Home · Updated October 2026
A personal umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage, often starting at $1 million, that sits on top of your auto, homeowners and other personal policies. When a covered claim exceeds the limit on the underlying policy, the umbrella pays the rest, up to its own limit.
Example: you cause an accident that injures two people seriously. The judgment is $650,000. Your auto policy has a $250,000 bodily injury limit. Without an umbrella, the remaining $400,000 could be pursued from you. With a $1 million umbrella, it is covered.
It does not cover damage to your own property, business activities, or intentional acts.
Umbrella insurers usually require your underlying policies to carry certain minimum liability limits, such as 250/500/100 on auto and $300,000 on homeowners. If your current limits are lower, you may need to raise them to qualify. Many companies also prefer, or require, that your auto and home policies be with them.
Umbrella policies are often far less expensive than people expect for the amount of coverage, because they only pay after your other policies are exhausted. Ask us to price one alongside your auto and home quotes.
These aren't everyday events, but when they happen, judgments can be large.
Common umbrella limits are $1 million, $2 million and higher. A simple approach: consider your net worth plus future earning potential, and how visible your assets are. Most households start with $1 million and adjust from there.
An umbrella works best when your underlying policies are aligned: auto, home, boat, motorcycle and rentals all meeting the umbrella's minimum limits. If one policy falls short, you could be responsible for the gap. We review the whole household when we quote an umbrella.
Additional liability coverage above your auto, home and other personal policies, plus certain claims those policies may not cover.
No. It is liability coverage only.
Usually yes. Insurers require minimum liability limits on the underlying policies.
Anyone with assets or income to protect, teen drivers, pools, boats or rental properties.
Questions about your own situation? Call 417.206.3733 or send us your current policy. We are licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and you can buy by phone without coming in.
Or send your details and an agent will call you back with options from the companies we work with.