How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need? (2024)

An umbrella insurance policy becomes essential when the maximum liability limits on your homeowners and/or motor vehicle policies don’t offer enough coverage to protect your assets against a liability claim adequately. Calculate your assets to approximate how much coverage you need and then contact your agent or insurer to discuss the appropriate coverage limit.

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How to figure out the right amount of umbrella coverage

A financial advisor or your bank or credit union can assist with calculating all of your assets, such as:

  • Checking accounts
  • Savings accounts, including money market and bonds
  • Stocks, mutual funds, and certificates of deposits
  • 401(k) and IRAs (Individual retirement accounts)
  • Equity in your home(s) (the fair market value of your home – your mortgage balance and any second mortgage or home equity line of credit = equity)
  • Equity in your vehicle(s), including cars, motorcycles, RVs, and boats
  • Jewelry, art, and collectibles
  • Clothing, furniture and electronics
  • Cash-value life insurance policy

Once you’ve determined your number, see if it exceeds your auto policy’s bodily injury and property damage liability coverage limit or the personal liability coverage limit on your homeowners policy. If so, an umbrella insurance policy can provide additional liability coverage at a reasonable cost. Without the added protection of an umbrella policy, any amount that you’re liable for will come out of your own pocket once you’ve reached the liability limit of your motor vehicle and homeowners policies.

Example:Your assets total $700,000. The combined single limit for liability on your auto policy is $500,000, and your homeowners policy’s personal liability coverage limit is also $500,000. You need an umbrella insurance policy with at least a $200,000 coverage limit to fully safeguard your assets in case you’re liable for an amount above the limits of your auto or homeowners policy.

If you currently have umbrella insurance, it’s a good practice to review your policy’s coverage limit annually to make certain your assets are protected against a liability claim. Understand that damage to your home, belongings, and motor vehicles is covered under your homeowners insurance and/or auto insurance, and not by an umbrella policy.

How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need? (2)

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How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need? (2024)

FAQs

How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need? ›

Your umbrella insurance policy limits should at least cover the amount of your assets left exposed once your underlying auto or home policy liability limits are exhausted.

How much should you have in an umbrella policy? ›

The amount of your umbrella insurance policy should match your entire net worth. Umbrella insurance policies begin at $1 million and go up from there in $1 million increments. This might seem like a lot, but when it comes to lawsuits and insurance claims, things can add up fast.

How much does a $1 million umbrella policy cost? ›

Umbrella policies typically start at $1 million in liability coverage. According to an ACE Private Risk Services report noted by Forbes, the average cost a $1 million personal umbrella policy is $383 per year for an individual with one home, two cars, and two drivers.

Is it worth getting an umbrella insurance policy? ›

An umbrella policy can forestall the prospect of financial ruin due to an unintentional misstep or an unforeseeable accident. You may also wish to consider increasing the liability limits on your auto or homeowners insurance policies.

What are the disadvantages of the umbrella policy? ›

What are the disadvantages of the umbrella policy? While umbrella insurance offers extensive coverage, it doesn't cover personal injuries or property, business losses, and intentional or criminal acts.

What is the rule of thumb for umbrella insurance? ›

Value of your assets: An umbrella policy should cover at least your net worth—this is generally what you stand to lose in a lawsuit. Potential future income loss: Your future income could also be at risk in a big lawsuit. Even if you have a limited income now, consider your potential future income.

At what point do I need an umbrella policy? ›

Standard homeowners and auto policies typically won't offer more than $500,000 in liability coverage, which means you may need an umbrella insurance policy to fully protect your assets if your net worth exceeds $500,000.

What percentage of Americans have an umbrella policy? ›

Oftentimes, customers don't know exactly what benefits the umbrella policy provides. In fact, only about 20% of homeowners carry an umbrella policy 1. Many that do are sold a $1 million policy though their assets and earnings greatly exceed that number.

Why is my umbrella policy so high? ›

The cost of an umbrella liability policy depends on how much coverage you purchase, the state where you live (insurance rates vary by state) and the risk that insuring you presents to the insurance company. The more homes or cars you own, and the more household members your policy must cover, the more it will cost.

What is not covered by an umbrella policy? ›

An umbrella policy generally does not provide coverage for: your injuries or damage to your personal property. a criminal or intentional action causing damage to someone else. liability you assume under a contract.

Does an umbrella policy cover a lawsuit? ›

Umbrella insurance covers defense costs, judgments and court costs in the event you're sued, and protects against liability related to non-bodily and bodily injuries. An umbrella policy typically covers the following: Personal injury. Bodily injury to others.

Is state farm umbrella policy worth it? ›

State Farm's umbrella policies are a good choice for customers with a high net worth who want extra coverage for property damage, injuries, and possible lawsuits that could result from various types of incidents.

Do retirees need an umbrella insurance policy? ›

Retirees often rely on their accumulated savings to fund their lifestyle during retirement. An unexpected lawsuit or liability claim could jeopardize these savings. Umbrella insurance helps protect these assets by providing coverage beyond the limits of traditional policies.

How much umbrella policy is enough? ›

Your umbrella insurance policy limits should at least cover the amount of your assets left exposed once your underlying auto or home policy liability limits are exhausted. Speak with a representative about umbrella insurance and get a Progressive umbrella policy quote for up to $5 million by calling 1-877-777-1783.

Is umbrella insurance tax deductible? ›

Umbrella insurance is typically deducted as an operating expense on Schedule E of your tax return. This is the form used to report income and expenses from rental property. On Schedule E, you'll list your umbrella policy premiums under “Insurance.”

How much is a $10 million dollar umbrella policy? ›

The reasonable cost for high limits of coverage makes excess liability coverage the best value in personal insurance. For umbrella policies up to $10 Million in coverage limits, annual premiums generally cost in the range of $220 to $225 per Million, depending on the client's particular underwriting profile.

What percent of people have an umbrella policy? ›

Oftentimes, customers don't know exactly what benefits the umbrella policy provides. In fact, only about 20% of homeowners carry an umbrella policy 1. Many that do are sold a $1 million policy though their assets and earnings greatly exceed that number. What makes this coverage such an enigma?

How does an umbrella policy pay out? ›

If your homeowners liability policy limit is $300,000, you still owe her $700,000. After you pay your homeowner's insurance deductible, your policy pays the $300,000 limit. Your umbrella coverage would then pay the remaining $700,000 of the judgment, plus any legal expenses you incurred.

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