Solutions
Excess / Umbrella
Extra liability limits above your primary policies, for the claims that go beyond them.
What It Is
Excess and umbrella policies add liability limits on top of your primary policies, such as auto liability, general liability, and employer’s liability. When a covered claim exceeds the primary policy’s limit, the excess or umbrella policy responds for the amount above it, up to its own limit. Umbrella policies can sometimes cover gaps the primary policies don’t, while excess policies generally follow the terms of the policy beneath them.
What It Typically Covers
- Covered liability claims above your primary limits
- Some umbrella policies cover certain claims the primary policies don’t
Common Gaps to Watch For
- You must keep the underlying limits. If a primary policy lapses or its limits drop, you may face a gap.
- Exclusions often follow the primary policies. If the primary doesn’t cover it, the excess may not either.
- Availability. Trucking excess coverage can be limited and costly, so plan ahead of renewal.
Who Usually Needs It
Businesses with contracts requiring higher limits, larger fleets, and any business that wants protection against large verdicts beyond its primary limits.
What Underwriters Consider
- Your primary policies and their limits
- Fleet size and operations
- Loss history, especially severe losses
- Safety record and practices
- The limit you’re requesting
Questions to Ask
- Which of my policies does this sit above?
- Is it an umbrella or a follow-form excess policy?
- What underlying limits must I keep?
- Do my contracts require a specific total limit?
All coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Last reviewed: November 1, 2026
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Licensed in Illinois.