Commercial Umbrella Insurance

What is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?

Commercial umbrella insurance is a type of liability insurance that covers your business in the event of a large claim or lawsuit. It is designed to provide additional coverage above and beyond the limits of your standard business insurance policies, such as general liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation. With the ever-increasing costs of litigation and settlements, having a commercial umbrella policy can help protect your business from financial ruin.

For example, let’s say your business has a general liability policy with a coverage limit of $1 million. If a customer slips and falls on your property, resulting in a $1.5 million lawsuit, your general liability policy would cover the first $1 million. In this scenario, your commercial umbrella insurance would cover the remaining $500,000, ensuring that your business is protected from financial loss.

It’s important to note that commercial umbrella insurance is not a standalone policy. Instead, it works in conjunction with your existing business insurance policies to provide an additional layer of coverage when needed.

What Does a Commercial Umbrella Policy Cover?

A commercial umbrella policy is designed to provide extra coverage for a variety of liability-related expenses that your business might face. Some of the most common items covered by a commercial umbrella policy include:

Legal fees: If your business is sued, the costs of mounting a legal defense can quickly add up. A commercial umbrella policy can help cover these expenses, ensuring that your business has the resources it needs to fight the lawsuit.
Settlements and judgments: In the event that your business is found liable in a lawsuit, you may be required to pay a settlement or judgment to the injured party. A commercial umbrella policy can help cover these costs, protecting your business from financial loss.
Medical expenses: If someone is injured on your property or as a result of your business operations, their medical expenses may exceed the limits of your general liability policy. A commercial umbrella policy can help cover these additional costs.
Property damage: If your business is found liable for causing property damage, your commercial umbrella policy can help cover the costs of repairs or replacement.
Miscellaneous expenses: A commercial umbrella policy can also cover a variety of other expenses that may arise as a result of a liability claim, such as the cost of hiring a public relations firm to manage the negative publicity surrounding the incident.

It’s important to note that commercial umbrella insurance does not cover every type of liability claim. For example, it typically does not cover claims related to professional errors or omissions, intentional acts of harm, or employee discrimination. Be sure to review your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Umbrella Insurance

To help you better understand the ins and outs of commercial umbrella insurance, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers:

Does my business really need commercial umbrella insurance?

While not every business may require commercial umbrella insurance, it’s important to carefully assess your risk exposure and potential liability. If there is a possibility that a large claim or lawsuit could threaten your financial stability, it’s worth considering investing in this added layer of protection.

How much does commercial umbrella insurance cost?

The cost of commercial umbrella insurance can vary greatly, depending on factors such as your industry, the size of your business, the amount of coverage you require, and your claims history.

Can I purchase commercial umbrella insurance as a standalone policy?

No, commercial umbrella insurance is not a standalone policy. It is designed to work in conjunction with your existing business insurance policies, providing additional coverage when the limits of those policies have been exhausted.

What is the difference between commercial umbrella insurance and excess liability insurance?

While both commercial umbrella insurance and excess liability insurance provide additional coverage beyond the limits of your primary business insurance policies, there are some key differences between the two. Commercial umbrella insurance typically offers broader coverage, encompassing a wider range of liability-related expenses, while excess liability insurance typically only covers the specific types of claims and expenses outlined in your primary policies.

Commercial umbrella insurance is a crucial component of a comprehensive risk management strategy for businesses of all sizes and industries. By providing an additional layer of protection against large claims and lawsuits, this type of insurance can help safeguard your business’s financial stability and ensure its long-term success. Don’t leave your business vulnerable to unexpected events – invest in commercial umbrella insurance today.

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Once we receive your information, our team will contact you to discuss your policy options. Our goal is to make sure you are correctly insured and to provide you with the same or better coverage at the best price possible.

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