Never Forget This Important Umbrella Insurance Rule of Thumb When Quoting for Clients
If your client has assets to protect, they need personal umbrella insurance, plain and simple.
That’s the golden rule of thumb every agent should remember when quoting. It doesn’t matter how cautious someone is or how comprehensive their home or auto insurance may seem. The reality is, if they’re exposed to risk, and most people are, they’re vulnerable to large liability judgments that could exceed their existing coverage. That’s where a personal umbrella policy becomes essential.
What Counts as “Exposure”?
Exposure isn’t just about how much money someone has in the bank. It’s about lifestyle, liability, and visibility. Clients who fall into the following categories should always be considered for umbrella coverage:
- Teen drivers on the policy
- Rental properties or multiple homes
- Frequently hosting guests or events
- In-home employees like nannies, housekeepers, or contractors
- Public-facing roles (e.g., politicians, celebrities, social media influencers)
- High net worth individuals or anyone building wealth
Even a single event can create financial devastation if a liability claim exceeds their underlying policy limits.
A Real-Life Example: The Pool Party Lawsuit
Imagine this scenario: your insured is hosting a summer pool party. A guest slips on the wet pool deck and suffers a serious injury, resulting in a broken arm. The homeowners policy covers initial medical expenses, but the guest decides to sue for pain and suffering, and the judge awards $5 million.
If the homeowner’s liability limit is $3 million, they’re personally responsible for the remaining $2 million. That could mean selling assets, draining retirement accounts, or facing wage garnishment.
Fortunately, their agent had recommended a $3 million umbrella policy the year before. That policy kicks in as soon as the homeowners policy limit is exhausted, covering the additional $2 million. The client’s financial security stays intact, all because their agent followed the rule of thumb.
What Is Personal Umbrella Insurance?
Personal umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of liability coverage above and beyond the limits of auto, homeowners, or renters policies. It helps protect clients from large lawsuits, medical costs, and legal fees tied to claims where they are found liable.
Umbrella policies:
- Start where other policies end
- Apply across multiple properties or vehicles
- Often cost just a few hundred dollars per year (depending on risk profile and limits chosen)
How Much Umbrella Insurance Do I Need?
That’s one of the most common questions we hear. The answer: it depends on the client’s net worth, lifestyle, and level of exposure. A good starting point is to match their total assets (including home equity, investments, and income). Many agents recommend at least $1 million, with higher limits for higher-risk clients.
Final Thoughts: Protect What Matters Most
As agents, we have a responsibility to help clients see the bigger picture. Personal umbrella coverage is one of the most affordable, effective ways to shield them from catastrophic financial loss. Whether your client is a parent with teenage drivers, a landlord, a public figure, or someone who simply likes to entertain, umbrella insurance is important.
Always remember the rule of thumb:
If they have assets to protect, they need umbrella coverage.
