How to read your umbrella insurance policy
What the parts of a umbrella insurance policy mean, so you know what your own document says before you talk to your insurer, agent, or attorney.
An umbrella policy adds liability coverage on top of the limits already carried on your home and auto policies. It begins paying at the attachment point, which sits at the top of your underlying home or auto liability limit, and covers a covered claim that exceeds it.
Because it sits above other policies, an umbrella usually requires those underlying policies to carry a minimum liability limit. If an underlying limit falls below that required amount, a gap can open between where the underlying policy stops and where the umbrella begins.
The parts to find on a umbrella insurance policy
- Attachment point
- The dollar level where your umbrella policy starts paying, which sits at the top of your underlying home or auto liability limit.
- Underlying limit
- The liability limit your home or auto policy must carry before the umbrella applies. Falling below it can leave a gap.
What UnderstandMyPolicy shows you
Upload your own umbrella insurance policy and it reads the document and explains what it says, with every answer cited to the page and clause. It reports what your policy states, not whether your coverage is enough — that is a conversation for you and a licensed agent or attorney.