What is an umbrella insurance policy?
Umbrella insurance, sometimes referred to as personal umbrella policy, is a supplemental liability policy that can help protect your assets when there is an unexpected event that requires more coverage than you have with your vehicle or property policies. An umbrella policy provides an additional layer of coverage on top of what you already have.
What is typically covered by umbrella insurance?
- Injuries you cause to others
- Damage you cause to other people's property
- Injuries or damage caused by your renters
- Certain lawsuits, like slander and defamation
Why buy umbrella insurance?
- Without an umbrella policy, your home and savings could be at risk if you're involved in a major accident or lawsuit.
- Liability claims are often expensive and paying out-of-pocket for one could take years.
- Lawsuits can happen to anyone. You can be sued regardless of your financial situation or whether you believe you are at fault.
How is an umbrella insurance policy different from raising policy limits?
- An umbrella policy can add $1 million** in coverage to several policies or where raising limits is not an option—and may cost less than raising limits individually.
- May cover situations that your other policies may not, such as slander, or libel lawsuits.
- Can cover the cost of your legal defense in case of a liability lawsuit.
Do you need umbrella insurance?
Umbrella insurance can give you $1 million in coverage** on top of your auto or homeowners policy limits. If you injure someone or damage their property, you might not have enough coverage with your existing policies. An umbrella policy could save you from paying out of your own pocket.
Here are some circ*mstances you may want to consider when deciding whether umbrella insurance is right for you.*** Explore the interactive infographic by clicking or tapping on the glowing bubbles below.
Check all the boxes that apply to you and your family.
You forget to turn off your garden hose. The mailman slips on your wet driveway, injures his back, and sues you for $450,000.
You forget to turn off your garden hose. The mailman slips on your wet driveway, injures his back, and sues you for $450,000.
While backing out of a parking space in a hurry, you hit a pedestrian. You're responsible for over $1 million in medical bills.
You rear-end another car. The other driver claims long-term neck damage and sues you for $600,000—threatening your savings.
In a crowded coffee shop, you accidentally spill your hot drink on a child. Treatment for his burns costs almost $700,000.
A guest in your home trips and falls. She injures her neck and arms and can't work for a month. Treatment and lost wages add up to $550,000.
You are still learning a new language and unintentionally insult a restaurant's chef. The comment goes viral, hurting the business.
You hire a contractor to fix your front deck. He needs a ladder and you let him borrow yours, but the leg of the ladder slips and he falls.
Your young driver glances down at their phone, swerves, and crashes into another car. Injuries to the other driver cost $800,000.
Your dog bites your new neighbor who is bringing over cookies. The medical bill for going to the ER to fix her leg costs $400,000.
***Exclusions may apply.
Who is covered by your umbrella insurance policy?
- You and your spouse if a resident of your household
- Relatives residing in your household
- Household residents under age 21 in the care and custody of you or your spouse
What is typically not covered by a personal umbrella insurance policy?
- Your injuries or damage to your personal property
- A criminal or intentional action causing damage to someone else
- Liability you assume under a contract
Need to speak with us about umbrella insurance?
You can get an umbrella insurance quote by reaching a sales agent at (866) 272-5192.
Mon - Sun
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (ET)
Umbrella Insurance Quotes: Get the answers you're looking for.
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Do you have a list of frequently asked questions?
Yes! You can find the frequently asked questions about umbrella insurance on our umbrella FAQ page.
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Should I consider an umbrella policy?
In most cases you'll want to consider getting an umbrella insurance policy to increase your protection in the case of an accident or lawsuit.
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Where can I learn about underlying policies and limits?
There are certain required automobile and property policies and limits that you'll need to qualify for an umbrella insurance policy. Please visit our umbrella insurance requirements page to learn more.
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Where can I learn more about umbrella insurance?
We have a variety of resources dedicated to umbrella insurance. If you're looking for more information about GEICO's umbrella insurance, click here. If you're looking for an informative article covering all the umbrella insurance basics, click here.
Please note:
The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, underwriting review, and approval, and may not be available for all risks. Rates and discounts vary, are determined by many factors, and are subject to change. For complete details, including exclusions and limitations, please refer to the policy you will receive when you purchase the coverage. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages. Umbrella policies sold by GEICO may be underwritten by either GEICO General Insurance Company, Government Employees Insurance Company, or RLI Insurance Company (https://www.rlicorp.com), an unaffiliated partner. Umbrella insurance claims for policies underwritten by RLI Insurance Company are processed by RLI Insurance Company.
*You need a GEICO Auto Policy to qualify for GEICO Umbrella insurance in all states except NH and NY.
**Other policy limits are also available.
