Commercial & Business Umbrella insurance
What is Commercial Umbrella insurance?
Commercial Umbrella Liability is a type of casualty insurance designed to provide protection against catastrophic liability claims that may exceed the policy limits of a customer’s primary commercial general liability (CGL) coverage under a traditional business insurance policy, business auto policy (BAP) and other business insurance solutions. It is a cost-effective way to significantly increase liability limits to guard against catastrophic claims in an uncertain world.
How does Commercial Umbrella Liability insurance work?
The commercial umbrella liability policy provides higher liability limits when an insured’s underlying liability policies are exhausted due to a large liability loss or court judgment. In some cases, an insured may also have a self-insured retention (SIR) over which an umbrella liability policy may be written. If a loss exceeds both the base policy limits and the self-insured retention, the umbrella liability will respond.
For example, assume a company has a business insurance policy with a general liability limit of $1 million. If the customer experiences a $3 million loss or court judgment, the $1 million limit would immediately be exhausted, leaving $2 million as the customer’s responsibility. However, if the customer had purchased an umbrella liability policy with a $5 million coverage limit, that additional $2 million would be covered under the excess policy.
A Strategic Asset for Your Financial Protection
An Umbrella Liability policy is more than just another layer of insurance; it is a strategic asset for building a more resilient business. It provides an additional layer of financial protection designed to address large liability exposures. This coverage sits atop your primary liability policies, such as General Liability, Commercial Auto and Employer’s Liability, to provide additional limits before a catastrophic claim can impact your company’s assets.
By extending your liability limits, you create a stronger foundation for your balance sheet. This allows your business to withstand the financial impact of a significant liability loss, helping you maintain operational continuity and pursue your long-term objectives without disruption. Taking a strategic approach to liability protection can support long-term financial stability. To understand how this coverage can support your risk management strategy, contact your broker, or find a Zurich preferred broker.
Why choose Zurich for umbrella insurance?
Commercial Umbrella Liability insurance from Zurich combines complex coverages into one, simplified form carefully aligned with your company’s primary liability coverages. Our A/B form aligns your policies and reduces potentially costly claims gaps, while delivering simplicity, reliability and innovation. Zurich can provide a range of flexible umbrella liability options and limits to meet the needs of your business.
Maximum policy limit available for qualified customers
Countries and territories in Zurich’s global network – one of the largest in the insurance industry
Claims professionals in 32 countries around the globe, including dedicated Excess Casualty specialists
Commercial Umbrella Solutions
Commercial Umbrella Liability insurance
Zurich’s Commercial Umbrella policy combines vital Coverage A “follow form” Excess Liability insurance with Coverage B Lead Umbrella Liability coverage, providing maximum protection for the insured. Coverage C Casualty Business Crisis Expense reimburses emergency expenses up to $250,000.
Straight Excess coverage
This simple solution for first-layer excess is attached above your primary limits, written with fewer endorsements and limited definitions to better align with underlying terms and conditions.
High Excess coverage
This offers higher limits to aid customers dealing with catastrophic liability situations, aligning with scheduled underlying Umbrella coverage with clear language, updated conditions and enhanced policy definitions.
Zurich Advantage Umbrella
For companies facing an increasingly challenging litigation environment, Zurich Advantage Umbrella enhanced Excess Liability insurance offers an extra level of protection large and complex businesses need — delivered with the flexibility and convenience of a standalone policy built for today’s liability risks.
Tailoring Umbrella Coverage for Your Industry's Risks
Every industry faces a unique set of liability exposures. A manufacturing firm’s risk profile differs greatly from that of a real estate developer or a transportation company. Understanding these differences is important when determining appropriate umbrella liability limits. We work with you and your broker to understand the specific risks inherent in your operations, allowing us to structure an Umbrella Liability solution that aligns with your needs.
Our team works with you to review your underlying exposures and determine appropriate coverage limits. Whether you’re managing complex construction projects, operating a large vehicle fleet or dealing with public-facing risks in the hospitality sector, our goal is to provide a flexible policy designed to respond to your specific challenges. This collaborative approach helps build a robust insurance program that supports your business as it evolves.
