What is umbrella insurance?

by Jackie Davis 06/01/2025

Umbrella insurance is a policy that can cover the gaps in many other types of insurance policies by answering some of life’s major “what if” questions. While it’s common to have many types of insurance policies, umbrella coverage can provide financial assistance for a variety of outlying situations.

Here is a basic guide to umbrella insurance to help you learn more:

What does umbrella insurance cover?

Umbrella insurance provides additional personal liability coverage for situations not included in other policies. The major liability issues umbrella coverage includes are bodily injury, property damage and legal coverage in certain lawsuits.

Umbrella insurance can help you in a variety of situations where another person is injured due to an accident. These might be events your auto insurance or homeowners insurance cannot pay for. Some examples include:

  • A guest falls while visiting your home
  • You’re at fault in a major traffic accident
  • A neighbor is bitten by your dog

It can also cover you if you’re sued for certain things, including but not limited to libel, slander or false imprisonment.

What is not covered by umbrella insurance?

There are several key differences between umbrella insurance and other types of policies. For example, here are some things similar to those listed above are not covered:

  • Damage to your personal property.
  • Medical bills from a personal injury, typically your own.
  • Any liability assumed under a contract.

Do I need umbrella insurance?

Hopefully, you will never have to worry about these or any other types of insurance claims, but umbrella insurance can mitigate your losses if something should go wrong.

Ultimately, the decision is personal and might depend on numerous factors including your property type and location, how many vehicles you own and what your existing home and auto insurance limits are.

The more you know about your options, the greater peace of mind you’ll have. Discuss with an insurance professional to find out what makes the most sense for your situation.

About the Author
Author

Jackie Davis

Welcome to Jackie Davis and Company. If you have navigated this far, we thank you and would like to share how we differ from other teams and agents. We work tirelessly and are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. We recognize, listen, value, and appreciate your goals as you move towards listing or selling your home. As Listing Agents we continuously integrate new and advanced technology to promote your biggest asset. Our strong negotiation skills are invaluable for getting you the best price for your home. As the Buyer's Agent we pride ourselves on being fully educated in our local markets. While focusing on integrity and honesty we will provide you with the highest level of professionalism and analysis. We are proud that this hard work has earned us recognition as top 1% both company and state wide in the industry. Achievements * 1st Quarter 2017 Leading Sales in Fairfield * 2017 February Leading Sales Team * 2017 March Leading Sales Team * Chairman's Elite representing the Top 1% Agent at William Raveis Nationwide & Fairfield County * Over $45 million Listed & Sold in 2016 * Over $30 million Listed & Sold in 2015 * 99% List to Sales Ratio (higher than market average) * 75 Average Days on Market (less than market average) * Jackie Davis Promoted to Sales Vice President 2016 * Raveis Award of Excellence every year * Exceptional Customer Service Award every year * Top Units Sold Team October 2016 * Top Customer Service October 2016 * Top Mortgage Support September 2016 * Top Selling Team January 2016 * Top Mortgage Support August 2015 * Top Selling Team Feb 2014 * Top Producing Team Jan 2014 * Top Selling Team Dec 2013 * Top Selling Team Nov 2013 * Top Producing Team Nov 2013 Professional Specialty Innovative Marketing and Technology equals proven sales. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to serve. We handle: Sellers & Buyers Exceptional Properties Investors Waterfront & Beach Area Homes Country & Equestrian Properties New Construction & Land Relocation Professional Association National Association of Realtors Connecticut Association of Realtors Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Consolidated Multiple Listing Service Community Involvement PTA committee member for past 14 years from elementary through high school PTA Board Member for 4 years Shoff Darby Advisory Scholarship Board member past 5 years Committee member for Cancer Care of Norwalk past 10 years Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Operation Hope coordinator for elementary and middle schools, last 3 years Volunteer for a variety of town sports teams, that my daughters participate in The County Assemblies Board Member The b-Cause Foundation Board Member- a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children to recognize neighbors in need in our local community. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club- Fundraising Committee Member Committee Member for Cancer Couch Fundraiser the Cancer Beat 2016 Near and Far Aid Volunteer Education BA from Merrimack College Personal Fairfield resident for 39 years Currently reside in Fairfield Beach Area Married 27 years Four daughters currently in & have graduated Fairfield Public School system Areas Covered Fairfield Southport Westport Weston Norwalk Trumbull Easton Stratford Shelton Milford Stamford Bridgeport