Personal insurance
Umbrella Insurance
An extra layer of liability protection.
What it is
Umbrella insurance sits above your home, auto and watercraft policies and pays when a liability claim exceeds their limits. It can also cover some claims those policies leave out.
Every policy is different, and exact coverage depends on the insurance company and the options you choose. We’ll walk you through the details before you buy.
What we can help you cover
- Additional liability limits, often in $1 million increments
- Protection for savings, property and future income
- Coverage for certain claims such as libel or slander
- Usually an affordable addition to your plan
What an umbrella policy does
A personal umbrella adds a layer of liability protection above your home and auto policies. If you are found responsible for a serious car accident or an injury at your home and the damages exceed your underlying limits, the umbrella can pay the difference, up to its own limit, along with legal defense costs.
Umbrella limits commonly start at $1 million and increase in $1 million steps. The insurance company will require you to carry certain minimum liability limits on the underlying home and auto policies, so we set those up together to avoid gaps between layers.
Who should consider one
An umbrella is worth a look if you have savings, home equity or future earnings to protect, a teen or newly licensed driver in the household, a pool, trampoline or dog, rental property, or a boat or other recreational vehicles. These are the situations where a single claim can outgrow the liability limits on a standard policy.
Some umbrella policies also cover certain claims your underlying policies may not, such as libel, slander or false arrest, subject to their own deductible or retained limit. Wording differs between insurance companies, so we compare the forms, not just the price.
Umbrella vs. excess liability
Excess liability generally follows the terms of the policy beneath it and only raises the limit. An umbrella can be broader. We will explain which structure your options use and how it fits with your home, auto and any rental or watercraft policies, here in Raleigh or wherever you own property.
Quick quote
Pick your quick quote form
Choose the quick quote form that best matches your umbrella needs, or call or text us and we’ll help you start.
- Home quick quoteHomes, condos, rentals and other residential property.Start (opens in a new tab)
- Auto quick quoteCars, motorcycles, RVs, boats and other vehicles.Start (opens in a new tab)
- Flood quick quoteFlood coverage for homes and personal property.Start (opens in a new tab)
- Business (general liability) quick quoteLiability and package coverage for most businesses.Start (opens in a new tab)
- Workers' compensation quick quoteWorkers' compensation for your team.Start (opens in a new tab)
- Gym & fitness quick quoteGyms, fitness centers and training businesses.Start (opens in a new tab)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much umbrella coverage do I need?
It depends on what you have to protect and your exposure, such as drivers in the household, rental property or a pool. Limits commonly start at $1 million. We help you weigh your assets and risks before choosing a limit.
Do I need to change my home and auto policies to get an umbrella?
Often yes. Umbrella insurers require minimum liability limits on the underlying home and auto policies. We coordinate all of the layers so there is no gap.
What does Umbrella Insurance typically cover?
Umbrella insurance sits above your home, auto and watercraft policies and pays when a liability claim exceeds their limits. It can also cover some claims those policies leave out. Exact limits, deductibles and exclusions depend on the policy and the insurance company, so we review the details with you before you buy.
Do you only insure people in Raleigh or North Carolina?
Our office is in North Raleigh, and we work with neighbors across the Triangle every day. As an independent agency we also help clients nationwide when we have markets that fit.
How do I get a quote for umbrella coverage?
Start the quick quote form on this page, call or text our office, or request a quote online. An advisor reviews every request and follows up — usually within one business day.
Will you compare more than one insurance company?
Yes. Shadow Lake is an independent agency, so we shop multiple top-rated carriers for you instead of selling a single brand. Availability depends on the coverage, your location and underwriting.
Is flood damage included in a standard homeowners policy?
Usually not. Most homeowners and renters policies exclude flood. If you need flood coverage in North Carolina or elsewhere, we can help you look at separate flood options.
Can I bundle home and auto?
Often yes. Many households save time and may qualify for multi-policy discounts by placing home and auto with compatible carriers. We’ll tell you what options apply to your situation.
Umbrella Insurance near you
Our office is on Six Forks Road in North Raleigh, and we help households and businesses across the Triangle and nationwide.
Guides about umbrella insurance
- Affordable Auto Insurance in Raleigh, NC: How to Pay Less Without Being UnderinsuredPractical ways Raleigh drivers can keep car insurance affordable in North Carolina: shopping smart, deductibles, discounts, avoiding lapses and keeping strong limits.
- Buying a Home in Raleigh? How to Line Up Home Insurance Before ClosingFor Raleigh and Triangle homebuyers: when to shop for home insurance, what your lender needs, flood zone checks, escrow, and what changes your quote.
- Landlord Insurance in Raleigh, NC: Covering a Rental Home, Townhome, or CondoRenting out a house or condo in Raleigh? How landlord (dwelling) insurance differs from homeowners, what DP-1, DP-2 and DP-3 mean, lost rent and liability.
- Condo Insurance in Raleigh, NC: What HO-6 Covers (and What the Association Doesn't)Own a Raleigh condo or townhome? How HO-6 insurance works with the HOA master policy, what walls-in coverage includes, and gaps like flood and loss assessment.