A: An umbrella policy provides coverage over and above your home and auto insurance. In some cases, it provides coverage that your underlying policies do not.

We have seen an increase in liability lawsuits as well as an increase in judgment amounts. The umbrella insurance policy is another way to protect your assets and future earnings in the event of a lawsuit. Take a peek at five actual personal umbrella policy claims below.

• Example Claim #1 A babysitter left a 5 month old infant unattended in a walker. The infant toppled the walker, struck her head on the floor and suffered brain damage. The parents of the infant sued the teenage babysitter and her parents. The court awarded the infants parents $11,000,000.
• Example Claim #2 An insured’s daughter hated math class as well as the teacher. The daughter made several “disparaging” and false remarks about her teacher online. The teacher sued the parents for personal injury and $750,000 was paid.
• Example Claim #3 The insured’s 18 year old son was driving the insured’s car on a short trip to the store with his girlfriend. He lost control of the car and struck a tree. The insured’s son told the police that a vehicle cut him off, but there were no witnesses and no evidence of any impact with another car. His girlfriend, a 19 year old college student, was hospitalized for over a month with multiple fractures and internal injuries. She was in a wheelchair but is now able to walk with crutches and continues with physical therapy. She has a right drop foot as a result of the injuries. The insured’s personal umbrella policy limit was paid.
• Example Claim #4 A 28-year old engineer dove into a friend’s above ground swimming pool struck his head on the bottom and, as a result became a quadriplegic. He sued both the homeowner and the pool manufacturer. The court found the homeowner to be 60 percent responsible and the pool manufacturer to be 40 percent responsible, and awarded $10,000,000.
• Example Claim #5 The insured’s tenant claims she became ill from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a faulty furnace. The tenant claimed permanent brain damage and demanded $750,000.

Personal Umbrella Insurance will protect your assets, such as your car, house, investments, retirement accounts and more, from any unforeseen events, like tragic accidents in which you’re held responsible.