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Liability Coverage: Smart protection against costly claims

It’s easy to assume excess liability coverage — often called umbrella insurance — is only necessary for someone with extraordinary risk exposure. But in today’s legal environment, that assumption can leave even affluent households financially vulnerable. Rising settlement costs, escalating legal expenses, and the increase in nuclear verdicts mean that a relatively ordinary incident — a car accident, an injury on your property, or even hosting guests at your home — can result in a claim that far exceeds the limits of a standard insurance policy. In this environment, excess liability coverage is more than an added precaution — it’s an essential part of a thoughtful personal risk management strategy.

$71B

paid our in nuclear verdicts in between 2023–2025 in the U.S.

52

%

is the amount nuclear verdicts rose in one year during 2024

$100M

jury awards rose by over 80% in the United States

Sources: Sedgwick and Institute for Legal Reform

Benefits of Liability Insurance

Personal excess liability coverage protects your assets from personal injury, bodily injury, and property damage lawsuits.

  • High-limit, flexible coverage options up to $100 million
  • Optional uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Reputational repair for covered losses related to libel or slander
  • Legal counsel and defense costs
  • Dedicated claims advocacy helps resolve claims quickly and with as little disruption as possible
  • Supports asset protection and long-term financial security

“Liability coverage saves you from paying for someone else’s injuries or property damage when there’s an accident."

Wall Street Journal

Choosing the right amount of protection

Excess liability insurance, sometimes called an umbrella policy, is designed to protect your assets from personal injury, bodily injury, or property damage lawsuits. But how much coverage do you need? The answer to this question is different for everyone and depends on your unique circumstances. Your current net worth is a good place to start, but keep in mind that an unfavorable verdict may also put your future assets at risk.

An MMA PCS personal risk advisor can help you understand the differences between the coverages and services offered by different insurance carriers, some of which may not offer the high liability limits you require. They can also help make sure the liability components of your auto, home, watercraft, umbrella, and other personal insurance policies work together as a seamless plan.

Common sources of liability risk

The chances of facing a massive lawsuit may seem low, but it’s not only the wealthiest individuals who face large lawsuits. There are many reasons someone could file a lawsuit against you for personal damages.

How many of the following common sources of liability risk apply to your life?

  • Teenage drivers in your household
  • Domestic employees
  • Not-for-profit board membership
  • Social media use
  • Hosting parties or large gatherings
  • Pet ownership (dog, cat, reptiles, exotic animals)
  • Home swimming pool
  • Home trampoline

The good news is, with the right liability coverage in place, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re protected. 

Peak protection: Advocacy in action

Personal excess liability covers pedestrian’s $2 million injuries.

Situation

Our client’s teenage daughter lost control of her vehicle while on her cell phone and hit a pedestrian at a bus stop. The pedestrian sustained major injuries and required extensive care and rehabilitation. 

Process

The client contacted their personal risk advisor immediately, allowing our claims advocacy team to engage early and coordinate closely with the insurer and opposing counsel. That proactive approach helped resolve the claim quickly without excess legal fees.

Results

As a result, the injured pedestrian was taken care of with payments from the auto policy and the personal excess policy. Without that extra layer of liability coverage, our client would have been responsible for $1.5 million out-of-pocket to address the settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

We work with you to find liability solutions that protect your finances and freedom at a great rate.

Excess liability insurance protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. Without it, you could face costly legal bills and settlements that might impact your savings and financial security. It’s a safety net for everyday risks.

Liability insurance covers legal fees, medical expenses, damages and more if you’re found responsible for an accident. It protects you from unexpected costs that could leave you in financial trouble.

We offer personalized service tailored to you. We work with multiple top insurers to find coverage at competitive rates and provide more than a cookie-cutter approach to finding solutions. Plus, if you need to make a claim, our team is here to support you and make the process simple and stress-free.

Yes. Liability insurance covers incidents that happen during social events at your home, like parties, or everyday accidents.

Coverage limits vary based on your situation, but having enough coverage to protect your assets is crucial. As part of our consultative approach, we’ll assess your risks and recommend limits that make sense for your lifestyle and risk tolerance.

Insurance Insights

2026 Liability Insurance Trends

Across the country, individuals and families are facing growing legal and financial risks, making liability coverage and umbrella insurance more important than ever for protecting assets and long-term financial security.

Access Insights

Take the first step. Request your personal risk management review today.

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