The Difference Between Umbrella Insurance and Excess Liability Coverage

If you’ve ever wondered whether umbrella insurance and excess liability coverage are the same, you’re not alone. At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., serving Mount Prospect, IL, we help clients understand the differences every day. While these two types of coverage may sound similar, they serve distinct purposes, and knowing which one fits your needs can make a big difference when it matters most.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance provides extra protection that kicks in when your standard liability limits are exceeded. It doesn’t just extend existing coverage—it can also cover situations that your underlying policies don’t address. For example, umbrella insurance might help with legal fees, false arrest claims, or incidents involving rental properties. It’s broader in scope and designed to cover a wide range of unexpected situations.

What Is Excess Liability Coverage?

Excess liability coverage is more straightforward. It increases the limits of an existing liability policy, such as your auto or homeowners insurance. However, it doesn’t offer any new types of coverage beyond what’s already included in your primary policy. It provides additional financial protection, but it won’t help if the original policy doesn’t cover the incident.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between umbrella insurance and excess liability coverage depends on your lifestyle, assets, and risk exposure. Do you own multiple properties or frequently host large gatherings? Umbrella insurance might be the better choice. Are you simply looking to increase your existing policy limits? Then excess liability coverage may be sufficient.

To find the best fit for your protection needs, contact Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., serving Mount Prospect, IL, today. We’ll provide honest advice and personalized service to help you make the right decision.