Additional limits
Provides another layer when covered liability damages exceed a scheduled primary policy limit.
A serious injury, auto accident or property damage claim can exceed the limits on a business’s primary liability policies. Commercial umbrella insurance may provide an additional layer of liability protection above scheduled underlying coverage, subject to the policy terms, exclusions and required underlying limits.
Request a coverage reviewCall 800-310-2743A commercial umbrella policy is designed to add liability limits over specified underlying policies, which may include commercial general liability and commercial auto liability. If a covered claim exhausts the applicable underlying limit, the umbrella may respond above it, up to its own limit. Some umbrella forms can also respond to certain claims not covered by an underlying policy, but only when the umbrella’s own terms allow it. Coverage is not automatic for every policy or claim.
Provides another layer when covered liability damages exceed a scheduled primary policy limit.
Insurers may require particular primary policies and minimum limits. Keep policies, named insureds and renewal dates aligned.
Some customer, landlord or project agreements request higher liability limits. Compare the exact contract wording with your policies.
Businesses with frequent customer visits, vehicles on the road, employees working at third-party locations, subcontractors, leases or contracts with higher insurance requirements may want to assess whether current liability limits fit their risk and obligations. A policy review should account for actual operations, not just the business category.
Professional liability, employment practices liability, directors and officers liability, and workers’ compensation are separate lines with different purposes. Do not assume the umbrella extends over them. Review the exact schedule and exclusions with the insurer or agent.
Declarations pages, liability limits, aggregates, renewal dates, named insureds and any existing umbrella or excess policy.
Business activities, locations, annual revenue, employee and subcontractor roles, vehicle list, drivers and typical travel.
Customer or lease insurance requirements, certificates, recent claims, open matters and requested limit structure.
Insurers may request applications, loss runs and additional underwriting details. Provide complete information and promptly report claims as required by each policy.
The terms are sometimes used together, but forms can differ. An excess policy often follows the underlying policy’s terms, while an umbrella may have its own wording and can sometimes provide limited broader coverage. Check the specific policy rather than relying on the label.
Common underlying policies include general liability and commercial auto liability, but the umbrella must identify or otherwise recognize the underlying coverage. Eligibility varies by insurer and form.
No. The loss must satisfy the relevant policy terms, and exclusions, conditions, attachment points, aggregates and notice requirements still apply. Some claims may not be covered by either policy.
Do not assume so. Professional liability coverage is generally separate. Review the umbrella’s schedule and professional services exclusions and consider a separate E&O policy if appropriate.
Defense provisions vary. Defense costs may be handled by the underlying insurer, the umbrella insurer, or in another way under the policy. Ask whether defense expenses erode limits and who controls the defense.
There is no single limit that fits every business. Consider contractual requirements, operations, vehicle exposure, assets, loss scenarios, underlying limits and available terms with a licensed insurance professional.
Pricing may reflect business operations, revenue, payroll, locations, vehicle exposure, underlying coverage and limits, claims history, requested umbrella limits and insurer underwriting.
Use our quote request page or call 800-310-2743. Current policy documents and contract requirements can help start the review.
Direct Insurance Network can help you organize underlying policy details and review available commercial umbrella options for your Broward County business.
Request a quoteCall 800-310-2743Coverage descriptions are general information only. Insurance is subject to underwriting, policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. A quote or coverage review does not bind coverage.
Additional information: Travelers: Commercial Umbrella Insurance · The Hartford: Commercial Umbrella Insurance