Your professional work · Umbrella, excess
Commercial umbrella
Adds liability protection above your general liability, commercial auto and employer's liability limits, for large claims.
- Who it's for
- Businesses with contracts that require higher limits, vehicles on the road, or heavy public exposure.
- Is it required?
- No, but contracts often require $1 million to $5 million in total.
Covered and not covered
Usually covered
- Claims above the limits of your underlying policies
- Defense costs
Usually not covered
- Most things the underlying policies exclude (some umbrellas cover a few, above a self-insured retention)
- Professional liability, cyber and management claims
Real-life examples
A delivery van crash causes a $2 million judgment; your auto limit is $1 million.
Usually coveredThe umbrella pays the second million, up to its limit.
Check your own policy
Find these on your policy or declarations page, or ask your agent:
- Which underlying policies it sits over
- Required underlying limits
Not sure where to look? See how to read your policy.