Umbrella insurance is insurance that provides protection beyond the limits (amounts) and coverages (scope) of other policies—and usually extends coverage to all members of your household. Umbrella insurance can provide coverage for defending against lawsuits and paying settlements and court judgments for claims that you or a member of your household caused another person to suffer personal injuries, property damage, or mental anguish—or committed the torts (wrongful acts) of libel, slander, or malicious prosecution against another person.
For example, umbrella insurance may provide coverage when you have exhausted (used) the policy limits of your homeowners insurance, automobile insurance, and watercraft (boat) insurance policies to defend and pay any covered claims.
Umbrella insurance also provides coverage for claims like false arrest, libel, slander, malicious prosecution, and mental anguish that may be excluded by other liability insurance policies—such as homeowners insurance, automobile insurance, and watercraft (boat) insurance.
What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?
Umbrella insurance provides coverage beyond the limits of your other liability insurance policies, or for claims that may not be covered by your other liability policies. Umbrella insurance generally provides liability coverage for:
• Personal injuries you or members of your household are alleged to have caused others
• Property damage you or members of your household are alleged to have done
• Defending lawsuits involving covered claims
• Landlord liability to tenants and their guests (slip and fall accidents, dog bites)
• Personal liability for false arrest, libel, slander, malicious prosecution, and mental anguish
What Does Umbrella Insurance Usually Not Cover?
An umbrella policy generally does not provide coverage for:
• your injuries or damage to your personal property
• a criminal or intentional act causing injury or damage to someone else
• liability you assume under a contract
• losses related to the operation of your business or damage to your business property
In Texas, umbrella insurance is a type of liability insurance that offers additional coverage beyond the limits of standard policies such as homeowners, auto, and watercraft insurance. It is designed to protect policyholders from major claims and lawsuits, providing coverage for liabilities that exceed the limits of their other insurance policies. Umbrella insurance typically covers personal injury, property damage, certain lawsuits, landlord liability, and personal liability situations such as false arrest, libel, slander, malicious prosecution, and mental anguish. However, it does not cover personal injuries or property damage to the policyholder, intentional criminal acts, liabilities under contracts, or business-related losses. It's important to note that while umbrella insurance extends coverage, it is contingent on the policyholder having underlying insurance policies in place with their own coverage limits. Policyholders should consult with an attorney or insurance agent to understand the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions of their umbrella insurance policy.
