When Standard Liability Limits Aren’t Enough
Standard policies—general liability, commercial auto, employers liability—often top out at $1 million per claim. But in today’s world, catastrophic accidents and lawsuits can exceed those limits. Commercial umbrella insurance adds $1 million, $2 million, or even more in extra liability protection above your primary coverage, so one big incident won’t threaten your business or assets.
What Commercial Umbrella Covers
Additional Liability Above Standard Policies
Extends coverage over your general liability, commercial auto, and employers liability policies
High-Dollar Lawsuits & Judgments
Protects against large claims that exceed your base policy limits
Contract & Client Requirements
Meet higher liability limits for major contracts or municipal/government work
Affordable, Scalable Protection
Millions in extra coverage for a fraction of your main policy’s cost
Example:
A customer injury claim totals $1.5 million, but your general liability only covers $1 million. With a $2M umbrella, the extra $500,000 is fully covered.
Who Needs a Business Umbrella Policy?
Businesses with high public traffic, multiple vehicles, or significant assets
Contractors, manufacturers, distributors, or anyone exposed to larger-scale risks
Companies that have grown in size, revenue, or contracts and want to keep pace with new exposures
Any business wanting peace of mind in today’s legal climate
Common Gaps and Questions
When do I need an umbrella?
When one big claim could overwhelm your standard limits, or when contracts require higher coverage
What’s the difference between umbrella and excess liability?”
Umbrella often broadens coverage, while excess simply adds more limit. Broken Spoke will advise the best fit and ensure underlying policies qualify.
How much does it cost?
Typically, $1M in extra coverage can cost only 10–20% of your main liability premium—a high-value safeguard
How We Help You Get Protected
Broken Spoke Insurance reviews your existing coverages, exposures, and growth to recommend if an umbrella makes sense. We compare options from top carriers, explain requirements, and make adding high-limit coverage easy and affordable—often as part of your annual review.
Compare Your Options Clearly
| Scenario/Need | Commercial Property | Business Interruption | Standard GL/Auto/Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adds extra limit above base policies | Yes | Yes | No |
| May broaden coverage (not just add $) | Yes (sometimes) | No | No |
| Meets higher contract/client demands | Yes | Yes | Sometimes |
| Most cost-effective for large claims | Yes | Sometimes | No |
Not sure what fits? We’ll walk you through every option.
Your Questions, Answered Clearly
When should a business buy umbrella insurance?
If a single big claim could exceed your standard liability limits, or contracts require higher coverage.
How much extra coverage should I get?
Common limits are $1M–$5M, depending on risk and requirements. We’ll help you choose.
Is umbrella insurance affordable?
Yes—high limits come at a modest extra premium, often the best value for your dollar.
What’s the difference between umbrella and excess?
Umbrella may cover some claims not included in base policies; excess only adds limit.
Can I add umbrella to any policy?
It must sit atop approved underlying policies (GL, auto, etc.)—we ensure your base coverage qualifies.
Don’t Let One Big Claim End Everything
Secure your business’s future—Broken Spoke Insurance makes it easy and cost-effective to add millions in liability protection with a commercial umbrella. Review your coverage with our advisors and get peace of mind for the road ahead.

