Extra liability limits when your base policy runs out

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella (Excess Liability) Insurance adds extra liability limits on top of your existing policies — general liability, commercial auto, and employer's liability. When a large claim exhausts an underlying policy's limit, the umbrella covers the rest, shielding your business assets from a catastrophic judgment that would otherwise come out of pocket.

Who needs Umbrella / Excess?

Businesses with significant assets to protect
Companies that serve the public or sign large client contracts
Businesses that operate vehicles or a fleet
Firms whose contracts require higher liability limits
Growing companies whose risk has outpaced their base limits
Any owner worried about a single oversized lawsuit

What's covered

Excess General Liability

Additional limits above your general liability policy for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims.

Excess Auto Liability

Higher limits over your commercial auto policy after a serious accident involving a business vehicle.

Excess Employer's Liability

Extra protection above the employer's liability portion of your workers' compensation policy.

Legal Defense Costs

Attorney fees and court costs for covered claims that exceed your underlying policy limits.

Broadened Protection

Some claims excluded by an underlying policy may be covered by the umbrella after a self-insured retention.

What's not covered

Professional errors or advice (covered by Professional Liability)
Intentional or criminal acts
Damage to your own property
Claims that fall below the underlying policy limit
Coverage types you do not carry underneath the umbrella
Specific exclusions written into the underlying policies

Examples by industry

Health & Beauty

A serious salon-injury judgment exceeds your liability limit; umbrella covers the excess so it doesn't reach your assets.

Food & Restaurants

A large foodborne-illness verdict exceeds your general liability limit; umbrella pays the remaining amount.

Cleaning & Maintenance

A catastrophic client-property claim exceeds your base limit; umbrella covers the difference.

Professional Services

A major client lawsuit exhausts your liability limit; umbrella provides the additional coverage needed.

Retail & E-commerce

A severe customer-injury award tops your store's liability limit; umbrella picks up the excess.

Transportation

A multi-vehicle accident produces claims beyond your commercial auto limit; umbrella covers the overflow.

Technology

A large liability judgment exceeds your underlying limits; umbrella adds the extra protection.

Home Services

A serious job-site injury results in damages above your liability limit; umbrella covers the remainder.

Creative & Media

A costly advertising-injury judgment exceeds your base limit; umbrella pays the excess.

Real Estate

A major injury claim at a property exceeds your liability limit; umbrella covers the additional amount.

Get covered

Compare Umbrella / Excess quotes from top carriers in minutes.

Get Quotes

Part of the Knack guide

Learn Umbrella / Excess alongside every other coverage in our full guide.

Open in the full guide

Related coverages

Often purchased together

Need help deciding?

Upload your current policy and our AI will analyze your coverage gaps.

Analyze my coverage

Ready to take control of your insurance?

Join business owners who are making smarter insurance decisions with Knack. Get started in minutes, no commitment required.

Get Quotes