It may be called an umbrella policy, but it has nothing to do with your favorite pop-open rain deflector.
“Umbrella” is a term to help visualize how this policy provides a wider range of coverage that extends your protection from other, existing insurance policies.
If you’re faced with a lawsuit, injury or accident, the expenses may exceed the existing liability coverage of your auto or homeowners policy. If coverage falls short, the remaining balance can easily liquidate your savings, your home, personal property and even garnish your wages.
Since absolutely nobody wants that, let’s talk about the insurance policy that can help your family in sticky situations: umbrella insurance.
What is an umbrella policy?
Essentially, umbrella insurance extends coverage above the limits of your other policies. So, if somebody brings a liability claim against you and the costs associated with the situation exceed your existing insurance policy’s limits (like your homeowners or auto policies), then your umbrella policy can come in and make up the difference.
In some cases, if coverage is excluded on other policies, the umbrella policy may “drop down” to cover the loss.
For example, if you’re driving in Europe and are involved in an accident. Most personal auto policies will not extend coverage to Europe and you would be left with a hefty bill from the accident. However, an umbrella policy will most likely provide coverage for that situation. An Auto-Owners Umbrella Insurance policy provides coverage anywhere in the world.
Read more: What are Insurance Premiums, Insurance Deductibles and Policy Limits? Our Experts Explain
What is covered by a personal umbrella policy?
There are several coverages within a typical umbrella policy. These coverages often include:
- If you’re sued for injuries caused to another person in an auto accident
- Property rented to you, used by you, or in your care
- Coverage beyond your underlying policy limits, in addition to protection above your existing policy limits
- Protection when a guest is injured on your premises, including alcohol-related incidents, slip and falls, and other accidents
- Coverage that follows you wherever you may be faced with a liability claim
- Legal costs are covered, even outside the policy limit
Most personal umbrella policies are available with coverage limits of up to $5 million (higher limits may be available).
Read more: Quick & Easy Overview of Liability Insurance for Business
Who needs an umbrella policy?
Short answer: Anyone who wants to protect their assets can benefit from an umbrella policy. An umbrella policy is a great way to preserve current assets as well as future earnings so you can maintain your livelihood and lifestyle in the event you have a loss and are sued.
Here’s just a short list of reasons you may consider an umbrella policy:
- You own a home
- You own a recreational vehicle
- You have significant assets
- You have children
- You own a swimming pool
- You own a snowmobile
- You travel
Read more: How to Select the Best Homeowners Insurance Coverages
When would I use my umbrella insurance policy?
Let’s look at a few examples of when an umbrella policy may be able to help you.
- You are driving your boat and one of your passengers is standing on the front of the boat while it is moving. Unfortunately, they fall in the water and sustain injuries as a result. They sue you for an amount above the limits of your watercraft liability policy. An umbrella policy can help cover that amount beyond your watercraft liability policy.
- Your friend is on your roof trimming trees and falls off. Unfortunately, they are severely injured. The friend sues to cover their sustained injuries and lost wages as a result of this accident. Your homeowners policy doesn’t have limits high enough to cover all the expenses. This is where your umbrella policy will kick in and help cover the remaining costs.
- Your son is driving an ATV with two friends riding on the back. They go down a dirt trail too fast, hit a stump and crash. The friends were severely injured and sue you for limits above your recreational vehicle liability limit.
- You get involved in an online forum discussion. Somebody finds a comment you made to be slanderous and sues you. Your umbrella policy may cover those legal costs.
- In some cases, there may even be coverage for an accidental death if you’re held liable.
Much like its namesake, umbrella insurance is an extension of protection to keep you safe (and not drowning in legal fees or other expenses)! The best way to get started in finding an umbrella insurance policy that fits your needs and budget is to talk to your local, independent insurance agent.
Auto-Owners Insurance Company © 2022. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: The analysis of coverage is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by the Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions of the Policy. Some of the coverage mentioned in this material may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to conform to applicable state law. Some coverages may have been eliminated or modified since the publishing of this material. Discounts may not be available in all states. Limitations and conditions may apply.
Recent Comments