3 minute readUmbrella
Real-world triggers look ordinary until the numbers arrive: a multi-car accident with injuries, a dog bite requiring surgery, a guest injured at a pool party, a teen driver at fault in a serious crash, or a defamation claim from a social media post. Each can exceed standard limits quickly.
What you need to know
The at-fault auto accident
Injuries to multiple people routinely exceed a $300,000 auto limit.
The home injury
Pool, stairway, and dog-related injuries generate the most frequent large homeowners liability claims.
The reputation claim
Personal injury coverage in an umbrella can respond to libel and slander allegations.
Common mistakes
- Assuming umbrella coverage is only for wealthy households.
- Buying an umbrella while leaving underlying limits below the carrier's requirement.
- Ignoring exposures like pools, dogs, teen drivers and rental property.
- Sizing the limit to current assets while ignoring future income.
- Assuming a personal umbrella covers business activities.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent if you own a home, rent out property, have a teen driver, host often, sit on a board, or simply want your assets and wages protected against a large liability claim.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.