Do You Need Umbrella Insurance?

Understanding Umbrella Liability Insurance Coverage

Most people have heard of umbrella insurance. But, many  are not clear on what it is or what it covers. And, no its not insurance for your expensive umbrella.

Insurance coverage provides you with important protection for your family, property, vehicles and assets. Most insurance policies you buy, such as car insurance, home insurance & boat insurance, include Liability coverage.  Liability insurance covers you when you get sued for bodily injury or property damage due to your negligence. It pays for the cost of lawyers to defend you and the settlement, if any, in the event you are deemed caused the other person's losses because of your negligence. An umbrella insurance policy is coverage to protect you against significant liability claims against you, over and above the amount of liability insurance you carry on you base policy. It gives you additional coverage for the things that matter most to you.

Here we will provide you with a clear explanation of what umbrella insurance is and how it works. We’ll discuss what it covers and answer common questions about this policy type.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

An umbrella insurance policy offers protection that goes beyond your home insurance or car insurance policy liability limits. It’s sometimes referred to as a personal umbrella policy or umbrella liability insurance.
Umbrella coverage takes effect once you reach your current policy limits. It’s an extension of your third party liability coverage. It also provides coverage for risks not commonly covered. This includes slander, libel, false imprisonment, privacy violations, and more.

How Does An Umbrella Insurance Policy Work?

Your umbrella policy does not come into effect until you have maxed out your standard liability coverage. For example, you have a lawsuit. The costs of the lawsuit, legal fees and damages exceed your standard home or auto coverage. This is when your umbrella policy would cover the rest. Without an umbrella policy you pay out of pocket for anything in excess of your coverage limits.
Here are some additional details about how umbrella policies work :

• It covers the policyholder and family members in the household.
• Umbrella coverage does not cover your property. It covers damage or injury to other people’s belongings.
• Umbrella coverage does not kick in until you exceed your current liability limits.

What Is Covered By An Umbrella Policy?

An umbrella policy will help financial protect you in a number of situations where you are liable :

• Bodily harm to others
• Personal injury
• Property damage
• Lawsuits and defense costs, other fees

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?
Umbrella insurance can benefit anyone. Litigation is on the rise. Accidents with high damage and liability costs can happen to anyone at any time. An umbrella policy can provide you with additional protection if you are responsible. A policy will save you from having to pay out of pocket for medical and legal bills. All it takes is one person getting injured on your property or an at fault accident to put yourself in financial jeopardy.

When Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?

There are specific instances where its more beneficial to have umbrella insurance. These are instance where there is greater risk of a liability claim. Or you have more to lose if you have legal liability issues. Umbrella insurance for high net worth individuals is perhaps the most common example. Here are some situations where it makes sense for you to invest in an umbrella policy :

• You have a pool, trampoline, or other potentially dangerous items on your property.
• You own rental property.
• You coach kids sports team
• You own a small business.
• You participate in activities where you could injure others.
• You have assets or investments you want to protect.
• You want the peace of mind in knowing you have extra coverage.

How Much Does An Umbrella Insurance Policy Cost?

Personal umbrella insurance costs are more affordable than most realize. The cost of the policy depends on how much coverage you need. It depends on the type of coverage (home or auto) and where you live. The level of risk you pose is also a consideration. The more the policy has to cover, the more it will cost.
Are you are interested in adding this coverage? Performing an umbrella insurance cost comparison is the best way to find the best rates.

What Does Umbrella Insurance NOT Cover?

There are a number of things an umbrella insurance will not cover. They care :

• Damage to your own property
• Criminal acts
• Intentional actions
• Personal belongings or property
• Business loss
• Contracts

Does Umbrella Insurance Cover Property Damage?

Umbrella insurance doesn’t cover damage to your personal property. It will, however, cover you if you cause damage to the property of a third party.
For example, you accidently crash into your neighbours garage. An umbrella policy would cover the damages that are above and beyond your auto policy limits.

Personal Excess Liability Insurance Vs Umbrella Coverage – What’s The Difference?

Umbrella and excess liability coverage are thought to be interchangeable. But, they are different types of coverage. Excess liability coverage provides you with higher liability policy limits. But, they only cover the risks already in your policy. Umbrella policies provide you with additional coverage. They also provide coverage for additional risks that may not be covered in your current policy.

What Is Commercial Umbrella Liability Insurance?

Commercial umbrella insurance is similar to a personal umbrella policy. The main difference is it applies to businesses. It provides you with additional commercial general liability insurance that is above your current policy limits. If you operate a business where lawsuits are more likely, it’s worth considering the extra coverage.