Cover Yourself with an Umbrella Liability Policy

What if your chimney fell on your neighbor, injuring him and ruining his expensive sports car, and you wind up facing a $500,000 judgment? If your homeowner's policy pays a maximum $300,000 for liability, you would be in a tight spot. Where will the rest come from — future earnings, selling your home, forfeiting an inheritance?

One way to help protect your assets from settlements that exceed the coverage limits of your homeowner's and auto policies is to purchase personal umbrella liability insurance.

An umbrella policy gets its name because it provides an extra layer of protection in the event you exceed the maximum limits of your other liability insurance. Umbrella policies are usually sold in increments of $1 million, and they typically require deductibles equal to the coverage limits on your homeowner's and auto policies.

Not Just for the Rich

Juries typically don't take into account a defendant's ability to pay when deciding the amount of an award, so exposure to risk can affect people at all income levels. Just having a swimming pool or a teenager could expose you to additional risk. If you don't have enough liability coverage to resolve a claim or a lawsuit, the plaintiff could go after your house or other assets, depending on the laws of the state where you live.

Not Just for Home or Auto

Many umbrella policies include coverage for things excluded on standard auto, renter's, and homeowner's policies such as libel, slander, invasion of privacy, defamation of character, or other personal injuries. Some umbrella policies also provide coverage if you face personal liability arising from your service as a board member of a civic, charitable, or religious organization.

When you review your insurance coverage, consider the added protection an umbrella liability policy can offer. A policy can be designed to fit your particular situation and potentially grow with you and your family.

This material was written and prepared by Emerald.
© 2010 Emerald