Umbrella – The James Agency

Personal Insurance

Umbrella Insurance That Protects Everything You've Worked For

When a lawsuit exceeds your auto or home policy limits, umbrella coverage steps in to protect your savings, your home, and your future.

The Problem Your Other Policies Don't Solve

Your auto insurance has liability limits. So does your homeowners policy. But what happens when a lawsuit exceeds those limits?

Here’s a scenario: you’re at fault in a car accident. Someone is seriously injured. Medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees add up to $750,000. But your auto policy only covers $300,000. Where does the other $450,000 come from?

Your savings. Your home equity. Your retirement accounts. Everything you’ve spent years building is suddenly on the table.

Or maybe someone gets hurt at your house—a guest falls down the stairs, a neighbor’s kid gets bitten by your dog, someone drowns in your pool. Your homeowners liability might cover $300,000 or $500,000. But lawsuits can go well beyond that.

Most people don’t think about this until it’s too late. They assume their auto and home policies are enough. And for smaller incidents, they usually are. But one serious lawsuit can change everything.

The more you’ve built, the more you have to lose.

Our Approach to Umbrella Coverage

At The James Agency, we help you understand where your current coverage ends—and where you might be exposed.

We start by reviewing your auto and homeowners policies. We look at your liability limits and compare them to what you have at stake: your home equity, your savings, your investments, your future income. That helps us figure out how much umbrella coverage actually makes sense.

Then we explain how umbrella insurance works. It’s not complicated, but most people have never had it explained clearly. We walk through what triggers it, what it covers, and how it coordinates with your other policies.

Because we work with multiple carriers, we can shop for competitive rates. Umbrella insurance is often more affordable than people expect—especially when you bundle it with your auto and home policies.

And once you’re covered, we’re here if you ever need to use it. If a claim exceeds your underlying policy limits, we help you navigate the process and make sure your umbrella coverage kicks in the way it should.

HOW IT WORKS

We review your current liability limits

We look at your auto and homeowners policies to see what coverage you already have. Most umbrella policies require minimum underlying limits before they’ll extend coverage.

We assess your exposure

What do you have to protect? Home equity, savings, investments, future earnings. The more assets you have, the more coverage you likely need.

We explain your options

Umbrella policies typically come in increments of $1 million. We’ll help you decide how much coverage makes sense based on your situation and risk profile.

We find you a competitive rate

Because we work with multiple carriers, we can shop for the best price. Umbrella coverage is often surprisingly affordable—sometimes just a few hundred dollars a year for $1 million in protection.

We coordinate everything

Your umbrella policy needs to work with your auto and home coverage. We make sure everything is aligned so there are no gaps if you ever need to file a claim.

What You Get With Us

Protection that kicks in when your other policies run out.

If a lawsuit exceeds your auto or homeowners liability limits, your umbrella policy covers the rest—up to your policy limit. It's a safety net for your entire financial life.

Coverage for things your other policies might not include

Umbrella insurance can cover certain claims that auto and home policies exclude—like libel, slander, or false imprisonment. We'll explain exactly what your policy includes.

Protection for your whole family

Most umbrella policies cover everyone in your household, including teenage drivers. If your kid causes an accident that exceeds your auto limits, your umbrella can help.

Peace of mind as your assets grow

The more you build, the more you have to lose. Umbrella insurance lets you grow your wealth without growing your worry. Your future is protected even if something goes seriously wrong.

Affordable coverage for significant protection

A $1 million umbrella policy often costs just a few hundred dollars a year. That's a small price for the protection it provides.

A local team who explains it in plain English

Umbrella insurance can seem confusing. We break it down so you understand exactly what you're buying, when it kicks in, and how it works with your other coverage.

What Our Clients Say

“They have been taking care of me for over 25 years! When I started with a car my first home and after 70 rental properties and the two business’s. Roger White and all that proceeded him has taken care of me in a very personal way and very professional.”

“I have been with the James Agency for almost 30 years and the customer service is better than it has ever been. Kandie Boutwell routinely goes above and beyond to help me with different needs and issues.”

“Patrick and his dedicated team work to get you the right coverage for all your needs.”

Common Concerns

I don't have enough assets to need umbrella insurance.

You might have more to protect than you think. Home equity, retirement accounts, savings, even future wages can be targeted in a lawsuit. And umbrella insurance is affordable enough that it makes sense for most homeowners—not just the wealthy.

My auto and home insurance should be enough

For most claims, they are. But lawsuits involving serious injuries, permanent disability, or death can easily exceed standard policy limits. Umbrella insurance is there for the claims that aren't typical.

It sounds expensive

It's usually not. A $1 million umbrella policy often costs between $150-$300 per year. That's a small price compared to what's at stake if a major lawsuit comes your way.

I'm a careful person. I won't get sued

You might do everything right and still face a lawsuit. Your teenage driver causes an accident. A guest slips on your sidewalk. Your dog bites someone. These things happen to careful people every day.

It seems complicated

It's actually pretty straightforward once someone explains it. Your umbrella policy sits on top of your auto and home coverage and kicks in when those limits are exhausted. We'll walk you through exactly how it works.

Umbrella Insurance Questions

What does umbrella insurance actually cover?

It provides additional liability coverage beyond your auto and homeowners policy limits. It kicks in when a claim exceeds those underlying limits and can also cover certain claims those policies exclude, like libel or slander.

How much umbrella insurance do I need?

A common starting point is $1 million, but the right amount depends on your assets and risk exposure. We’ll help you assess what you have to protect and recommend appropriate coverage.

Does umbrella insurance cover my teenage driver?

Yes. Most umbrella policies cover all household members, including teen drivers. If your teen causes an accident that exceeds your auto policy limits, your umbrella coverage can help protect your assets.

What are the requirements to get an umbrella policy?

Most carriers require minimum liability limits on your auto and homeowners policies before they’ll issue umbrella coverage. We’ll make sure your underlying policies meet those requirements.

Does umbrella insurance cover my rental properties?

It depends on the policy. Some umbrella policies cover rental properties you own, others require a separate landlord policy. We’ll review your situation and make sure you’re properly covered.

When does umbrella insurance kick in?

It kicks in after your underlying policy limits are exhausted. If you have $300,000 in auto liability and a lawsuit results in a $500,000 judgment, your auto policy pays the first $300,000 and your umbrella covers the remaining $200,000.

Is umbrella insurance worth it?

For most homeowners with assets to protect, yes. A serious lawsuit can wipe out years of savings. Umbrella insurance provides significant protection for a relatively small annual cost.

Get Your Free Umbrella Insurance Quote

Protect what you’ve built for less than you’d expect.

Give us a call and we’ll review your current liability limits, help you understand your exposure, and show you what umbrella coverage would cost. Most people are surprised how affordable it is—and how much peace of mind it provides.

No pressure. No obligation. Just a clear picture of how to protect your savings, your home, and your future.