Maryland Umbrella Insurance
Brief overview of personal umbrella insurance in Maryland — extra liability above auto and home policies.
Overview
Umbrella insurance provides additional liability limits above your underlying auto, homeowners, or renters policies. It may help when a serious claim exceeds those limits.
See our umbrella insurance explainer for how coverage works and when extra limits may be worth discussing.
Coverage Options to Consider
Personal umbrella policies are commonly sold in $1 million increments. They sit above underlying liability coverage on auto and home/renters policies.
Typically covers: Bodily injury and property damage liability, and often personal injury claims such as libel or slander.
Typically excludes: Your own property damage, business liability, and intentional acts.
State Requirements & Regulations
Maryland does not require umbrella insurance. Insurers usually require minimum underlying liability limits on auto and home policies before issuing an umbrella.
Products are regulated by the Maryland Insurance Administration.
Factors That May Affect Your Premium
Umbrella limit selected, number of vehicles and properties, household drivers, pools or other liability exposures, and underlying policy limits may affect cost. Umbrella coverage is often relatively affordable per million of limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is umbrella insurance required in Maryland?
- No. It is optional supplemental liability coverage above your existing auto and home or renters policies.
- What underlying insurance do I need for an umbrella policy?
- Carriers typically require minimum liability limits on auto and homeowners or renters policies — commonly $250K/$500K auto BI and $300K home liability, though requirements vary.
- Does umbrella insurance cover business activities?
- Personal umbrella policies generally exclude business liability. Business owners may need commercial umbrella coverage above general liability and commercial auto.
- How much umbrella coverage can I buy?
- Policies are commonly sold starting at $1 million, with many carriers offering higher limits. Appropriate amounts depend on assets and exposure.
Sources & References
- Maryland Insurance Administration — Maryland Insurance Administration
- Umbrella Insurance Explained — US Insurance Guide