The risk of being sued if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property becomes greater every year. We can help you determine whether this extra layer of liability protection makes sense for you. To learn more, call the office nearest you or send us an e-mail.

What is personal umbrella insurance?

Personal umbrella insurance provides coverage beyond your homeowner or auto policy by adding an extra layer of liability coverage. Coverage is provided in amounts of $1,000,000 increments. Umbrella insurance also covers situations that may not be covered by another policy such as slander or libel.

Who should purchase personal umbrella coverage?

Historically, wealthy people with sizable assets have purchased personal umbrella coverage. This is no longer the case. Since our society has become more litigious, people of all income levels are choosing to extend their liability coverage. The greater your risk factors, the more you will need to protect yourself. Some high-risk factors include:

• Owning a personal watercraft

• Having a young driver in the family
• Owning a swimming pool
• Owning a recreational vehicle

How does it work?

Example:

Coverage: You have liability insurance on your auto policy for $100,000. You also have additional liability protection through umbrella coverage of $1,000,000.

Incident: On the way home from work, you run a red light and accidentally hit a biker. The biker is seriously injured and sues you for damages of $500,000. The court finds you liable for the full amount.

Result: The liability on your auto policy pays the first $100,000. Once depleted, your umbrella policy pays the final $400,000.

If you had not been protected with the additional liability coverage, you personally would have been responsible for the other $400,000 in claims against you.