--- title: Commercial Umbrella & Excess Liability Insurance | Finlan Michigan description: Increase your liability limits with commercial umbrella or excess liability insurance. Learn the difference, what they cover, common exclusions, claim examples, cost factors, FAQs, and how to get started with Finlan in Michigan. --- [Go Back Up](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-umbrella#top) [Skip to Content](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-umbrella#body) **Get a Quote  | ** Request Service  |  Phone: (734) 453-6000      [GET A QUOTE](https://www.finlan.com/quote?hsLang=en)          **[REQUEST SERVICE](https://www.finlan.com/request-service?hsLang=en)**        [PHONE: (734) 453-6000](tel:734-453-6000)       [![Finlan 100 Years Logo](https://www.finlan.com/hs-fs/hubfs/finlan_110_year_anniversary_logo.png?width=350&height=120&name=finlan_110_year_anniversary_logo.png "Finlan 100 Years Logo")](https://www.finlan.com?hsLang=en) Toggle Menu - COVERAGES Toggle children for COVERAGES Main Menu (Press to Return) \> COVERAGES - [Personal](https://www.finlan.com/personal-insurance) Toggle children for Personal COVERAGES (Press to Return) \> Personal - [Get a Quote](https://www.finlan.com/personal-quote) - [Home](https://www.finlan.com/personal-coverages-home) - [Auto](https://www.finlan.com/personal-coverages-auto) - [Health](https://www.finlan.com/personal-coverages-health) - [Umbrella](https://www.finlan.com/personal-coverages-umbrella) - [Flood](https://www.finlan.com/personal-coverages-flood) - [Watercraft](https://www.finlan.com/personal-coverages-watercraft) - [Pet](https://www.finlan.com/personal-coverages-pet) - [Scheduled Property](https://www.finlan.com/personal-coverages-scheduled-property) - [Travel](https://bcbsglobalsolutions.com/individuals-and-families/international-medical-insurance/?header=y&link_id=151650&personalized=y) - [Commercial](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-insurance) Toggle children for Commercial COVERAGES (Press to Return) \> Commercial - [Get a Quote](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-quote) - [Essential Coverage](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-standard-coverage) - [Property](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-property) - [Product](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-product) - [Auto](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-auto) - [Health](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-health) - [Umbrella](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-umbrella) - [Specialty Coverage](https://www.finlan.com/commercial-coverages-specialty-coverage) - [Life](https://www.finlan.com/life-insurance) Toggle children for Life COVERAGES (Press to Return) \> Life - [Get a Quote](https://www.finlan.com/life-quote) - [Term Life](https://www.finlan.com/life-coverages-term-life) - [Whole Life](https://www.finlan.com/life-coverages-whole-life) - [Universal Life](https://www.finlan.com/life-coverages-universal-life) - [Annuities](https://www.finlan.com/life-coverages-annuities) - [FAQs](https://www.finlan.com/faqs) - [STAFF](https://www.finlan.com/staff) - WHY FINLAN Toggle children for WHY FINLAN Main Menu (Press to Return) \> WHY FINLAN - [About Finlan](https://www.finlan.com/about-finlan-insurance) - [History](https://www.finlan.com/history) - [Employment Opportunities](https://www.finlan.com/employment-opportunities) - [Blog](https://www.finlan.com/blog) - [Refer a Friend](https://www.finlan.com/refer-a-friend) - [CONTACT US](https://www.finlan.com/contact-us) - [OUR PARTNERS](https://www.finlan.com/our-partners) #### ![business\_insurance\_icon](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/business_insurance_icon.svg)   Commercial Coverages | Umbrella ![commercial\_umbrella](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/umbrella_02.png "commercial_umbrella") ***Get Your Personalized Quote Today!*** [Get Started](https://www.finlan.com/quote?hsLang=en) ***Get Your Personalized Quote Today!*** Get a Quote # Commercial Umbrella and Excess Liability Insurance for Michigan Businesses  Most liability claims don’t “feel” big, until they are. One serious auto accident, a major injury on your premises, or a lawsuit tied to your operations can exceed the limits on your underlying policies faster than many business owners expect. Commercial Umbrella Liability Insurance and Excess Liability Insurance are designed to give your business additional protection above the limits of your underlying liability policies; helping you reduce the chance that one large claim becomes a major financial event. ## Quick Take ##  **Who Needs Umbrella Coverage?**  Umbrella or excess liability is commonly a fit for: ![contractors\_trades-2](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/contractors_trades-2.svg) Contractors & Trades (especially those working on job sites or with subcontractors) ![manufacturers](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/manufacturers.svg) Manufacturers, Distributors & Wholesalers ![retail\_hospitality](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/retail_hospitality.svg) Retail, Hospitality & Service Businesses with customer foot traffic ![service\_vehicles](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/service_vehicles.svg) Businesses with delivery or service vehicles ![property\_owners](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/property_owners.svg) Property Owners/Landlords with commercial buildings ![professional\_firms](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/professional_firms.svg) Professional Firms that sign larger client contracts ![contracts](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/contracts.svg) Any business that needs higher limits to satisfy: - Customer/vendor contracts - Landlord lease requirements - Project bids or insurance specifications #### You deserve coverage that fits how you operate & what you’re working to protect. Get a Quote ## **What It Typically Helps Cover**  Commercial umbrella and excess liability policies are designed to provide additional liability limits above your underlying policies. Underlying policies commonly include: ## Commercial Umbrella Liability Insurance An umbrella policy usually: ![commercial\_umbrella\_insurance](https://www.finlan.com/hs-fs/hubfs/commercial_umbrella_insurance.png?width=500&height=381&name=commercial_umbrella_insurance.png "commercial_umbrella_insurance") ![excess\_liability\_insurance](https://www.finlan.com/hs-fs/hubfs/excess_liability_insurance.png?width=450&height=352&name=excess_liability_insurance.png "excess_liability_insurance") ## Excess liability insurance An excess liability policy usually: **Bottom line:** Both add higher limits, but they may do it in different ways. We’ll help you match the right option to your exposure and contract requirements. #### You deserve coverage that fits how you operate & what you’re working to protect. Get a Quote ## What It May Not Cover Umbrella/excess coverage is powerful, but it doesn’t replace the need to structure your underlying policies correctly. Common limitations and expectations to set: This is why we start by reviewing your underlying policies first – then we build the umbrella/excess layer on top. ![what\_it\_may\_not\_cover\_commercial\_umbrella](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/what_it_may_not_cover_commercial_umbrella.png "what_it_may_not_cover_commercial_umbrella") ## Real-World Claim Scenarios  ![severe\_auto\_accident](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/severe_auto_accident.svg) ### 1. Severe auto accident exceeds auto liability limits A serious accident results in high injury costs and a lawsuit. Commercial umbrella or excess can provide additional limits above your commercial auto policy after the underlying limit is exhausted.   ![premises\_injury](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/premises_injury.svg) ### 2. Premises injury claim becomes a large lawsuit A major injury at your location leads to significant medical costs and legal damages. Umbrella/excess can help extend protection above your general liability limits. ![job\_site\_incident](https://www.finlan.com/hubfs/job_site_incident.svg) ### 3. Job site incident triggers multiple parties and higher damages A claim involves your business plus other contractors or entities. Contract requirements and higher damages can quickly pressure underlying limits – this is where umbrella/excess is often essential.   ## **What Impacts Cost** The cost of umbrella/excess coverage depends on your business profile and underlying coverage structure. Common cost factors include: ## **What we’ll ask you for** To recommend the right umbrella or excess structure, we’ll typically ask for: #### You deserve coverage that fits how you operate & what you’re working to protect. Get a Quote ## FAQs  What’s the difference between umbrella and excess liability? Both increase liability limits above underlying policies. Umbrella may sit over multiple policies and can sometimes be broader (depending on form). Excess typically increases limits over a specific underlying policy or scheduled policies and often follows that underlying form. Do I need an umbrella if I already have general liability? Many businesses do – especially if they have vehicles, customer foot traffic, job sites, or contracts requiring higher limits. What policies can an umbrella sit over? Commonly general liability, commercial auto, and employers liability (workers’ comp). It depends on the umbrella and carrier guidelines. Does umbrella cover professional liability (E&O)? Usually not. Professional liability is typically a separate line of coverage. We can help you evaluate whether you need both. Does umbrella cover cyber claims? Usually not. Cyber is typically separate. How much umbrella or excess liability should a business carry? It depends on your risk profile and what contracts require. We’ll review exposures and requirements and recommend a reasonable limit. If my client requires higher limits, do I need umbrella or excess? Either may work depending on the requirement and your underlying policies. We’ll pick the simplest structure that satisfies the contract and fits your exposure. Will umbrella help with “nuclear verdict” risk? Umbrella/excess is one tool businesses use to increase limit protection. The right underlying structure, risk controls, and correct classifications still matter. Can umbrella/excess help if my underlying policies have gaps? Sometimes umbrella can provide broader coverage, but you should not rely on that. The best approach is to fix underlying gaps first. How fast can we put umbrella/excess in place? Often quickly once we have your underlying declarations pages, operations details, and any contract requirements. ### Related coverages  #### Talk to an Agent If you’re not sure whether you need commercial umbrella or excess liability, we’ll review your current policies and contract requirements and recommend the simplest, best-fit way to increase protection. 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Finlan & Son is an independent insurance agency in Plymouth, Michigan, serving families and businesses across Southeast Michigan since 1916 with personal, commercial, life, and health coverage from multiple carriers.", "email" : "Quotes@finlan.com", "faxNumber" : "+1-734-404-2370", "foundingDate" : "1916", "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 42.3697, "longitude" : -83.47 }, "image" : "https://www.finlan.com/logo.png", "logo" : "https://www.finlan.com/logo.png", "name" : "C.L. 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Umbrella may sit over multiple policies and can sometimes be broader, while excess typically increases limits over a specific underlying policy or scheduled policies." }, "name" : "What is the difference between umbrella and excess liability?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Many businesses do, especially if they have vehicles, customer foot traffic, job sites, or contracts requiring higher limits." }, "name" : "Do I need an umbrella if I already have general liability?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Commonly general liability, commercial auto, and employers liability, depending on the umbrella and carrier guidelines." }, "name" : "What policies can an umbrella sit over?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Usually not. Professional liability is typically a separate line of coverage." }, "name" : "Does umbrella cover professional liability or E&O?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Usually not. Cyber coverage is typically separate." }, "name" : "Does umbrella cover cyber claims?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "It depends on your risk profile and what contracts require. Finlan can review exposures and recommend a reasonable limit." }, "name" : "How much umbrella or excess liability should a business carry?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Either may work depending on the requirement and your underlying policies." }, "name" : "If my client requires higher limits, do I need umbrella or excess?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Sometimes umbrella can be broader, but the best approach is to fix underlying gaps directly rather than rely on umbrella to solve them." }, "name" : "Can umbrella or excess help if my underlying policies have gaps?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Often quickly once the underlying declarations pages, operations details, and contract requirements are reviewed." }, "name" : "How fast can umbrella or excess be put in place?" } ] } ```