
Markel umbrella insurance offers a range of protection options, including excess liability coverage.
This type of coverage kicks in when your primary insurance policy limits are exceeded, providing an extra layer of financial security.
With Markel umbrella insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you're protected against unexpected events and lawsuits.
For example, if you're involved in a lawsuit and your primary insurance policy only covers up to $500,000, Markel umbrella insurance can cover the excess amount, up to the policy limit.
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What Excess Liability Insurance Covers
Excess liability insurance provides additional capacity over a wide variety of primary policies, including general liability and automobile liability.
Umbrella liability policies are designed for those seeking liability limits in excess of the primary $1,000,000 per occurrence policy, and are available in $1,000,000 increments.
Commercial umbrella policies typically cost less than the primary general liability layer.
To achieve a $3,000,000 per occurrence limit, a $2,000,000 umbrella policy would be required, combined with a primary $1,000,000 per occurrence general liability policy.
Umbrella aggregate limits equal the umbrella policy's per occurrence limits, so a $2,000,000 per occurrence umbrella policy has a $2,000,000 aggregate limit.
The policy's maximum obligation during the policy term is the umbrella policy's per occurrence limit, in this case, $2,000,000.
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Policy Details

Commercial umbrella policies are available in $1,000,000 increments and normally cost less than the primary general liability layer.
If an insured desires a higher liability limit, they would need to purchase an umbrella policy to supplement their primary policy.
Umbrella policies have a maximum obligation during the policy term, which equals the umbrella policy's per occurrence limits.
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Policy Exclusions
Policy exclusions are a crucial aspect of any insurance policy. They're essentially the things that aren't covered by the policy, and it's essential to understand what's excluded before you buy.
Some policies may exclude damage caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes. This means if your home is damaged in a hurricane, you may not be able to claim on your policy.
Other policies may exclude wear and tear, which is damage caused by normal use over time. This means if your roof leaks because it's old, you may not be able to claim on your policy.
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Policies may also exclude damage caused by maintenance or repairs that weren't done properly. For example, if you hire a contractor to fix a leaky pipe and they do a poor job, causing more damage, you may not be able to claim on your policy.
It's essential to carefully read your policy and understand what's excluded before you buy. This will help you avoid surprises down the line.
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Limits
Limits are the maximum dollar amounts a policy is obligated to pay in the event of a covered loss.
General liability policies have per occurrence limits and aggregate limits. Umbrella liability policies have a per occurrence limit equal to the aggregate limit.
An aggregate limit is the maximum amount the policy is obligated to pay for all covered losses occurring during the policy term.
Farm package policies provide property coverage limited to all scheduled buildings and farm personal property.
Equine major medical policies are subject to an annual aggregate limit.
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Deductibles

Deductibles can be a significant aspect of your insurance policy, and it's essential to understand how they work. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Typically, deductibles are annual, meaning you'll pay the full amount each year. For example, if your policy has a $500 deductible, you'll pay the first $500 of any claim.
Your deductible amount may be tied to your policy's coverage limits. Some policies may have a tiered deductible system, where the amount you pay increases as the claim amount grows. However, this can be beneficial if you're prone to minor claims, as it can help keep your premiums lower.
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Benefits
The benefits of understanding policy details are numerous.
Having a clear grasp of policy details can help individuals make informed decisions about their financial future.
One key benefit is increased financial security, which can lead to reduced stress and anxiety.

The ability to plan for retirement and other long-term goals is a significant advantage.
According to the article, a well-planned policy can provide a 30% increase in retirement savings.
This increased financial security can also lead to a more comfortable lifestyle in retirement.
Individuals can feel more confident in their ability to support themselves and their loved ones.
With a solid understanding of policy details, individuals can make the most of their financial resources.
Costs
The costs of implementing a new policy can be a major consideration.
The average cost of implementing a new policy can range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the scope and complexity of the policy.
Some policies, like the ones that require significant changes to existing systems, can cost upwards of $100,000.
The cost of training employees on new policies can add up quickly, with an average cost of $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
However, the cost of not implementing a policy can be even higher, with potential fines and penalties ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
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Unit Loses Coverage Fight

In a federal appeals court ruling, Markel Group Inc. unit Evanston Insurance Co. must pay under its umbrella coverage for a car accident. The accident occurred in July 2014 when a car driven by a traveling nurse struck a van carrying nine passengers in North Dakota.
The nurse was on assignment in Montana and driving an automobile rented by her company, but was not on official work duties at the time of the wreck. Three of the vehicle's injured occupants sued the nurse and were awarded $2.1 million by a jury.
Primary insurer Travelers Casualty Insurance Co. of America paid up to its policy's limits, but Evanston refused to pay under its umbrella policy, which provided up to $2 million in coverage. The U.S. District Court in Jackson, Mississippi, ruled that Evanston's policy covered the accident.
A three-judge appeals court panel affirmed the lower court, stating that the Evanston policy "is plain and unambiguous" and that Travelers Insurance was in effect before the accident occurred.
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Umbrella Liability Policies

Umbrella liability policies provide additional protection beyond the primary general liability policy. They are available in $1,000,000 increments.
Commercial umbrella policies are often more cost-effective than the primary general liability layer. Normally, they cost less than the primary layer.
If you need liability limits higher than $1,000,000, an umbrella policy is the way to go. You can purchase one in increments of $1,000,000.
To get a $3,000,000 per occurrence limit, you'd need a $2,000,000 umbrella policy in addition to the primary $1,000,000 policy. This brings your total per occurrence limit to $3,000,000.
Umbrella policies have an aggregate limit that equals their per occurrence limits. For example, a $2,000,000 per occurrence umbrella policy has a $2,000,000 aggregate limit.
The maximum obligation of an umbrella policy during the policy term is equal to its per occurrence limit.
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Background Information
Markel Umbrella Insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides additional coverage beyond what's offered by standard policies.
Markel Corporation, the company behind this insurance, was founded in 1930 by Stanley A. Markel.
This type of insurance is designed to protect assets from lawsuits and financial losses.
It's often used by individuals and businesses that have significant assets or are at high risk of being sued.
Sources
- https://www.markel.ca/products/property-and-casualty/umbrella-and-excess-liability
- https://www.markel.com/us/personal-insurance
- https://www.markelinsurance.com/resources/horse-and-farm/plain-talk-about-insurance
- https://www.businessinsurance.com/markel-unit-evanston-loses-coverage-fight-over-backdated-policy/
- https://casetext.com/case/markel-amer-ins-co-v-silva-bowling
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