Sometimes, the unexpected happens—a car accident, a slip-and-fall incident at your home, or even a lawsuit. Without the right protection, these events could put your financial security at risk. That’s where Excess Liability (Umbrella) Insurance comes in.

What is Excess Liability Coverage?

Excess Liability Insurance provides an extra layer of protection when the liability limits on your primary policies—such as homeowners, auto, or watercraft insurance—have been exhausted.

For example, if you were injured in a car accident and required extensive medical treatment, your auto policy’s underinsured motorist coverage may cover some of the costs, but if expenses exceed your policy limits, Excess Liability coverage can step in to protect you from paying out of pocket.

This additional coverage can help safeguard your assets in a variety of scenarios beyond auto accidents, including personal injury lawsuits, liability claims related to homeownership, and more.

Who Should Consider Excess Liability Coverage?

If any of the following apply to you, your exposure to liability risks may be higher, making Umbrella Insurance an essential safeguard:

✅ You own a home
✅ You regularly drive a car
✅ You have children who drive or are away at school
✅ Your home has a swimming pool
✅ You employ household staff such as a housekeeper, nanny, or gardener
✅ You own a dog
✅ You own a boat or other recreational vehicles
✅ You frequently entertain guests at your home
✅ You are active on social media, including blogging or posting photos online
✅ You serve on a board of a nonprofit or for-profit organization

If any of these factors apply to you, a review of your current liability coverage is highly recommended to ensure you have adequate protection.

Real-Life Claims: The High Cost of Liability

These actual Chubb claims illustrate how Excess Liability coverage can provide critical financial protection:

• 🔹 Dog Attack Injury – $7.7M Paid
  A man was attacked by three dogs that escaped from a neighbor’s yard. He sustained serious injuries, leading to a lawsuit. The claim was settled under the dog owner’s Excess Liability policy.
• 🔹 Home Contractor Falls – $8.9M Paid
  An HVAC technician fell 20 feet while working in a homeowner’s attic, sustaining multiple injuries. The homeowner was sued for liability, and the claim was settled under their Excess Liability policy.
• 🔹 Severe Pedestrian Accident – $26.2M Paid
  A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and leg amputation. The driver’s primary auto insurance was exhausted, and the Excess Liability policy covered the remaining settlement.

💡 These cases demonstrate the importance of having higher liability limits to protect against large financial losses.

Reducing Your Liability Risks

While insurance provides financial protection, proactive risk management can help prevent accidents in the first place. Here are a few key steps to reduce potential liability at home:

✔️ Secure your swimming pool with a self-locking fence and always supervise swimmers.
✔️ Keep walkways and stairs clear of obstacles, ice, and debris.
✔️ Ensure adequate outdoor lighting, especially in high-traffic areas.
✔️ Never serve alcohol to minors and be mindful of guests who may be driving after drinking.

Is Your Liability Coverage Enough?

Many high-net-worth individuals underestimate their liability exposure. Only 28% of surveyed affluent individuals carry excess liability insurance, despite 90% expressing concern over the potential financial impact of a lawsuit.

Let’s review your coverage today to ensure you’re protected. Contact us to discuss your options and find the right level of liability protection for you and your family.