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Umbrella Insurance Explained

Umbrella insurance is a supplemental liability policy that provides extra coverage beyond the limits of standard home, auto, or boat insurance policies. It helps protect against large lawsuits and claims that exceed primary policy limits.

General Coverages

Pursuant to your particular policy language, coverage provisions, and exclusions; umbrella policies can include coverage for:

Excess Liability Coverage – Extends coverage beyond the limits of existing home, auto, or boat insurance policies. Kicks in when the liability limits of primary policies are exceeded. Subject to mandatory underlying limits.

Bodily Injury Liability – Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees if you or a covered household member cause injury to someone else.

Property Damage Liability – Covers damage to someone else’s property caused by you or a household member.

Legal Defense Costs – Pays for attorney fees, court costs, and settlements if you’re sued—even for frivolous lawsuits. Coverage applies even if you’re not found at fault.

Personal Injury Coverage – Covers lawsuits related to libel, slander, defamation, false arrest, or invasion of privacy.

Claims Scenario

David has the following insurance policies:

  • Auto Liability Insurance: $250,000 per person / $500,000 per accident for bodily injury, $100,000 for property damage.
  • Umbrella Insurance Policy: $1 million in additional liability coverage.
    Incident:

One evening, David is driving in heavy rain when he accidentally runs a red light and collides with an SUV carrying four passengers. The accident results in severe injuries to the other driver and three passengers, leading to extensive medical bills and a lawsuit.

  • Total Medical Costs for Injured Passengers: $700,000
  • Property Damage to the SUV: $120,000
  • Lawsuit for Pain and Suffering: $500,000
  • Total Liability Costs: $1,320,000

How Umbrella Insurance Helps:

Auto Insurance Pays First:

  • Bodily Injury Limit: $500,000 (Max per accident)
  • Property Damage Limit: $100,000
  • Total Paid by Auto Insurance: $600,000

Umbrella Insurance Covers the Rest:

  • Remaining medical costs: $200,000
  • Remaining property damage: $20,000
  • Lawsuit settlement: $500,000
  • Total Paid by Umbrella Policy: $720,000

Without umbrella insurance, David would have been personally responsible for $720,000 out-of-pocket. Because of his umbrella policy, his assets are protected, and the full amount is covered.

Contact CastleWise to discuss Umbrella insurance coverage.