Quick answer
An umbrella policy adds liability coverage, usually starting at $1 million, above your auto, homeowners, boat and landlord policies. It pays after their limits are used up and can cover some claims they exclude. Carriers require minimum liability limits on those policies first. Teen drivers, a pool, a boat, a dog and rental properties are common reasons Florida families add one.
Coverage Overview
Umbrella insurance doesn't stand alone - it sits on top of your existing auto, home, boat, and landlord policies, picking up liability costs once those underlying limits are used up.
How umbrella coverage works
- Adds liability protection above the limits on your auto, homeowners, boat, or landlord policies, typically starting at $1 million in additional coverage
- Covers claims those underlying policies don't fully pay, including large judgments, certain lawsuits, and some claims your base policies exclude
- Requires minimum underlying liability limits on the policies it sits above - your agent sets these when the umbrella is issued
Umbrella Insurance FAQ
How much umbrella coverage do I need?
It depends on your assets and your exposure - rental properties, teen drivers, a pool, a dog, or anything that puts you in regular contact with the public all raise the odds of a serious liability claim. A common approach is enough coverage to protect your net worth above what your underlying policies already provide.
Does umbrella insurance cover my rental properties or boat too?
It can, as long as those properties and vehicles are scheduled under the umbrella and carry the required underlying liability limits on their own policies first.
What underlying coverage do I need before I can buy umbrella?
Most carriers require minimum liability limits on your auto and homeowners (or landlord) policies - often $250,000/$500,000 for auto and $300,000 for home - before they'll issue an umbrella policy on top.
What it usually doesn't cover
- Damage to your own property. An umbrella is liability coverage only.
- Business activities and professional mistakes. General liability insurance →
- Claims your underlying policies would have paid if you'd kept the required limits. You pay that gap yourself.
- Intentional acts, and contracts you sign agreeing to take on liability.
Every policy is different. Your declarations page and policy form decide what's covered.
Have this ready before you ask for a quote
- Declarations pages for every auto, home, boat and rental policy
- Number of drivers in the household and their ages
- Pools, trampolines, dogs, boats, golf carts and rental properties
- Your rough net worth, to help decide the limit
Don't have everything? Send what you have; an agent will ask for the rest. Coverage can't be bound or changed through this website.