Umbrella & Excess Liability Policy Feature Checklist
What to confirm in a umbrella & excess liability policy — what's standard, what's often limited, and what to add if needed — plus the gap most often missed.
Pull out your current umbrella or excess policy and check the box next to each feature you can confirm it includes — anything unchecked is worth a quick conversation with your advisor.
Tick each feature you can confirm your policy includes — anything left unticked is a good question for your next policy review.
| Confirm? | Policy feature | What to confirm | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every Primary Line Scheduled as Underlying | Confirm general liability, auto, employer's liability, and liquor (if any) are all listed. | Standard | |
| Follow-Form Coverage | Confirm the umbrella follows the underlying policies' terms rather than adding its own exclusions. | Often limited | |
| Drop-Down When Underlying Aggregates Are Used Up | Confirm the umbrella steps in if an underlying aggregate is exhausted. | Often limited | |
| Hired & Non-Owned Auto Included | Confirm the umbrella responds over employees' personal cars and rentals. | Often limited | |
| Defense Costs Outside the Limit | Confirm whether defense costs reduce the umbrella limit. | Often limited | |
| Primary & Non-Contributory / Additional Insureds | Confirm contract requirements are met on the umbrella, not just the primary policies. | If needed | |
| Limits Sized for Today's Verdicts | Verdicts over $10 million in GL and auto rose 52% in 2024 — review whether limits still fit the exposure. | Standard |
The gap most often missed in this coverage
The most commonly missed gap in this coverage is limits that no longer match the exposure. Verdicts above $10 million in general liability and auto rose 52% in 2024, and carriers are raising attachment points and shrinking lead limits. Businesses should confirm every primary line is scheduled underneath, keep auto underlying at $1 million or more, and review whether a single umbrella still covers the realistic worst case.
Send us the checklist and we'll review your umbrella & excess liability coverage line by line, then market it across multiple carriers that compete for your account.
Related: Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance · Umbrella & Excess Liability Supplemental (apply) · All coverage checklists
Frequently asked questions
What should a umbrella & excess liability policy include?
Standard features to confirm in a umbrella & excess liability policy include Every Primary Line Scheduled as Underlying, Limits Sized for Today's Verdicts. This checklist also flags the features that are often limited or sublimited and the ones to add if needed, with a plain-English note on each.
Is this checklist insurance advice?
No. It is a free educational tool to help you have a more informed conversation with a licensed professional. It affords no coverage and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice — only your actual policy language governs what is and isn't covered.
Can Cory Washington & Co. review my umbrella & excess liability coverage?
Yes. Share your checklist and we'll review your program line by line, market your account across multiple carriers, and explain the trade-offs in plain English. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
This checklist is a free educational tool from Cory Washington & Co. to help you review your own coverage and have a more informed conversation with a licensed insurance professional. It is general information only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice, and not a recommendation to buy, change, or cancel any policy. Coverage terms, availability, limits, and requirements vary by policy, carrier, and state, and only the language in your actual policy governs what is and isn’t covered. Checking or leaving blank any item above does not indicate that you are adequately insured or under-insured. Using this checklist does not create a client, agency, or fiduciary relationship. Always consult a licensed professional about your specific situation.