Protecting What Matters Most in an Increasingly Litigious World
When you’ve worked hard to build a life for your family, the last thing you want is to lose it over a lawsuit or unexpected accident. That’s exactly why more families in Chester County—and across Pennsylvania—are adding umbrella insurance policies to their coverage plans.
At The Mackrides Insurance Group, we help families take a proactive approach to risk. For those who already carry homeowners, auto, or renters insurance, an umbrella policy offers an extra layer of liability protection. And in today’s world, that peace of mind is more important than ever.
What Is Umbrella Insurance?
Umbrella insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides coverage above the limits of your standard policies (like home or auto). It steps in when those primary policies reach their limit—helping to cover remaining costs in major claims or lawsuits.
In plain terms:
- It doesn’t protect your property—it protects your money.
- It helps cover legal fees, settlements, medical expenses, and other liability-related costs.
- It does not kick in until your other insurance is exhausted.
For example, if you cause a serious car accident and your auto insurance covers $250,000 in liability—but the injured party sues for $750,000—your umbrella policy could cover the remaining $500,000.
Why Does Umbrella Insurance Matter?
Here’s why this added coverage has become a priority for many families:
1. Lawsuits Are Expensive
Medical bills, legal defense, and court judgments can add up fast—sometimes into the millions. One serious injury claim could put your home, savings, or future earnings at risk.
2. Standard Policies Have Limits
Most auto or home policies cap liability coverage at $300,000–$500,000. If you’re sued for more, you could be personally responsible for the difference.
3. Accidents Happen to Responsible People
Umbrella coverage isn’t just for the wealthy. Everyday accidents—like a neighbor slipping on your sidewalk or a teenage driver causing a crash—can lead to liability lawsuits.
4. It’s Surprisingly Affordable
For the level of protection it offers, umbrella insurance is one of the most cost-effective policies you can add—often less than $300/year for $1 million in coverage.
What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?
Umbrella insurance is designed to kick in when the unexpected happens. It covers:
- Bodily injury liability
Accidents where someone is injured on your property or by your vehicle. - Property damage liability
Damage you or a family member cause to someone else's property. - Personal liability lawsuits
Including libel, slander, or defamation (increasingly common in today’s online world). - Legal defense costs
Even if a claim against you is unfounded, your umbrella policy can cover your legal fees.
Real-Life Scenarios: Could This Happen to You?
Let’s look at a few examples of how an umbrella policy can protect your family:
🚗 Auto Accident with Serious Injuries
Your teen driver causes a multi-car collision. Your auto policy maxes out at $250,000, but the injured party sues for $700,000. Your umbrella policy could cover the extra $450,000—protecting your assets and future wages.
🏠 Guest Injury at Your Home
A neighbor trips over a garden hose and suffers a spinal injury. Their medical bills and lost wages total over $500,000. Your homeowners policy covers $300,000. Without umbrella insurance, you’d owe the remaining $200,000 out-of-pocket.
📱 Defamation Lawsuit
You or your teen posts something on social media that’s considered defamatory. The subject of the post sues for emotional and professional damages. Your umbrella policy may help cover legal costs and settlements.
Common Misunderstandings & Issues People Face
Many families don’t consider umbrella insurance until it’s too late. Here’s where confusion often arises:
- “I already have good coverage.”
Many believe their home or auto policy is enough—until they face a high-dollar lawsuit. - “I don’t have that much to lose.”
If you own a home, have savings, or earn a steady income, you’re a target for lawsuits. Future wages can even be garnished. - “Umbrella insurance is only for the wealthy.”
Not true—this coverage is for anyone who wants to protect what they have from being taken in a claim.
How We Help Families Stay Protected
At The Mackrides Insurance Group, we treat umbrella insurance as a standard best practice—not an optional extra.
Here’s what we do differently:
- Review your entire risk profile. We look at your home, vehicles, recreational assets, income, and family members to determine your exposure.
- Explain your options in plain English. No jargon. No pressure.
- Customize your coverage. We help you layer umbrella coverage over your home and auto policies—even if those are with different carriers.
- Stay proactive. As your family grows, your coverage should too. We’re here for annual reviews and big life changes.
Ready to Add an Umbrella Policy?
If you’re unsure whether you need umbrella insurance, let’s talk.
We’re proud to help families throughout Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and across Pennsylvania feel confident and protected—without overcomplicating the process.
