Property & Casualty — Commercial
Excess Liability / Umbrella
When underlying limits aren't enough, excess coverage is.
Commercial umbrella and excess liability policies provide an additional layer of coverage above your existing general liability, commercial auto, and employers' liability policies. In a serious loss — a catastrophic injury, a major lawsuit, or a multi-vehicle accident — these underlying limits can be exhausted quickly. An umbrella policy ensures you have the depth of coverage that matches the scale of your business.
What's Covered
- Excess limits above your commercial general liability policy
- Excess limits above your commercial auto liability policy
- Excess limits above your employers' liability (workers' comp) policy
- Drop-down coverage in certain situations where underlying insurance is exhausted
- Broader coverage grants than some underlying policies (varies by carrier)
- Coverage for catastrophic bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims
- Available in increments from $1 million to $100 million or more
Why It Matters
Large jury verdicts have risen dramatically. Multi-million dollar awards in auto accidents, premises liability claims, and product liability suits are no longer rare. A $1 million CGL limit — once considered generous — may not cover a single serious incident. An umbrella policy is one of the most cost-effective ways to add meaningful protection, typically at pennies on the dollar compared to primary coverage.
Common Questions
What's the difference between an umbrella and excess liability policy?
An umbrella policy provides broader coverage and may cover gaps not addressed by underlying policies. An excess liability policy strictly follows the terms of the underlying policy and adds limits on top. Both sit above your primary coverage — we'll help you determine which structure best fits your needs.
How much umbrella coverage do I need?
A general rule of thumb is to match your umbrella limit to your total assets and projected revenue. Businesses with significant public exposure, fleets, or high foot traffic typically require $5 million or more. We'll help you size the coverage based on your specific risk profile.
Can I get umbrella coverage for my professional liability?
Standard commercial umbrellas generally do not sit over professional liability (E&O) policies. Separate excess professional liability policies are available if you need additional limits above your E&O coverage.
Ready to get covered?
Talk to one of our advisors about the right policy for your situation. No pressure, no jargon — just honest guidance.