basement, your insurance policy would provide protection for damages to your home as well as any stolen items. An umbrella policy would typically not cover this incident because it wouldn't involve liability coverage. If the same culprit later hits you with a lawsuit related to property damage or injuries he sustained while breaking into your home, an umbrella policy could help pay for your defense costs and any damages.

Umbrella policies are purchased in the same way as any other sort of insurance coverage (whether it's car, homeowners, or life insurance). You can either work with an agent to compare quotes from a variety of insurers on websites like oyerinsurance.com.