Why California Homeowners Should Consider Umbrella Insurance for Extra Protection
You can’t always predict the rain, which is why you should always have a good umbrella on hand. But what if you could be protected against so much more than just a sudden storm?
Like many in California, you may already have great homeowners insurance to protect your house and finances. However, when the unexpected happens, you might find you need additional protection.
One of the best ways to secure that protection is through additional liability protection, but far too many in the Golden State don’t understand how this type of coverage works. Curious about what such a policy could do for your home, your car, and your life? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about umbrella insurance coverage!
Introduction to Umbrella Insurance for California Homeowners
What does umbrella insurance cover, exactly? In short, this policy is designed to provide additional protection beyond your regular policy. Plans may provide additional liability coverage as well as property protection, both for unexpected events that occur on your property or when you’re driving. It can also protect you better against certain lawsuits.
An easy way to think of an umbrella policy is that it offers additional coverage, but it does not serve as a replacement for homeowners or automobile insurance. Instead, it offers another layer of protection, which is particularly useful for those who live in California. As an added bonus, you can also purchase such a policy to protect any rental property you own.
The Necessity of Additional Coverage in the Golden State
Umbrella insurance is important in California because it can provide protection beyond your current liability limits. For example, if your dog gets out and hurts someone, state law will hold you responsible for any damage the animal causes. Your current liability is good up to a certain amount, but depending on the damage caused, as well as potential awards for mental anguish, and pain and suffering, it may not be enough.
You don’t have a dog? What if your elderly neighbor comes over to borrow a cup of sugar and slips on a toy or wet stairs. The potential medical costs, plus a stay in a rehab hospital will eat up your current liability limits, leaving you open to a lawsuit.
Automobile accidents are also covered under umbrella policies, and such coverage can provide additional protection beyond your existing car policy. That can be handy if you are liable for an accident because it can help pay for medical bills, property damage, and even a legal defense. In addition to paying for a legal defense against tangible damage you may have caused, umbrella policies offer protection if you are sued for online libel or slander.
When Homeowners Should Think About Umbrella Insurance
Homeowners should strongly consider getting a quote today if they have pools, trampolines, or other “attractive nuisances” that may tempt children into injuring themselves.
Otherwise, the need for protection is mostly tied to wealth and personal property. For example, if the value of your possessions exceeds your current liability limits, additional coverage may be necessary. The same goes for those who have plenty of money saved up. If you are a landlord, you should definitely consider this protection; it helps to cover each rental property and can prevent the loss of future earnings.
Assessing Your Liability Risk in California
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, then the existing liability limits may be enough to protect you. To decide if you need an umbrella policy to cover even more, consider whether you have personal property or savings that far exceed your current liability coverage. If this is the case, or if you own rental property or a particularly aggressive dog, you may require the additional liability protection offered by enhanced coverage.

The Extent of Umbrella Insurance Protection
Umbrella insurance is designed to provide additional protection against a broad array of different circumstances. Because of that, it can be difficult for the average California resident to decide if they need this coverage, especially when they think their existing homeowners insurance will cover any emergencies.
Specific Incidents Covered by Umbrella Insurance
With this type of insurance, you can get extra legal protection if, say, your teenage daughter babysits somebody who ends up getting injured. It will also pay out if you or your teenage child end up causing major damage in a car accident. Speaking of cars, this policy can also protect you if you are ever sued by the surviving family of a guest who drank too much at your house and then got into a fatal accident.
This policy can also protect you even when nobody is injured, like if a helicopter parent sues you for negligence because they are worried about what could have happened to her kid at your own child’s birthday party. It can also protect you if an unsupervised child gets into your pool and ends up drowning. Ultimately, this is just a small sample of how umbrella coverage can protect you beyond the limits of your personal liability coverage.
How Much Umbrella Insurance Do California Homeowners Need?
Simply put, you should have enough umbrella insurance to cover your net worth. In the event you are successfully sued by someone, this can keep you from losing all your assets and having to rely on future earnings. Similarly, it can protect you against a catastrophic accident that renders your home a total loss.
Comparing Costs with Benefits: Is Umbrella Insurance Worth It?
As a general rule of thumb, umbrella insurance is mostly worth it for those who have $500,000 or more in overall assets. For those who have less, existing personal and property liability limits may be enough to protect them. For those who have $500,000 or more, though, this coverage is a way to make sure they aren’t targeted for a lawsuit that cleans out every penny.
Get a Free Quote for Umbrella Insurance Today and Enjoy Peace of Mind With Extra Coverage
Now you know more about umbrella insurance. This includes what it is, how it works, what it covers, and who needs it the most. But do you know who’s got your back when it comes to protecting yourself against future threats?
Here at Cost-U-Less, we’re all about protecting California residents just like you. Ready to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re ready for anything tomorrow throws at you? Just call us at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast homeowners insurance quote online. You can also find a Cost-U-Less office near you.