Preferred Insurance Services
Umbrella Insurance
An umbrella policy adds a layer of liability coverage above your home and auto — typically $1 million or more — for a surprisingly low annual cost.
Liability claims can escalate fast. A serious car accident, a guest injured at your home, a lawsuit from a neighbor — any of these could exceed the liability limits on your existing policies. A personal umbrella policy kicks in when those underlying limits are exhausted, giving you an extra layer of protection for a relatively small premium. Most $1 million umbrella policies run between $150–$300 per year.
What's covered
Excess Auto Liability
Pays above your auto policy's liability limits if you cause an accident that results in serious injuries or significant property damage.
Excess Home Liability
Pays above your homeowners liability limit if someone is injured on your property and sues for damages exceeding your policy.
Personal Liability Situations
Covers scenarios not tied to your home or car — such as a defamation claim, certain landlord liability situations, or incidents while traveling.
Legal Defense Costs
Umbrella policies typically include defense cost coverage, which can be significant even when the underlying claim is eventually dismissed.
Things to keep in mind
- 1
To get an umbrella policy, you'll typically need to maintain minimum underlying liability limits on your home and auto — usually $300,000. We'll make sure your current policies meet the threshold.
- 2
The more assets you have — home equity, savings, income — the more exposure you have in a lawsuit. An umbrella is especially important as your net worth grows.
- 3
A $1 million umbrella is affordable for most households. We recommend at least matching your net worth in umbrella coverage.
- 4
Umbrella policies don't cover your own injuries or property damage — only liability to others. They also exclude intentional acts.
Carriers we quote for this line
Common questions
Who needs an umbrella policy?
Anyone with assets to protect — a home, savings, or income. It's also worth considering if you have a pool, trampoline, dog, teenage drivers, or rental properties, which all increase your liability exposure.
Does an umbrella policy cover business activities?
Personal umbrella policies generally exclude business-related liability. If you run a business, you may need a commercial umbrella or excess liability policy.
How much umbrella coverage do I need?
A common starting point is $1 million. As a general rule, your umbrella coverage should at least match your total net worth, since that's what a judgment could attach to.
Ready to get a quote?
We'll shop our carriers and bring you the best options for your situation.