Umbrella Liability
An umbrella adds limits above your general liability, auto and employer’s liability policies at once. When a contract asks for $5M in total limits, an umbrella is usually how you get there.
Umbrellas do not usually sit above professional liability. That limit is bought separately.
What It Is Built For
Contract requirements
Owners and GCs asking for higher total limits than your base policies carry.
Serious injury claims
A single auto accident or site injury that exceeds the base policy limit.
Several policies at once
One umbrella can sit over general liability, auto and employer’s liability together.
Umbrella Liability: Common Questions
What is the difference between umbrella and excess?
An umbrella can sit over several policies and sometimes broadens coverage. An excess policy adds limit above one policy and follows its terms.
Does an umbrella increase my professional liability limit?
Usually not. Professional liability limits are raised by buying a higher limit or an excess professional policy.
How much umbrella do design firms buy?
Often $1M to $5M, driven by contract requirements and vehicle exposure.
Tell Us About Your Firm. We’ll Tell You What We See.
Starting out or renewing, with a policy in hand or not. If something is worth discussing, we’ll call. If not, we’ll say so.