Is umbrella insurance required?

Umbrella insurance is an optional form of liability protection that isn’t mandatory in any state. That said, it can protect your finances if you’re sued and your home or auto policies don’t provide enough coverage.

Can I get umbrella coverage without auto or homeowners insurance?

Umbrella insurance is almost always tied to existing home or auto coverage. Most insurers have minimum underlying limits that you must meet before an umbrella policy can be issued.

Can I buy umbrella insurance from any insurer?

Generally, umbrella insurance will need to be purchased from the same insurer that offers your home or auto coverage. You’ll also need to meet that insurer’s minimum liability coverage limits (also called underlying limits) before purchasing umbrella coverage.

What happens to my umbrella coverage if I let the underlying policy lapse?

Your umbrella insurance policy will likely be cancelled if you allow any underlying limits to lapse. Umbrella policies are meant to provide liability coverage above and beyond existing home, auto or other insurance, so those policies must remain in force.